[The use of low dose midazolam for the management of spinal anesthesia]

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of low dose midazolam (MZ) on memories and ease of management of spinal anesthesia. The low doses of MZ were administered to 70 patients (ASA 1-2), of whom 37 patients were premedicated with atropine sulfate 0.5 mg and pethidine hydrochloride (group P), with 33 patients receiving no premedication (group N). Double blind randomized trials were conducted with the doses of MZ (0, 0.03, 0.06 mg.kg-1), and MZ was administered i.v. to patients just prior to spinal puncture. The short-term and long-term memories were impaired after administration of MZ in both groups. We conclude that MZ appears to be a suitable replacement for other benzodiazepines for relieving anxiety of patients during surgery.