Pre-Extubation Low-Dose Propofol in Pediatric Ear, Nose, and Throat Procedures: A Meta-Analysis With Trial Sequential Analysis.
Paediatr AnaesthAug 12, 2026 (epub)
Rafaela Silva, Raphaela Mendes, João Mario Borges et al.
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In 30 seconds
This meta-analysis evaluated the effects of low-dose propofol before extubation in pediatric patients undergoing ENT procedures. It included ten randomized controlled trials with 414 patients. The study found that propofol significantly reduced the incidence of emergence agitation (EA) (RR = 0.57; 95% CI, 0.42-0.78) and decreased EA severity, although it slightly increased time to extubation.
Key findings
- Propofol reduced the incidence of emergence agitation (EA) with a risk ratio of 0.57.
- EA severity decreased significantly, with a mean difference of -3.94 on the PAED scale.
- Time to extubation was slightly longer with propofol, averaging an increase of 1.8 minutes.
- No significant differences were found in recovery time or PACU length of stay.
Why it matters
Emergence agitation is a common complication in pediatric anesthesia that can lead to adverse outcomes. This study suggests that low-dose propofol may be an effective strategy to mitigate EA, potentially improving recovery experiences for pediatric patients.