A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized, controlled trials of moderate sedation for routine endoscopic procedures.
BACKGROUND
Numerous agents are available for moderate sedation in endoscopy.


OBJECTIVE
Our purpose was to compare efficacy, safety, and efficiency of agents used for moderate sedation in EGD or colonoscopy.


METHODS
Systematic review of computerized bibliographic databases for randomized trials of moderate sedation that compared 2 active regimens or 1 active regimen with placebo or no sedation.


METHODS
Unselected adults undergoing EGD or colonoscopy with a goal of moderate sedation.


METHODS
Sedation-related complications, patient assessments (satisfaction, pain, memory, willingness to repeat examination), physician assessments (satisfaction, level of sedation, patient cooperation, examination quality), and procedure-related efficiency outcomes (sedation, procedure, or recovery time).


RESULTS
Thirty-six studies (N = 3918 patients) were included. Sedation improved patient satisfaction (relative risk [RR] = 2.29, range 1.16-4.53) and willingness to repeat EGD (RR = 1.25, range 1.13-1.38) versus no sedation. Midazolam provided superior patient satisfaction to diazepam (RR = 1.18, range 1.07-1.29) and less frequent memory of EGD (RR = 0.57, range 0.50-0.60) versus diazepam. Adverse events and patient/physician assessments were not significantly different for midazolam (with or without narcotics) versus propofol except for slightly less patient satisfaction (RR = 0.90, range 0.83-0.97) and more frequent memory (RR = 3.00, range 1.25-7.21) with midazolam plus narcotics. Procedure times were similar, but sedation and recovery times were shorter with propofol than midazolam-based regimens.


CONCLUSIONS
Marked variability in design, regimens tested, and outcomes assessed; relatively poor methodologic quality (Jadad score </=3 in 23/36 trials).


CONCLUSIONS
Moderate sedation provides a high level of physician and patient satisfaction and a low risk of serious adverse events with all currently available agents. Midazolam-based regimens have longer sedation and recovery times than does propofol.
McQuaid
Kenneth R
KR
Veterans Affairs Medical Center and Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, California, USA.
Laine
Loren
L
D016292:Procedural Sedation / Q000379:methods*; D004066:Digestive System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D016145:Endoscopy, Digestive System / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic