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Pharmacokinetics and effects of i.m. alfentanil as premedication for day-case ophthalmic surgery in elderly patients.

We have studied the pharmacokinetics and effects of i.m. alfentanil as premedication for peribulbar block in 90 patients undergoing elective day-case cataract surgery. We compared alfentanil 12.5 micrograms kg-1 injected into the deltoid (n = 30) or gluteal muscle (n = 30) 15 min before the peribulbar block, and placebo (n = 30). The alfentanil concentrations were significantly greater in the deltoid group during the study and the mean peak concentration occurred more rapidly in this group. Only alfentanil injected into the deltoid muscle reduced pain (assessed with a visual analogue scale (VAS)) associated with the peribulbar block. A mild sedative effect (VAS) was found in both alfentanil groups. We conclude that i.m. alfentanil appears to be a suitable premedicant for short, painful procedures because it has a short duration of action and is not associated with any clinically significant side effects.

Adult↗

Skin conductance responses to auditory stimuli and anticipatory responses before venepuncture in patients premedicated with diazepam or morphine.

We have measured the skin conductance response to innocuous auditory stimuli and the anticipatory response before venepuncture in 45 patients receiving diazepam, morphine or no premedication before general anaesthesia. Subjective ratings of anxiety and sedation were measured using visual analogue scales. Skin conductance was less in subjects receiving diazepam than in the other groups, and the pattern of change of skin conductance in this group indicated superior adaptation to the environment during presentation of the innocuous stimuli compared with the other groups. After warning of venepuncture there was a large increase in skin conductance in all groups. There was a significant relationship between anxiety and skin conductance in unpremedicated patients and those receiving diazepam.

Acoustic Stimulation↗

Effects of premedication on dose requirements for propofol: comparison of clonidine and hydroxyzine.

The influence of a single dose of clonidine (5 micrograms kg-1) or hydroxyzine (1 mg kg-1) on intraoperative propofol requirements was determined in 28 male patients (ASA I) undergoing elective orthopaedic surgery. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either clonidine or hydroxyzine orally 2 h before induction of anaesthesia. After a loading dose of propofol (2.5 mg kg-1), mivacurium (0.2 mg kg-1) and alfentanil (15 micrograms kg-1), anaesthesia was maintained with a standardized propofol infusion supplemented with nitrous oxide (66%) in oxygen. During surgery, additional propofol boluses (1 mg kg-1) were administered when heart rate or mean arterial pressure increased by more than 10% compared with preinduction values. The clonidine group demonstrated a 14.5% decrease in total propofol requirements (P < 0.05) and a 52.2% reduction in additional propofol boluses (P < 0.02) in comparison with the hydroxyzine group. intraoperative heart rate and mean arterial pressure were significantly lower in the clonidine group but no patients needed treatment with ephedrine for hypotension or bradycardia. Recovery of psychomotor function and discharge from the recovery room were not delayed in the clonidine group. This study indicates that 5 micrograms kg-1 clonidine given as premedication in ASA I patients reduces intraoperative propofol requirements in comparison with 1 mg kg-1 hydroxyzine without inducing adverse effects on recovery or haemodynamic stability.

Adolescent↗

Oral clonidine premedication reduces postoperative pain in children.

Clonidine is an effective preanesthetic medication in children, providing a preoperative sedative effect. The analgesic properties of the drug have been well documented in adults. The current study was designed to investigate the effect of oral clonidine given preoperatively on postoperative pain in children undergoing minor surgery. In a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial, 90 children aged 5-12 yr undergoing elective ophthalmic, urologic, and otologic surgery received placebo (control), clonidine 2 micrograms/kg, or clonidine 4 micrograms/kg. These drugs were administered 105 min before the estimated time of induction of anesthesia and followed by treatment with oral atropine 0.03 mg/kg 60 min before anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced and maintained with halothane and nitrous oxide in oxygen. Postoperative pain was assessed by a blinded observer using an objective pain scale (OPS). Clonidine 4 micrograms/kg provided lower OPS (highest) scores during 12 h after surgery and reduced requirement for postoperative supplementary analgesic (diclofenac suppository) compared with the other two regimens. These data suggest that oral clonidine premedication (4 micrograms/kg) is a possible approach to facilitating postoperative analgesia in children undergoing minor surgery.

Administration, Oral↗

Oral clonidine premedication enhances the quality of postoperative analgesia by intrathecal morphine.

Since clonidine potentiates the analgesia by morphine, the current study was performed to investigate whether oral clonidine premedication would enhance the postoperative analgesia by intrathecal morphine. Twenty-six patients, aged 37-60 yr, schedule for abdominal total hysterectomy under spinal anesthesia, were studied. Patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups; the clonidine group (n = 13) received oral clonidine approximately 5 micrograms/kg, and the control group (n = 13) received no clonidine. All patients received hyperbaric tetracaine 12 mg dissolved in 10% dextrose and morphine 0.2 mg for spinal anesthesia. We measured duration of analgesia (time to the first request for supplemental analgesics) and motor block. We also recorded the total number of injections of supplemental analgesics, and intensity of postoperative visual analog pain scores, nausea, and pruritus for 48 h after intrathecal administration. Duration of analgesia in the clonidine group was longer than the control group (2017 +/- 263 vs 1190 +/- 199 min, mean +/- SEM; P < 0.05). Although there was no difference in the total number of injections of supplemental analgesics (1.1 +/- 0.4 and 2.2 +/- 0.3 in the clonidine and control groups, respectively), the number of patients not requiring supplemental analgesics during the entire study period was larger in the clonidine group than the control group (six patients versus one patient; P < 0.05). There were no differences at any observation point between groups in visual analog pain scores, or the incidence of nausea and pruritus. Oral clonidine preanesthetic medication enhances the postoperative analgesia of intrathecal morphine plus tetracaine without increasing the intensity of side effects from morphine.

Administration, Oral↗

Premedication of pediatric tonsillectomy patients with oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate.

UNLABELLED: We assessed the safety and efficacy of oral transmucosal fentanyl citrate (Fentanyl Oralet; Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL), administered preoperatively to provide both preoperative sedation and postoperative analgesia, in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 40 children, 2-10 yr of age, scheduled for tonsillectomy. In the preoperative holding area, one group (Group O) received Fentanyl Oralet (fentanyl 10-15 micrograms/kg), and the other (Group IV) received only the candy matrix. Patients in Group O received an i.v. injection of saline, and those in Group IV received an i.v. injection of fentanyl (2 micrograms/kg) after removal of the first tonsil. Except for the opioid, patients received a standard anesthetic. Preoperative sedation and cooperation were assessed. Postoperative pain was evaluated using an objective pain scale. Patients in Group O were more sedated but no more cooperative at the induction of anesthesia compared with those in Group IV. No patient vomited preoperatively or experienced preoperative or postoperative desaturation. Time to postanesthesia care unit (PACU) discharge was not different between groups. There was no significant difference in the number of patients requiring morphine in the PACU (6 of 21 in Group O versus 10 of 19 in Group IV). Plasma fentanyl concentrations were not a reliable indicator of the need for postoperative morphine. Among the patients who required morphine postoperatively, there was an 11-fold variation in plasma fentanyl concentrations at the time of morphine administration. Derived pharmacokinetic parameters were similar to those previously reported in children; bioavailability of the fentanyl in Fentanyl Oralet was 0.33. We conclude that premedication with Fentanyl Oralet did not differ with i.v. fentanyl in regard to the induction of anesthesia and postoperative analgesia. IMPLICATIONS: In this double-blind, randomized study, we studied the efficacy of Fentanyl Oralet (10-15 micrograms/kg) preoperatively for providing postoperative analgesia in children undergoing tonsillectomy. We found no incidence of preoperative desaturation or vomiting in any patient. This is in contrast to other studies, in which there was a longer time interval between Fentanyl Oralet completion and induction of anesthesia. The bio-availability of the fentanyl in Fentanyl Oralet was estimated to be 33%, which is less than that reported in adults (approximately 50%). There was no difference in postoperative opioid requirements between patients who received 2 micrograms/kg of fentanyl i.v. and those who received Fentanyl Oralet.

Administration, Oral↗

Premedication with clonidine does not attenuate suppression of certain lymphocyte subsets after surgery.

UNLABELLED: Sixty-four patients undergoing elective major surgery were randomly assigned into a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, clinical trial to test the hypothesis that premedication with clonidine would attenuate postoperative reductions in circulating lymphocytes. The treatment group (n = 28) received a clonidine skin patch (0.3 mg/d) and a 0.6-mg oral loading dose 60-90 min before surgery. The control group (n = 36) received placebo patches and pills. Absolute blood levels of the following lymphocyte subsets were measured before induction of a standardized general anesthetic (baseline) and the morning after surgery: CD2, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD56, and the CD4:CD8 ratio. Significant decreases in lymphocyte subsets CD2, CD3, and CD4 were found in both groups; CD56 was significantly decreased only in the placebo group. However, the extent of lymphocyte depletion from baseline to Postoperative Day 1 between the clonidine and placebo groups was not different. Plasma concentrations of epinephrine, norepinephrine, and cortisol were measured from blood samples drawn at 8:00 AM on Postoperative Day 1. Plasma norepinephrine levels were significantly lower among patients who received clonidine. However, no significant differences were found in plasma epinephrine or cortisol levels between the clonidine and placebo groups. With a clinical dose, clonidine did not prevent postoperative lymphocyte depletion. alpha2-Agonists may not suppress adrenocortical stress responses sufficiently to prevent postoperative immune suppression. IMPLICATIONS: Lymphocyte (white blood cell) counts often decrease after major surgery. We hypothesized that clonidine would reduce hormonal stress and blunt reductions in lymphocytes after major surgery. In a randomized trial, we found no differences from placebo in cortisol levels or lymphocyte changes. Lymphocyte levels did not predict infectious complications.

Adjuvants, Anesthesia↗

Plasma lidocaine concentrations during continuous thoracic epidural anesthesia after clonidine premedication in children.

UNLABELLED: There is no report concerning oral clonidine's effects on epidural lidocaine in children. Therefore, we performed a study to assess the concentrations of plasma lidocaine and its major metabolite (monoethylglycinexylidide [MEGX]) in children receiving continuous thoracic epidural anesthesia after oral clonidine premedication. Ten pediatric patients, aged 1-9 yr, were randomly allocated to the Control or Clonidine 4 microg/kg group (n = 5 each). Anesthesia was induced and maintained with sevoflurane in oxygen and air (FIO2 40%). Epidural puncture and tubing were carefully performed at the Th11-12 intervertebral space. An initial dose of 1% lidocaine (5 mg/kg) was injected through a catheter into the epidural space, followed by 2.5 mg x kg(-1) x h(-1). Plasma concentrations of lidocaine and MEGX were measured at 15 min, 30 min, and every 60 min for 4 h after the initiation of continuous epidural injection. The concentrations of lidocaine and MEGX were measured using high-pressure liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Hemodynamic variables were similar between members of the Control and Clonidine groups during anesthesia. The Clonidine group showed significantly smaller lidocaine concentrations (p < 0.05) and the concentration of MEGX tended to be smaller in the plasma of the Clonidine group for the initial 4 h after the initiation of epidural infusion. In conclusion, oral clonidine preanesthetic medication at a dose of 4 microg/kg decreases plasma lidocaine concentration in children. IMPLICATIONS: Oral clonidine decreases the plasma lidocaine concentration in children. Our finding may have clinical implications in patients receiving continuous epidural anesthesia. Additionally, perhaps an additional margin of safety regarding lidocaine toxicity is gained through the use of oral clonidine in children who will receive epidural lidocaine.

Administration, Oral↗

Midazolam premedication in children: a comparison of two oral dosage formulations on sedation score and plasma midazolam levels.

We compared two available oral formulations of midazolam with respect to sedation score and plasma midazolam levels in pediatric surgical patients 2-10 yr old. The commercially available oral syrup was compared with a mixture of the IV midazolam preparation in Syrpalta syrup at an equivalent concentration of 2 mg/mL. ASA status I-II patients were randomly assigned to receive 0.5 mg/kg of either the commercial syrup (Group 1) or the prepared mixture (Group 2) as anesthetic premedication. Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scores were obtained by a blinded observer at 15 and 30 min after drug administration. Plasma midazolam levels were acquired exactly 45, 60, and 90 min after administration. Group 2 patients had a significantly lower median Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation score (Group 1, 17; Group 2, 15) at 30 min (P < 0.03) and significantly higher mean plasma midazolam levels at all three acquisition times (mean +/- SD) (45 min: 63.1 +/- 23.9 ng/mL, Group 2; 43.4 +/- 19.6 ng/mL, Group 1; 60 min: 45.8 +/- 18.2 ng/mL, Group 2; 30.8 +/- 17.9 ng/mL, Group 1; 90 min: 28.9 +/- 12.6 ng/mL, Group 2; 21.0 +/- 8.9 ng/mL, Group 1) (P < 0.02). We conclude that IV midazolam mixed in Syrpalta syrup yields more reliable sedation and correspondingly higher plasma levels than an equivalent dose of the commercially formulated and marketed preparation.

Administration, Oral↗

The effect of H2-receptor antagonist premedication on the duration of vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade in postpartum patients.

The clinical duration of vecuronium was measured in two groups of postpartum patients undergoing elective tubal ligation. Ten patients received no premedication and ten others ranitidine 150 mg orally the morning of surgery. The mean duration of action of vecuronium was 57.2 +/- 9.9 min in the unmedicated patients and 54.0 +/- 12.9 min in the ranitidine treated patients. These values were significantly greater than the mean value for nonpregnant control patients (35.3 +/- 8.4 min) but indistinguishable from the mean value for cimetidine pretreated patients (63.0 +/- 17.6 min) reported previously. The combined results of the previous and present studies provide convincing evidence that the clinical duration of vecuronium-induced neuromuscular blockade is significantly longer in the postpartum patient and independent of cimetidine or ranitidine pretreatment.

Female↗

Premedication with oral dexmedetomidine alters hemodynamic actions of intravenous anesthetic agents in chronically instrumented dogs.

Dexmedetomidine (the D-stereoisomer of medetomidine), a highly selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, has been demonstrated to produce analgesia and sedation and attenuate hemodynamic responses to emergence from inhalational anesthetics, which suggests a potential use for this drug as a premedicant for general anesthesia. The authors examined hemodynamic interactions between dexmedetomidine and three commonly used intravenous anesthetic agents with markedly different hemodynamic effects. Conscious, chronically instrumented dogs received intravenous induction doses of ketamine, propofol, or etomidate, followed by continuous infusions of each drug at four different doses for 15-min intervals on different days. Studies in six separate groups (range, 9-12 dogs/group) with and without pretreatment with oral dexmedetomidine (20 micrograms/kg) were completed. Heart rate, arterial pressure, left ventricular pressure, rate of increase of left ventricular pressure at 50 mmHg (dP/dt50), and cardiac output were continuously recorded. Dexmedetomidine administration caused a significant (P less than 0.05) decrease in heart rate, rate-pressure product, left ventricular dP/dt50, and cardiac output. Dexmedetomidine abolished or attenuated the increase in heart rate, rate-pressure product, cardiac output, and arterial pressure produced during induction of anesthesia with ketamine. After the dexmedetomidine pretreatment, continuous infusion of ketamine caused no increase in heart rate or rate-pressure product. However, ketamine significantly reduced left ventricular dP/dt50 compared to control in dogs premedicated with dexmedetomidine. Except for a significant reduction in systemic vascular resistance, dexmedetomidine did not significantly affect the hemodynamic response to induction of anesthesia with propofol. Similarly, dexmedetomidine did little to alter the hemodynamic response to induction of anesthesia with etomidate.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Administration, Oral↗

Transmucosal administration of midazolam for premedication of pediatric patients. Comparison of the nasal and sublingual routes.

BACKGROUND: Nasal transmucosal midazolam is effective for premedication of pediatric patients; however, 61-74% of these patients cry at nasal drug administration. Sublingual benzodiazepines, including midazolam, are effective in adults. The current blinded randomized study compared acceptance of and behavioral responses to transmucosal midazolam administered via the intranasal and sublingual routes. METHODS: Ninety-three patients aged 0.5-10 yr were stratified by age: 30 infants and toddlers, 0.5-2 yr; 39 preschoolers, 2.1-5 yr; and 24 school age, 5.1-10 yr. They were randomized to receive 0.2 mg/kg of midazolam in the nose or under the tongue without or with additional flavoring. For the group receiving sublingual flavored midazolam, the syringe tip was dipped in candy flavor and sugar. Duration of crying and compliance with instructions for sublingual drug administration were recorded. Hemoglobin oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry and sedation score were recorded by three observers before drug administration, at 2.5-min intervals for 10 min, at separation from parents, and during induction with halothane in O2. RESULTS: Children accepted midazolam administered via the sublingual route better than that given intranasally. In children not crying before drug administration, the frequency and duration of crying was greater following intranasal compared with sublingual administration (71% vs. 18% (P < 0.0001) and 48 +/- 56 vs. 25 +/- 49 s (P = 0.004), respectively). Lack of total compliance with instructions for sublingual administration did not alter drug effect, and there were no differences between the three study groups in maximum sedation, response to separation from parents, and behavior at induction of anesthesia; 80% displayed adequate or excellent behavior. Finally, the addition of candy flavor did not improve acceptance of or compliance with sublingual midazolam administration. CONCLUSIONS: Sublingual administration of midazolam is as effective as, and better accepted than, intranasal midazolam as a preanesthetic sedative in children.

Administration, Intranasal↗

Efficacy of oral clonidine premedication in children.

BACKGROUND: Clonidine, an alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist, has been shown to be effective as a preanesthetic medication in adults. The current study was designed to investigate the efficacy of two doses of oral clonidine as a premedicant preceding oral atropine in children. METHODS: In a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial, 105 children, aged 4-12 yr, undergoing elective ophthalmologic surgery received 0.4 mg/kg diazepam, 2 micrograms/kg clonidine, or 4 micrograms/kg clonidine orally. These agents mixed with apple juice were administered 105 min before the estimated time of induction of anesthesia, and were followed by treatment with 0.03 mg/kg oral atropine 60 min before anesthesia. A blinded observer noted the children's level of sedation, quality of separation from parents, and degree of acceptance of mask application during inhalation of nitrous oxide used for establishment of venous access. Anesthesia was induced with 5 mg/kg thiamylal, and tracheal intubation was facilitated with 0.2 mg/kg vecuronium. Hemodynamic changes after tracheal intubation were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: Clonidine produced significant sedation, and the effect was dose related. Clonidine, 4 micrograms/kg, provided better quality of separation and acceptance of mask than the two other regimens. This dose of clonidine attenuated the increases in blood pressure and heart rate after tracheal intubation. No clinically significant perioperative hypotension or bradycardia was observed. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that, even in pediatric surgery, the combination of 4 micrograms/kg and 0.03 mg/kg oral clonidine is an effective premedication. However, the safety and optimal dose of clonidine in this setting remain to be determined.

Administration, Oral↗

Dexmedetomidine premedication attenuates ketamine-induced cardiostimulatory effects and postanesthetic delirium.

BACKGROUND: Dexmedetomidine is a new potent and highly selective alpha 2-adrenoceptor agonist with sedative-hypnotic and anesthetic sparing properties. Because of its sympathoinhibitory activity, it may prove useful in balancing the cardiostimulatory effects and attenuating the adverse central nervous system effects of ketamine. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized and comparative parallel-group study design was employed in 40 volunteers with ASA physical status 1 who were scheduled for elective superficial surgery under ketamine anesthesia. Dexmedetomidine (2.5 micrograms/kg, n = 20) or midazolam (0.07 mg/kg, n = 20) was administered intramuscularly 45 min before induction of anesthesia. Anesthesia was induced with 2 mg/kg ketamine intravenously, and muscle relaxation was achieved with vecuronium. After tracheal intubation, anesthesia was maintained with nitrous oxide/oxygen (2:1) and additional 1 mg/kg intravenous ketamine boluses according to clinical and cardiovascular criteria. Hypotension and bradycardia were treated by increasing the intravenous infusion rate of crystalloids and intravenous atropine, respectively. Sedative and anxiolytic properties, intra- and postoperative drug requirements, psychomotor and cognitive impairments, and cardiovascular effects were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Dexmedetomidine and midazolam proved to have equal sedative and anxiolytic effects after intramuscular administration, but dexmedetomidine induced significantly less preoperative psychomotor impairment and less anterograde amnesia than did midazolam. Compared to midazolam, dexmedetomidine decreased the need for intraoperative ketamine and was more effective in reducing ketamine-induced adverse central nervous system effects. Dexmedetomidine also was superior to midazolam in attenuating the hemodynamic responses to intubation and the cardiostimulatory effects of ketamine in general, but it increased the incidence of intra- and postoperative bradycardia. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that premedication with 2.5 micrograms/kg dexmedetomidine is effective in attenuating the cardiostimulatory and postanesthetic delirium effects of ketamine. However, because of its propensity to cause bradycardia, routine use of an anticholinergic drug should be considered.

Adolescent↗

Oral clonidine premedication blunts the heart rate response to intravenous atropine in awake children.

BACKGROUND: Clonidine, which is known to have analgesic and sedative properties, has recently been shown to be an effective preanesthetic medication in children. The drug may cause side effects, including bradycardia and hypotension. This study was conducted to evaluate the ability of intravenous atropine to increase the heart rate (HR) in awake children receiving clonidine preanesthetic medication. METHODS: We studied 96 otherwise healthy children, 8-13 yr old, undergoing minor surgery. They received, at random, oral clonidine 2 or 4 micrograms.kg-1 or placebo 105 min before scheduled induction of anesthesia. Part I (n = 48, 16 per group): When hemodynamic parameters after insertion of a venous catheter had been confirmed to be stable, atropine was administered in incremental doses of 2.5, 2.5, and 5 micrograms.kg-1 every 2 min. The HR and blood pressure were recorded at 1-min intervals. Part II (n = 48, 16 per group): After the recording of baseline hemodynamic values, successive doses of atropine (5 micrograms.kg-1 every 2 min, to 40 micrograms.kg-1), were administered until HR increased by 20 beats.min-1. The HR and blood pressure were recorded at 1-min intervals. RESULTS: Part I: The increases in HR in response to a cumulative dose of atropine 10 micrograms.kg-1 were 33 +/- 3%, 16 +/- 3%, and 8 +/- 2% (mean +/- SEM) in children receiving placebo, clonidine 2 micrograms.kg-1, and clonidine 4 micrograms.kg-1, respectively (P < 0.05). Part II: The HR in the control group increased by more than 20 beats.min-1 in response to atropine 20 micrograms.kg-1 or less. In two patients in the clonidine 4 micrograms.kg-1 group, HR did not increase by 20 beats.min-1 even after 40 micrograms.kg-1 of atropine. CONCLUSIONS: Oral clonidine premedication (4 micrograms.kg-1) blunted the increase in HR after intravenous atropine in awake children, although clonidine 2 micrograms.kg-1 did not. A larger dose of atropine was required to increase the HR by 20 beats.min-1 in children receiving the premedicant in the larger dose.

Administration, Oral↗

Parental presence during induction of anesthesia versus sedative premedication: which intervention is more effective?

BACKGROUND: Both midazolam and parental presence during induction of anesthesia are routinely used to treat preoperative anxiety in children. The purpose of this investigation was to determine which of these two interventions is more effective. METHODS: Anxiety of the child during the perioperative period was the primary end point. Secondary end points included anxiety of the parent and compliance of the child during induction. Children (n = 88) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) 0.5 mg/kg oral midazolam; (2) parental presence during induction of anesthesia; or (3) control (no parental presence or premedication). Using multiple behavioral measures of anxiety, the effect of the intervention on the children and their parents was assessed. RESULTS: Observed anxiety in the holding area (T1), entrance to the operating room (T2), and introduction of the anesthesia mask (T3) differed significantly among the three groups (P = 0.032). Post hoc analysis indicated that children in the midazolam group exhibited significantly less anxiety compared with the children in the parental-presence group or control group (P = 0.0171). Similarly, parental anxiety scores after separation were significantly less in the midazolam group compared with the parental-presence or control groups (P = 0.048). The percentage of inductions in which compliance of the child was poor was significantly greater in the control group compared with the parental-presence and midazolam groups (25% vs. 17% vs. 0%, P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study, oral midazolam is more effective than either parental presence or no intervention for managing a child's and parent's anxiety during the preoperative period.

Adaptation, Psychological↗

Benzodiazepine premedication: can it improve outcome in patients undergoing breast biopsy procedures?

BACKGROUND: Women awaiting needle-guided breast biopsy procedures may experience high anxiety levels. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was designed to evaluate the ability of midazolam and diazepam (in a lipid emulsion [Dizac]) to improve patient comfort during needle localization and breast biopsy procedures. METHODS: Ninety women received two consecutive doses of a study medication, one before the mammographic needle localization and a second before entering the operating room. Patients were assigned randomly to receive saline, 2.0 ml intravenously, at the two time points; midazolam, 1.0 mg intravenously and 2.0 mg intravenously; or diazepam emulsion, 2.0 mg intravenously and 5.0 mg intravenously, respectively. Patients assessed their anxiety levels before the needle localization, before entering the operating room, and on arrival in the operating room. Patients completed a questionnaire evaluating their perioperative experience at the time of discharge. RESULTS: Patient satisfaction during needle localization was significantly improved in both benzodiazepine treatment groups (vs. saline). The incidence of moderate-to-severe discomfort during needle localization was lower in the midazolam (20%) and diazepam emulsion (6%) groups compared with the saline group (70%) (P<0.05). The preoperative visual analogue scale anxiety scores were similar in all three groups. In the operating room, however, anxiety scores were 55% and 68% lower after midazolam (21+/-19) and diazepam emulsion (15+/-14) compared with saline (46+/-28). Finally, there was no difference in the time to achieve home-readiness or actual discharge time among the three groups. CONCLUSIONS: Premedication with midazolam or diazepam emulsion improved patients' comfort during needle localization procedures and significantly reduced intraoperative anxiety levels before breast biopsy procedures without prolonging discharge times. Use of diazepam emulsion may be an effective alternative to midazolam in this population.

Adolescent↗

Reevaluation of rectal ketamine premedication in children: comparison with rectal midazolam.

BACKGROUND: Results of previous studies of rectal ketamine as a pediatric premedication are clouded because of lack of dose-response relation, inappropriate time of assessing sedative effects, and previous administration or coadministration of benzodiazepines. Therefore, the authors reevaluated the efficacy of rectally administered ketamine in comparison with 1 mg/kg rectal midazolam. METHODS: Sixty-six infants and children (age, 7-61 months) who were American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and who were undergoing minor surgeries as in-patients were randomized to receive 5 mg/kg ketamine (n = 16), 7 mg/kg ketamine (n = 16), 10 mg/kg ketamine (n = 17), or 1 mg/kg midazolam (n = 17) via rectum. A blinded observer scored sedation 45 min and 15 min after administration of ketamine and midazolam, respectively, when children were separated from parent(s) for inhalational induction. All children underwent standardized general anesthesia with sevoflurane, nitrous oxide, and oxygen with endotracheal intubation. Blood pressure, heart rate, and oxyhemoglobin saturation were determined before, during, and after anesthesia. Postoperative recovery characteristics and incidence of adverse reactions were also assessed. RESULTS: Most children (88%) who received rectally 10 mg/kg ketamine or 1 mg/kg midazolam separated easily from their parents compared with those (31%) who received 7 or 5 mg/kg rectal ketamine (P < 0.05). Similarly, more children who received 10 mg/kg ketamine or 1 mg/kg midazolam underwent mask induction without struggling or crying compared with those who received 7 or 5 mg/kg ketamine (P < 0.05). There were no clinically significant changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and oxyhemoglobin saturation after administration of either drug. Immediately after surgery, more children receiving midazolam or 5 mg/kg ketamine were agitated compared with 7 or 10 mg/kg ketamine. Ketamine, 7 and 10 mg/kg, provided postoperative analgesia, but the largest dose of ketamine was associated with delayed emergence from general anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that rectally administered ketamine alone produces dose-dependent sedative effects in children, when evaluated at its predicted peak plasma concentration. Ketamine, 10 mg/kg, has a delayed onset but is as effective as 1 mg/kg midazolam for sedating healthy children before general anesthesia. However, 10 mg/kg rectal ketamine is not recommended for brief surgeries because of prolonged postoperative sedation.

Adjuvants, Anesthesia↗