Respiratory complications of propofol,sevoflurane,and dexmedetomidine anesthesia for fiberoptic bronchoscopy in children aged 1 month to 3 years:a randomized trial

Objective To evaluate the effect of propofol,sevoflurane,and dexmedetomidine on respiratory complications inchildren undergoing fiberoptic bronchoscopy(FOB).Methods This double-blind randomized clinical trial was conductedamong 120 children aged 1 month to 3 years undergoing FOB.The patients were randomized into 3 groups(n=40)foranesthesia induction with sevoflurane inhalation,1 mg/kg propofol,or 1μg/kg dexmedetomidine before bronchoscopy,andthe changes in hemodynamic parameters,sedation level,and respiratory complications during and after the procedure wereassessed.Results The patients'heart rate during bronchoscopy was significantly lower and the mean arterial blood pressuresignificantly higher in dexmedetomidine group than in sevoflurane and propofol groups(P<0.05).Cough duringbronchoscopy did not occur in any of the cases in propofol group,while the highest frequency of cough was recorded indexmedetomidine group.The incidence of laryngospasm in the propofol group(12.5%)was significantly lower than those insevoflurane and dexmedetomidine groups(30%and 32.5%,respectively)(P<0.05).Conclusion Sevoflurane and propofol aresafe and suitable for anesthesia induction in children below 3 years of age undergoing diagnostic FOB and can achieve bettersedative effect and lower the incidences of cough and respiratory complications as compared with dexmedetomidine.