Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 1 Year to 18

Evaluating sedation effectiveness with dexmedetomidine in children undergoing brain MRI

Official title: Study of the Efficacy of Moderate Sedation With Intra-NAsal Dexmedetomidine Monitored by EEG MOnitoring

Run by Centre Hospitalier Régional Metz-Thionville · NCT06867289 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if a nasal spray of dexmedetomidine can safely and effectively help children aged 12 months to 18 years relax during a brain MRI.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages1 Year to 18 Years
SexAll
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Régional Metz-Thionville
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Metz)
StatusRecruiting
StartedApril 8, 2025
Main results expectedApril 8, 2027
Study endsApril 8, 2027
Registry record updatedMarch 12, 2026
Trial IDNCT06867289 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include children aged 12 months to 18 years requiring sedation for brain MRI, especially those with compromised cooperation.

Probably not a fit

Patients under 10 kg, those with contraindications to DEX, or those with nasal obstruction may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study aims to assess the efficacy of moderate sedation using intra-nasal dexmedetomidine (DEX) in children undergoing brain MRI. It focuses on utilizing a sedation score derived from electroencephalogram (EEG) monitoring to determine whether a standard dose of DEX is sufficient or if a higher dose is necessary for successful sedation. The study targets children aged 12 months to 18 years, particularly those with conditions that may hinder cooperation during the procedure. By identifying the appropriate dosage of DEX, the study seeks to enhance the safety and effectiveness of procedural sedation in pediatric patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the success rate of brain MRIs in children, reducing the need for general anesthesia.

How similar studies have gone: While there is existing research on dexmedetomidine for sedation, this specific approach using EEG monitoring for dosage determination is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Indication of DEX sedation for brain NMRI at the CHR de Metz-Thionville

  * in a patient aged between 12 months and 5 years or
  * for a patient aged between 5 and 18 whose cooperation during the examination appears compromised (previous failure, autism spectrum disorders, etc.).
* Membership of a social security scheme
* Free and informed consent obtained from the patient's legal guardian(s).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Weight \< 10 kg
* Patients with contraindications to the use of DEX

  * Hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to any of the excipients listed in the section on "Hypersensitivity".
  * Advanced heart block (level 2 or 3), unless pacemaker implanted
  * Uncontrolled hypotension
  * Acute cerebrovascular pathologies
* Patients with nasal obstruction
* Parental refusal of DEX administration
* Minors under guardianship
* Minors under judicial sanction

Where it's running

  • CHR Metz-Thionville Hopital Femme-Mère Enfant
    Metz, France
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

  • Dose find for remimazolam plus alfentanil for gastroscopy in obese adults

    This trial tests what dose of remimazolam besylate with alfentanil best sedates obese adults during gastroscopy.

    Recruiting Qianfoshan Hospital · Jinan, Shandong · NCT07925684

  • Ketamine and optic nerve swelling during procedural pain relief

    This study tests whether giving ketamine for procedural pain relief changes the optic nerve sheath diameter in adults, using bedside ultrasound before and after dosing to see if intracranial pressure shifts differ by ketamine dose.

    Recruiting Ankara Etlik City Hospital · Ankara, Etlik · NCT07916064

  • Nature-based program feasibility in preschools near public housing

    This feasibility study tests whether a nature-based program in preschools near public housing can be run smoothly and whether families will participate and benefit.

    Recruiting University Hospital Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg · Frederiksberg · NCT07780123

  • Consent Understanding and Propofol Use During EBUS

    This observational study will see if how well patients understand their consent affects the amount of propofol needed during endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS).

    Recruiting Uludag University · Bursa, Bursa · NCT07677982

  • What factors predict delayed behavior problems in children after procedural sedation

    This study will test which factors make children aged 1–17 more likely to have delayed behavior problems (such as sleep trouble, anxiety, or aggression) after procedural sedation in emergency departments and dental clinics.

    Recruiting at 2 sites London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's · London, Ontario and 1 other locations · NCT07495826

  • qNOX monitoring of pain during procedural sedation

    This will test whether the CONOX qNOX brain-monitoring index detects pain-related movements in adults having urological procedures under sedation.

    Recruiting Ankara University · Ankara, Altındağ · NCT07413848

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.