Sedation failures in children undergoing MRI and CT: is temperament a factor ?

This study examined the relationship between temperament and sedation failu re during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT) . One hundred and two children (aged 3-7 years) who underwent MRI or CT wit h or without sedation were studied. Demographics, sedatives administered, e fficacy of sedation, and adverse events were recorded. Parents completed th e Behavioural Style Questionnaire for 3-7 years olds during their wait. Eig ht children underwent MRI successfully without sedation, 83 were successful ly sedated, and 11 procedures were aborted. Children whose sedation failed were less adaptable than children whose sedation was successful (P =0.04). Children who underwent MRI without sedation were more persistent than child ren who were sedated (P =0.05), and more persistent and less active than th ose whose sedation failed (P =0.02 and 0.03, respectively). The child's und erlying temperament may contribute to sedation outcomes during MRI and CT. A presedation assessment of the child's temperament may therefore assist in decisions regarding sedation.