The efficiency of using Clonidine buccally and Dexmedetomidine intranasally as non-invasive procedural sedation during magnetic resonance imaging

Czech version

Authors: M. Siváková; V. Šípek; J. Dušek
Authors‘ workplace: Neonatologické oddělení Nemocnice České Budějovice, a. s.
Published in: Čes-slov Neonat 2025; 31 (2): 133-136.
Category: Original Paper

Overview

Aims: The aim of the project was to evaluate the efficiency of Clonidine and Dexmedetomidine as non-invasive procedural sedation during MRI examinations. This retrospective observational study assessed MRI scans of neonates (both term and preterm) performed between 2020 and 2023. A total of 64 examinations using non-invasive sedation were included in the analysis: buccal Clonidine (n = 22) or intranasal Dexmedetomidine (n = 42). Examinations without these medications or with concurrent antiepileptic therapy were excluded.

Results: MRI was successfully completed in all cases (100%). In the Clonidine group, 77% of examinations were performed without the need for additional sedation, while in the Dexmedetomidine group this was 92%. The overall success rate of non-invasive sedation was 87%. No bradycardia or apnea was recorded; only in one case (1.5%) the start of oxygenotherapy was required during the examination.

Conclusion: Clonidine and Dexmedetomidine both represent safe and effective alternatives to general anesthesia for neonatal MRI. Non-invasive administration reduces the need for intravenous access and anesthesiologist assistance. Dexmedetomidine showed a higher success rate, though the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.07). Further studies are needed to confirm these results.

Keywords:

neuroprotection – dexmedetomidine – clonidine – procedural sedation

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