Comparing Sevoflurane and Isoflurane for Pediatric Delirium

Sevoflurane/Dexmedetomidine vs. Isoflurane and Their Effects on Pediatric Emergence Delirium

Phase 3 Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT06624592

This study is testing whether using Sevoflurane with dexmedetomidine or just Isoflurane helps young children aged 2-7 have less confusion after surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages2 Years to 7 Years
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT06624592 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare the incidence of emergence delirium in pediatric patients aged 2-7 years undergoing surgeries such as tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, and strabismus repair. Participants will receive either Isoflurane or a combination of Sevoflurane and dexmedetomidine during their procedures. The study will assess the effectiveness of these anesthetic approaches in reducing the occurrence of delirium upon emergence from anesthesia. The research is being conducted at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are pediatric patients aged 2-7 years undergoing specific outpatient or inpatient surgical procedures requiring general anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients with severe developmental or cognitive delays, or those with a history of severe emergence delirium, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved anesthetic protocols that minimize the risk of emergence delirium in young children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown varying success with different anesthetic techniques in reducing emergence delirium, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Pediatric patients aged 2-7 years.
* Surgeries include ENT cases (i.e., tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy), ophthalmology cases (i.e., strabismus), and urology cases.
* Can be outpatient or General Care inpatient procedures.
* All cases must include an IV and an endotracheal tube (ETT).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Severe developmental/cognitive delay (unable to make eye contact, nonverbal, or inability to interact with providers for PAED scale assessment requirements)
* TIVA cases.
* No PIV in place during the case, planned PICU admission postoperatively.
* Previous history of severe emergence delirium documented by a provider (via interventions or explicitly stated).

Where this trial is running

Rochester, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Delirium on Emergence
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.