Single bolus of intravenous ketamine for anesthetic induction decreases oculocardiac reflex in children undergoing strabismus surgery.

BACKGROUND

Oculocardiac reflex (OCR) is a major complication of pediatric strabismus surgery. The aim of the present study was to determine whether a single bolus of intravenous (i.v.) ketamine for anesthetic induction can decrease OCR in children undergoing strabismus surgery.

METHODS

One hundred and twenty healthy children undergoing strabismus surgery were allocated to three groups using double-blind randomization. Anesthesia was induced with propofol 3 mg/kg in Group P, ketamine 1 mg/kg in Group K1, or ketamine 2 mg/kg in Group K2. Anesthesia was maintained with 3% sevoflurane in 50% N(2)O/O(2) in all patients. The baseline heart rate was obtained 30 s prior to the first traction of the extraocular muscle (EOM). OCR was defined as a development of arrhythmia or a decrease of more than 20% of the baseline heart rate during EOM traction.

RESULTS

The incidence of OCR was significantly lower in the ketamine groups (4/40 and 1/40 in Group K1 and K2, respectively) compared with the propofol group (14/40).

CONCLUSION

A single bolus of i.v. ketamine 1 or 2 mg/kg for anesthetic induction results in a lower incidence of OCR than propofol when combined with sevoflurane for maintenance in children undergoing strabismus surgery.