Comparative Study of Oral Dexmedetomidine and Oral Midazolam on Postoperative Recovery Characteristics of Paediatric Patients after Sevoflurane Anaesthesia

Abstract

Introduction: Emergence agitation (EA) and emergence delirium (ED) are common in paediatric patients after general anaesthesia with Sevoflurane. The present study aimed at comparing EA and ED in paediatric patients receiving either Dexmedetomidine or Midazolam pre-medication. Methodology: The present prospective randomized double blind study was carried out in a teaching hospital. A total of 180 paediatric patients aged between 2-12 years undergoing surgery under general anaesthesia with Sevoflurane were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups, group A received oral Midazolam 0.5 mg/kg 45 minutes before induction and group B received oral Dexmedetomidine 4 mcg/kg 45 minutes before induction of anaesthesia. Vital parameters, incidence and severity of EA, and duration of stay in post anaesthesia care unit were recorded. Results: Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were significantly less in group B. Incidence of EA was 35.5% in group A and 2.22% in group B (p-value≤ 0.0001). Severity of agitation was significantly less in group B (p value ≤ 0.0001). Conclusion: Oral Dexmedetomidine premedication provides better recovery and reduces the incidence and severity of EA in paediatric patients after Sevoflurane anaesthesia in comparison to oral Midazolam.

Keywords

• Dexmedetomidine, Emergence agitation, Mida zolam, Sevoflurane.