Effects of benzodiazepines on explicit memory in a paediatric surgery setting.
BACKGROUND
Many laboratory-based studies indicate that benzodiazepines impair explicit memory performance, increase sedation, and impair attention.


OBJECTIVE
The present study was designed to extend prior lab-based findings to an applied setting in which the amnestic effects of benzodiazepines may be beneficial for users. In addition, the study extended the previous adult-focused research by examining the cognitive effects of benzodiazepines in children.


METHODS
The present study examined the use of a specific benzodiazepine (midazolam) as a premedicant among 40 children aged 4-6 years old having ear tube (myringotomy) surgery, who were randomly assigned to receive midazolam or placebo.


RESULTS
Consistent with previous studies, the results indicated that midazolam causes significant amnesia on a cued recall task. In addition, free recall for post-drug events were also impaired by midazolam relative to placebo, indicating that benzodiazepine-induced amnesia occurs even for highly salient information.


CONCLUSIONS
Overall, it appears that benzodiazepines do impair memory in a pediatric population. This amnesia was not secondary to the inattention and sedation also caused by midazolam administration. The theoretical and clinical implications of these findings are discussed, as are potential future studies.
Buffett-Jerrott
Susan E
SE
Bedford Sackville Community Mental Health (IWK), 70 Memory Lane, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia, Canada B4C 2J3. sjerrott@accesswave.ca
Stewart
Sherry H
SH
Finley
G Allen
GA
Loughlan
Heather Lee
HL
D000284:Administration, Oral; D001288:Attention / Q000187:drug effects; D001569:Benzodiazepines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000187:drug effects*; D008874:Midazolam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009225:Myringoplasty; D011229:Preanesthetic Medication / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors
D001569:Benzodiazepines; D008874:Midazolam