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Midazolam in paediatric anaesthesia

W H Cole

    Anaesthesia and Intensive Care
    |February 1, 1982
    PubMed

    Insights

    Midazolam is a safe and effective anesthetic induction agent for children over 8 years old, acting faster than in adults. It offers advantages over diazepam due to its water solubility and ease of administration.

    Area of Science:

    • Anesthesiology
    • Pediatric Medicine
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Intravenous midazolam is used for anesthesia induction.
    • Diazepam is a comparable anesthetic agent.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of midazolam for anesthesia induction in children over 8 years old.
    • To compare midazolam's effects with diazepam in pediatric patients.

    Main Methods:

    • A randomized clinical trial involving 100 children over 8 years old.
    • Intravenous midazolam was administered for anesthesia induction.
    • A control group received diazepam for anesthesia induction.

    Main Results:

    • Midazolam demonstrated similar actions to diazepam in children.
    • Midazolam exhibited a faster onset of action in children compared to adults.
    • Circulatory, respiratory effects, and postoperative amnesia incidence were comparable to adult data.
    • Postoperative vomiting occurred in 1% in the recovery room and 32% over two days.
    • No adverse effects were noted in laboratory investigations.

    Conclusions:

    • Midazolam is a satisfactory induction agent for pediatric anesthesia.
    • Its water solubility and safe injection without dilution present a significant advantage over diazepam.

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