Propofol versus midazolam for intubating preterm neonates: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The ideal combination of premedication for neonatal tracheal intubation has not been established. The aim of this preliminary study was to compare the intubation conditions between propofol and midazolam as premedication for tracheal intubation in neonates.


METHODS
A double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial was performed, and 20 preterm neonates (28 to 34 week) underwent tracheal intubation following the use of remifentanil associated to either propofol (n = 10) or midazolam (n = 10). Intubation conditions were scored according to a four-point scale.


RESULTS
According to the main outcome measured (identification of a 50% difference in the intubation conditions), there were no differences regarding the number of attempts and the overall intubation conditions among the groups (P = 1.00).


CONCLUSIONS
Both combinations of premedications have no differences regarding the quality of intubation, which could be of clinical interest. Besides midazolam, propofol could be a valid alternative as hypnotic for premedication for endotracheal intubation in neonates.
Department of Pediatrics of Medical Faculty, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Avenida Alfredo Balena, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
M G
MG
Penido
D F
DF
de Oliveira Silva
E C
EC
Tavares
Y P
YP
Silva
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000379:methods; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000379:methods*; D008874:Midazolam / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D011292:Premedication / Q000379:methods*; D015742:Propofol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018686:Anesthetics, Intravenous; D008874:Midazolam; D015742:Propofol