Propofol versus midazolam plus meperidine for sedation during ambulatory esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of propofol and meperidine plus midazolam for sedation during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in children.

METHODS: Data were collected prospectively and retrospectively from neurologically intact children (0.2-17.7 years of age) who underwent ambulatory diagnostic EGD during a 4-year period. Data were included from 155 consecutive patients receiving propofol with or without premedication with midazolam (PM group). One hundred five consecutive patients who received sedation with a midazolam plus meperidine combination served as a comparison (MM group). Outcome variables were: time required for induction of sedation, length of procedure, time for recovery, need for additional supportive measures, and need for physical restraint.

RESULTS: The onset of sedation was faster and the length of procedure and recovery were significantly shorter in the PM group as compared with the MM group (P < 0.01). Patients in the MM group required restraint more often than in the PM group. A higher dose of meperidine and midazolam was used in the prospective study. This led to deeper sedation but increased need for additional support.

CONCLUSIONS: Propofol is safe and effective for facilitating EGD in children.