SUBLINGUAL BUPRENORPHINE VS MIDAZOLAM FOR PREMEDICATION IN CHILDREN

V.A HASANI, A AMANNI, S JALALI MOTLAGH

Abstract


Background. Preanesthetic medication may reduce the risks of adverse psychological and physiological sequel of induction in children. Administration of premedication by sublingual route may provide the best compromise because of relatively rapid absorption without causing pain. In this study sedative and anxitolytic effects of sublingual midazolam and buprenorphine in children were compared.
Methods. In a randomized, controlled, double blind clinical trial, one hundred and fifty children aged between 4 to 10 years in first or second class of ASA scheduled for adenotonsillectomy were divided in three equal groups. These groups recieved sublingual bupronorphine 3 µg/kg, midazolam 0.2 mg/kg and no premedication respectively. Cardiorespiratory variables were recorded from the time of premedication to awakening from anesthesia. Anxiety and sedation scores and patients acceptance of mask at induction were recorded using four point rating scales. Time of spontaneous eye opening and postoperative emesis occurrence were also recorded.
Findings. Children recieving sublingual midazolam or buprenorphine had similar sedation, anxiety and mask acceptance scores, but different from no premedication group (P < 0.0001). None of the children experienced respiratory depression or oxygen desaturation after drug administration and during postoperative period. Time of spontaneous eye opening was longer in the midazolam group (P < 0.0001).Emetic episodes were similar in all groups.
Conclusion. Midazolam is extensively studied and demonstrated that the drug is highly effective in alleviating anxiety and increasing cooperation. We concluded that sublingual buprenorphine is as effective as sublingual midazolam in providing sedation and anxitolysis for pediatric premedication.

Keywords


Drug Administration -Sublingual, Midazolam, Buprenorphine, Pediatric Anesthesia