Propofol or midazolam do not reduce the incidence of emergence agitation associated with desflurane anaesthesia in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.
BACKGROUND
The aim of the study was to determine if concurrent use of short-acting sedatives would decrease the incidence of emergence agitation associated with desflurane while preserving rapid recovery.


METHODS
Sixty-nine children, aged 2-9 years, who were undergoing adenotonsillectomy, were randomly assigned to three groups: (i) intravenous midazolam 0.1 mg.kg-1; (ii) propofol 2 mg.kg-1; and (iii) control. An observer blind to anaesthetic technique assessed emergence times and behaviour. Data were compared using chi-squared and ANOVA.


RESULTS
Midazolam initially decreased the incidence of emergence agitation but, in the postanaesthesia care unit, significant agitation was seen in all three groups. Emergence and complete recovery were delayed in groups 1 and 2.


CONCLUSIONS
The concurrent use of midazolam or propofol did not reduce the incidence of emergence agitation but did delay emergence and recovery. These agents are not recommended for reducing emergence agitation in children receiving desflurane.
D000233:Adenoidectomy; D000762:Anesthesia Recovery Period; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000077335:Desflurane; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007223:Infant; D007530:Isoflurane / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D008297:Male; D008874:Midazolam / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000175:diagnosis; D015742:Propofol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011595:Psychomotor Agitation / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014068:Tonsillectomy
D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D006993:Hypnotics and Sedatives; D000077335:Desflurane; D007530:Isoflurane; D008874:Midazolam; D015742:Propofol