NCT07369128 Propofol-Only Versus Dexmedetomidine-Propofol in Children Undergoing Magnetic Resonance Imaging
| NCT ID | NCT07369128 |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Phase | Phase 4 |
| Sponsor | Boston Children's Hospital |
| Condition | MRI Sedation |
| Study Type | INTERVENTIONAL |
| Enrollment | 105 participants |
| Start Date | 2026-06 |
| Primary Completion | 2027-12 |
Eligibility & Interventions
Eligibility Fast-Check
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What to Expect as a Participant
You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.
Phase 4 studies follow an already-approved treatment in real-world conditions to monitor long-term safety and effectiveness.
This trial targets 105 participants in total. It began in 2026-06 with a primary completion date of 2027-12.
⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.
Brief Summary
The most common imaging procedure requiring sedation/anesthesia for the pediatric population is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, the optimal anesthetic/sedation plan has not been determined for these procedures. Historically, common medications have included the use of pentobarbital and propofol, but in 2015, publication in the New England Journal of Medicine highlighted the accumulating evidence for the possible neurotoxic effects of these types of anesthetics in animal models and a collection of epidemiologic studies in humans. Although these initial possibilities have since been proven as less of a concern, in the interim, data has shown that alternative sedative agents, such as dexmedetomidine, may not have the same neurotoxic effect and could possibly even provide neuroprotection. Dexmedetomidine also possesses other beneficial traits such as reducing risks of pulmonary atelectasis or upper airway collapse, typically found with the administration of propofol. A concern raised by previous studies has been the possibility that the addition of dexmedetomidine could increase recovery times, leading to disruptions in workflow. Although it has been shown that large doses of dexmedetomidine exposure may lead to longer PACU stays, it is uncertain whether a small dose of dexmedetomidine would have such a significant impact. Based on the investigators' pilot trial6, the investigators found that a bolus of 1 mcg/kg dose of dexmedetomidine with a bolus of titrated propofol of 2-3 mg/kg and an infusion of propofol of 100 mcg/kg/min provided adequate sedation for successful scans, reduced propofol (infusion) exposure by 60%, and did not significantly increase recovery times. Finally, there is a paucity in literature for studies examining a range of doses subsequently; often, a control group is compared to a single, self-selected dose of choice. Here, the investigators hope to provide a range of doses to minimize selection bias in our study design and determine the dose that would provide the optimal sedation for these scans and minimize excess anesthetic exposure.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients presenting as outpatients, scheduled to receive an anesthetic for MRI of brain, body (spine, chest, abdomen, and/or pelvis) and/or extremity (arm and/or leg). * Patients must be a candidate for the sedation technique described in this study with a natural airway. This decision will be made by a staff member of the Department of Anesthesiology. * Between 1 and 12 years of age. * ASA status I, II, or III Exclusion Criteria: * Inpatient at BCH * Diagnosis of a difficult airway, severe obstructive sleep apnea that is not compatible with spontaneous ventilation in a supine position, or requires an oral airway. * Congenital heart disease or history of dysrhythmia. * Taking digoxin or beta-blocker * Anxiolytic medication is ordered before the MRI (e.g., midazolam or ketamine). * History or a family (parent or sibling) history of malignant hyperthermia. * Allergy to or has a contraindication to propofol, lidocaine, or dexmedetomidine. * Tracheostomy or other mechanical airway device present * Received within the past 12 hours an oral or intravenous alpha-adrenergic, beta-adrenergic agonist, or antagonist drugs (e.g., clonidine, propranolol, albuterol). * Patient is not scheduled to receive anesthesia-sedation care or is noted to "try-without anesthesia" for the MRI * Patient has significant developmental or psychological delays * Patient scheduled for scan of duration \<30 minutes or \>90 minutes
Contact & Investigator
Joseph Cravero, MD
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
Boston Children's Hospital
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can join the NCT07369128 clinical trial?
This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 1 Year or older, up to 12 Years, studying MRI Sedation. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.
What phase is the NCT07369128 trial and what does that mean for participants?
Phase 4 studies are conducted after a treatment has been approved. They monitor long-term safety and real-world effectiveness in a broader patient population.
Is NCT07369128 currently recruiting?
Yes, NCT07369128 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at samuel.kim@childrens.harvard.edu for enrollment information.
Where is the NCT07369128 trial being conducted?
This trial is being conducted at Boston, United States.
Who is sponsoring the NCT07369128 clinical trial?
NCT07369128 is sponsored by Boston Children's Hospital. The principal investigator is Joseph Cravero, MD at Boston Children's Hospital. The trial plans to enroll 105 participants.