Sedation with dexmedetomidine and propofol in children with Fontan circulation undergoing cardiac catheterization: A descriptive study

BACKGROUND: A combination of dexmedetomidine and propofol is considered advantageous for maintaining spontaneous breathing with a satisfactory depth of anesthesia. However, the incidence of upper airway obstruction under sedation with dexmedetomidine and propofol in patients with Fontan circulation remains unanswered. This study aimed to evaluate upper airway patency and oxygen desaturation during sedation with dexmedetomidine and propofol for cardiac catheterization in pediatric patients with Fontan circulation. METHODS: In this descriptive study, we reviewed medical records of patients with Fontan circulation who underwent cardiac catheterization between December 2018 and August 2020 at a single-center 200-bed academic children's hospital in Japan. RESULTS: A total of 35 patients with Fontan circulation sedated with a departmental protocol of dexmedetomidine and propofol infusion for cardiac catheterization were reviewed. Overall, the incidence of airway interventions and oxygen desaturation were 31.4% and 28.6%, respectively. In children with a history of snoring and additional use of intravenous midazolam, the rates of airway interventions were 50% and 100%, respectively. In patients ≤2 years old with recent upper respiratory infection (URI) symptoms, oxygen desaturation rate was 75%. CONCLUSIONS: In children with Fontan circulation, the incidence rate of upper airway obstruction was high under sedation with dexmedetomidine and propofol during cardiac catheterization, which is commonly considered safe in children without Fontan circulation. A history of snoring, an additional bolus of IV midazolam, and the presence of recent URI symptoms in patients ≤2 years old are potential risks for upper airway obstruction.