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.