Objective: To probe into the feasibility of nebulized inhalation of dexmedetomidine as the sedation for venous puncture and computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: Ninety children with sedation (aged from 1 to 3 years

ASA I~II) who underwent CT/MRI in our hospital from Aug. 2018 to Jan. 2019 were randomly divided into the oral chloral hydrate group

the intranasal infusion of dexmedetomidine group and the nebulized inhalation of dexmedetomidine group via the random number table

with 30 cases in each group. Before CT/MRI examination

oral chloral hydrate 60 mg/kg

intranasal infusion of dexmedetomidine 2 μg/kg

and atomized inhalation of dexmedetomidine 2 μg/kg were administered for sedation. Onset time

examination time

sedation time

rate of sedation failure

incidence of adverse drug reactions

Groningen distress score (GDRS)

and the satisfaction of the parents and examination physicians were recorded. Results: The sedation time

failure rate of sedation

GDRS

restlessness

nausea and vomiting in the intranasal infusion of dexmedetomidine group and the nebulized inhalation of dexmedetomidine group were lower than those in the oral chloral hydrate group

and the satisfaction of the parents and examination physicians were higher than that in the oral chloral hydrate group (P<0.05). The incidence of crying reaction and coughing reaction in the nebulized inhalation of dexmedetomidine group was lower than that in the intranasal infusion of dexmedetomidine group and the oral chloral hydrate group (P<0.05). Conclusion: Both nebulized inhalation and intranasal instillation of dexmedetomidine can provide better sedation for CT/MRI

and reduce peripheral venous puncture pain and adverse drug reactions. Nebulized inhalation of dexmedetomidine is safer and more acceptable to the children and parents.