Abstract PR275

Abstract

Background & Objectives: Dexmedetomidine is α2 adrenergic agonist, used for sedation and analgesia.1,2 This study compares the effect of intra-nasal dexamedetomidine and oral midazolam for premedication by comparing vital parameters, preoperative anxiolysis, sedation and onset of sedation in children before induction of anaesthesia. Materials & Methods: It was a one year double blinded randomized controlled trial, conducted in a tertiary care hospital, after ethics approval. 60 children undergoing elective minor surgery were divided into two groups on the basis of premedicant drug, namely Group A (intranasal dexmedetomidine, 0.5 µg/kg) and Group B (Oral midazolam 0.5 mg/kg). Outcome variables (vitals, anxiety and sedation) were monitored at baseline (just prior to administration of drug), 15, 30 and 45 minutes after drug administration. Sedation status was assessed using Five-Point Sedation Scale and anxiety by Four-Point Anxiety Score.3 Statistical analysis included chi-square test and student ‘t’ test. Results: Mean age, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and oxygen saturation at all intervals including baseline, were comparable in both the groups. Time (in minutes) required for onset of sedation was significantly less in Group A than Group B (p=0.013). Mean sedation score was significantly low in Group A compared to Group B at 15 minutes interval (1.63 ± 0.67 versus 2.10 ± 0.80; p=0.018). Mean anxiety score was significantly low in Group A compared to Group B at 15 and 30 minutes interval (1.10 ± 0.31 versus 1.70 ± 0.53; p<0.001 and 1.50 ± 0.57 versus 1.83 ± 0.59; p=0.031 respectively). Conclusion: Intranasal dexmedetomidine is a better premedicant in terms of sedation and anxiolysis, however difference in hemodynamic parameters was not significant.