Parental presence plus oral midazolam decreases frequency of 5% halothane inductions in children.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the frequency of 5% halothane induction and behavioral distress during inhalation induction with both oral midazolam and parental presence compared with parental presence alone.


METHODS
Randomized, controlled, double blind study.


METHODS
Same day anesthesia at a university department of anesthesiology.


METHODS
72 ASA status I and II children, 3 to 10 years of age, scheduled for first time anesthesia.


METHODS
Children were assigned to one of two groups to receive midazolam 0.5 mg/kg orally or placebo. A parent was present during induction. Children were videotaped at baseline, after treatment, and during induction. Tapes were scored for behavioral distress using the revised Observational Scale of Behavioral Distress.


RESULTS
Children who received midazolam in the setting of parental presence had significantly fewer 5% halothane inductions than those who received placebo (p < 0.02). They also had less behavioral distress (p < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The combination of parental presence plus oral midazolam reduces the likelihood of needing a 5% rapid halothane induction when compared with parental presence without premedication.
Gillerman
R G
RG
Department of Anesthesiology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA.
Hinkle
A J
AJ
Green
H M
HM
Cornell
L
L
Dodge
C P
CP
D000759:Adjuvants, Anesthesia; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D018681:Anesthetics, General; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D001519:Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006221:Halothane; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008874:Midazolam; D010290:Parents; D011229:Preanesthetic Medication
D000759:Adjuvants, Anesthesia; D018681:Anesthetics, General; D008874:Midazolam; D006221:Halothane