Intramuscular ketamine provides better sedation and scan conditions in children undergoing magnetic resonance imaging: A single-blinded observational study

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to compare the quality sedation provided by intravenous (i.v.) and intramuscular (im) ketamine for pediatric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials Methods: This was a non-randomized, single-blinded, prospective observational study. After receiving approval from Institutional Ethics Committee, total 108 children aged 2–7 years divided into two groups, with 54 in each group. In i.v. group, received at dose 1.5 mg/kg intravenously, while im 4 intramuscularly. If Ramsay score 6 (RSS-6) not achieved, half loading repeated. both rescue propofol boluses 1 intravenously administered whenever child moved. primary outcome measure sedation, which assessed blinded radiologist. time taken reach RSS-6, number boluses, wasted taking repeat sequences, required achieve modified Aldrete 9 (MAS-9) recorded. Results: group demonstrated significantly better quality. RSS-6 shorter, but it more maintain sedation. also experienced notable increase during sequences. On other hand, exhibited shorter MAS-9 compared Conclusion: showed superior when However, is important consider that longer recovery time.