The Effect of Dexmedetomidine and Ketamine on Core Body Temperature Changes in Children Undergoing Sedation During MRI

Farnaz  Shahabi; Faranak  Behnaz; Nastaran  Mahdavi; Padideh  Ansar; Seyedpouzhia  Shojaei; Malihe  Abniki

doi:10.18502/aacc.v12i4.21797

Farnaz Shahabi Department of Anesthesia , Mophid Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Faranak Behnaz Clinical Research Development Unit of Shohada-e Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Nastaran Mahdavi Department of Anesthesia , Mophid Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Padideh Ansar Clinical Research Development Unit of Shohada-e Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Seyedpouzhia Shojaei Clinical Research Development Unit of Shohada-e Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Malihe Abniki Clinical Research Development Unit of Shohada-e Tajrish Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/aacc.v12i4.21797

Keywords: Dexmedetomidine; Ketamine; Magnetic resonance imaging; Pediatric

Abstract

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is widely used for diagnosing various diseases. This technique may lead to an elevation in temperature within the targeted imaging area, while intravenous anesthetics may induce hypothermia, particularly in pediatrics. The impact of different anesthetics on core body temperature in children undergoing such procedures has been partially explored with agents such as propofol and ketamine; however, findings associated with dexmedetomidine remain contentious. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the influence of dexmedetomidine and ketamine on core body temperature in the pediatric population during MRI procedures.

Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind clinical trial conducted on children aged 6 months to 10 years who underwent MRI and anesthesia at Mofid Hospital (Tehran, Iran) in 2025. Patients were randomly assigned to receive ketamine and dexmedetomidine for performing an MRI. Demographic, hemodynamic, and sedation data were compared between the two groups. The significance level was considered less than 0.05.

Results: Twenty-six pediatrics were assessed in each group receiving dexmedetomidine and ketamine. The sedation scores did not demonstrate significant differences between the two groups (P value: 0.55). Dexmedetomidine exhibited significantly lower heart rates (P value: 0.001) and core body temperatures (P value: 0.02).

Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine significantly reduces heart rate and core body temperature compared to ketamine in pediatrics undergoing MRI.