Comparison of Intranasal dexmedetomidine and oral midazolam as premedication for cardiac catheterization procedure in pediatric patients

Objective: The aim of study is to evaluate the preoperative sedative effects of intranasal dexmedetomidine as compared to oral midazolam as preanesthetic medication in children undergoing cardiac catheterization for diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedure. Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Method: 61 patients of either sex between the ages 2-10 years were recruited for cardiac catheterization for diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedural sedation, 31 patients of group D received intranasal dexmedetomidine 2 μg/kg, by mucosal atomiser spray and 30 patients of group M received oral midazolam 0.5 mg/kg. Outcome: To compare the effects of drug between two groups. Behavior score, sedation score, separation score and vitals were recorded before shifting the patient to cathlab and at induction of anesthesia. Results: The result in the study shows that, group D patients (2 μg/kg) has statistically significant faster onset of action, separation score, sedation score, behavior score at induction and at 15 and 30 minutes as compared to group M (0.5 mg/kg). Conclusion: Trasnasal dexmedetomidine has faster and better onset of action, separation score, sedation score, and behavior score than oral midazolam for cardiac cath procedure in pediatric patients.