Midazolam as a sole sedative for computed tomography imaging in pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and adverse effects of i.v. midazolam as a sole agent for sedation in children for computed tomography (CT) imaging.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective clinical trial in which 516 children under ASA classification II-IV (273 boys and 243 girls) in the age group of 6 months to 6 years for elective CT scan were enrolled over a 17-month period. Patients were administered i.v. midazolam 0.2 mg x kg(-1) and further boluses of 0.1 mg x kg(-1) (total 0.5 mg x kg(-1)) if required. Measurements included induction time, efficacy, side effects, complications, and degree of sedation. Sedation was graded on the basis of Ramsay sedation score (RSS) as over sedated (RSS 5-6), adequately sedated (AS, RSS 3-4), under sedated (RSS 1-2), or failed if the procedure could not be completed or another agent had to be administered.

RESULTS: Of the 516 procedures, 483 brains, 16 chests, and 17 abdomens were scanned with a mean duration of 4.75 +/- 1.75 min with a mean dose of 0.212 mg x kg(-1) of i.v. midazolam. Four hundred and sixty-five (90.12%) patients were AS in 5.9 +/- 0.7 min while 40 (7.75%) patients required additional boluses. Of these 40 patients, 24 (4.65%) required a single bolus, 12 (2.32%) required two boluses, whereas the remaining four (0.78%) required three boluses. In 11 (2.13%; P < 0.0001) patients, the scan could not be completed satisfactorily. Side effects were seen in 46 (9.11%) patients in the form of desaturation, hiccups (seven patients, 1.38%), and agitation (four patients, 0.79%). Desaturation (SpO2 90-95%) was seen in 35 (6.93%) patients, which was corrected by topical application of oxygen. None of the patients exhibited any complications such as pulmonary aspiration or need to maintain airway. The patients were kept under observation for 1 h after the procedure.

CONCLUSION: The level of sedation achieved in children with midazolam 0.2 mg x kg(-1) is adequate for imaging with minimal side effects, no airway complications, and fast recovery. It can be recommended as the sole agent for sedation in pediatric patients for CT imaging.