Propofol-Ketamine vs. Propofol-Fentanyl Combinations in Patients Undergoing Closed Reduction: A Randomized, Double-blind, Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Painful surgical procedures require adequate sedation and analgesia. A vast array of medications can be used for Procedural Sedation and Analgesia (PSA) in Emergency Departments (EDs).

Objective: The present study was conducted to compare Propofol-Ketamine (PK) and Propofol-Fentanyl (PF) compounds in patients undergoing closed reduction in EDs.

Methods: This randomized, double-blind, clinical trial was conducted on 110 consecutive patients who required sedation for closed reduction. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of equal sizes. The PK group received an intravenous bolus of 1 mg/kg of propofol plus 0.5 mg/kg of ketamine, and the PF group received an intravenous bolus of 1 mg/kg of propofol plus 1 µg/kg of fentanyl. The analgesic effect and success rate were the primary outcomes under study.

Results: The PK group achieved more effective analgesia at the end of the experiment. The success rate was almost the same in both groups Shivering (p=0.005) and a drop in oxygen saturation to below 92% (p=0.048) were two side effects that were more prevalent in the FK group. The mean recovery time was significantly shorter in the PK group (p<0.001). The patients in the PK group were more satisfied.

Conclusion: In comparison with the PF compound, the use of KP leads to better pain relief and greater patient satisfaction and shorter sedation time in PSA.