Comparison of intranasal dexmedetomidine compared to midazolam as a premedication in pediatrics with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac catheterization

BACKGROUND: The intranasal route is a reliable way to administer preanesthetics and sedatives to children. The aim of this study was to compare the anxiolytic and sedative effect of intranasal dexmedetomidine and midazolam as a premedication in pediatrics with simple congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac catheterization. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty children 3-6 years old of either sex with simple congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac catheterization were randomly allocated into two groups: Dexmedetomidine group who received intranasal dexmedetomidine (0.1 μg/kg) and midazolam group who received intranasal midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) 30 min before induction. Heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were monitored up to 30 min after drug administration. The sedation score, anxiety score, and child-parent separation score were recorded until the child taken to the operating room. The postoperative agitation score was also observed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The premedication of children with intranasal dexmedetomidine attained satisfactory and significant sedation and lower anxiety level with better parental separation than those who received intranasal midazolam.