Arterial oxygen saturation in children receiving rectal midazolam as premedication for oral surgical procedures

Eighty healthy children, between the ages of 2 and 7 years, undergoing dental procedures were monitored with a pulse oximeter for changes in arterial oxygen saturation. The children were randomly allocated into 4 groups in this double-blind study. Three groups received rectal midazolam, and the other group a placebo (saline) as premedication 30 min prior to induction of anesthesia. Group A children received midazolam 0.25 mg/kg, Group B 0.35 mg/kg and Group C 0.45 mg/kg. The results from this trial show no statistical significant difference between the treatment groups as to the effect on either systolic or diastolic blood pressure, respiration, or pulse rates at either pre- or post-sedation levels. However, the oxygen saturation levels for groups B and C differed significantly from those of the placebo groups 30 minutes after premedication (P = 0.0259).