Comparison of the haemodynamic changes and adverse effects of two different concentrations of ketofol in paediatric oncology patients undergoing procedural sedation: A randomized study

Background: Procedural sedation is the safe and effective control of pain, anxiety, and motion so as to allow necessary procedures to be performed vis-a-vis bone marrow aspiration and intrathecal injections which are common in children with hematological diseases. Ketamine or propofol commonly used can result in hypertension and vomiting with ketamine, while hypotension and anti-emesis occur with propofol. Recently, the combination of both drugs (ketofol) has been introduced to minimize these effects. This study compared different ratios of ketofol (1:2 and 1:3) for procedural sedation in pediatric oncology patients. Methods: Sixty pediatric oncology patients aged 1–15 years scheduled for procedural sedation were randomized into Group KT2 (ratio 1:2) or KT3 (ratio 1:3). Group KT2 was made up of 2 mg/mL ketamine and 4 mg/mL propofol, while KT3 was 2 mg/mL of ketamine and 6 mg/mL of propofol. Administration was initially at 0.5 mL/kg and then 0.25 mL/kg when the Ramsay Sedation Score