Anxiolysis with oral midazolam in pediatric patients undergoing dermatologic surgical procedures.
BACKGROUND
Pediatric patients undergoing dermatologic surgical procedures often experience high levels of anxiety. Oral midazolam is a short-acting benzodiazepine that can ameliorate procedure-related anxiety.


OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to determine the safety and efficacy of oral midazolam as an adjuvant anxiolytic agent for pediatric patients undergoing dermatologic surgical procedures.


METHODS
A prospective series of pediatric patients undergoing dermatologic surgical procedures who received oral midazolam were monitored, and efficacy and complications were recorded.


RESULTS
Oral midazolam provided good to excellent anxiolytic effects in most pediatric patients undergoing painful dermatologic surgical procedures. Because midazolam does not provide analgesic effects, local anesthesia is necessary. Complications were uncommon and minor.


CONCLUSIONS
Oral midazolam is an effective anxiolytic agent in pediatric patients undergoing dermatologic surgical procedures.
Otley
C C
CC
Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.
Nguyen
T H
TH
Phillips
P K
PK
D000284:Administration, Oral; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003880:Dermatology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008874:Midazolam / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000601:surgery*
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D008874:Midazolam