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Melatonin vs. midazolam premedication in children: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 April 2005

A. Samarkandi ,
M. Naguib ,
W. Riad ,
A. Thalaj ,
W. Alotibi ,
F. Aldammas  and
A. Albassam
A. Samarkandi
Affiliation:
King Saud University, Department of Anesthesia, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
M. Naguib
Affiliation:
University of Iowa College of Medicine, Department of Anesthesia, Iowa City, IA, USA
W. Riad
Affiliation:
King Saud University, Department of Anesthesia, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
A. Thalaj
Affiliation:
King Saud University, Department of Anesthesia, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
W. Alotibi
Affiliation:
King Saud University, Department of Anesthesia, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
F. Aldammas
Affiliation:
King Saud University, Department of Anesthesia, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
A. Albassam
Affiliation:
King Saud University, Department of Surgery, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Abstract

Summary

Background and objective: Unlike midazolam, melatonin premedication is not associated with cognitive impairment in adults despite its anxiolytic properties. The use of melatonin as a premedicant in children has not been reported. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study compared the perioperative effects of different doses of melatonin and midazolam in children.

Methods: Seven groups of children (n = 15 in each) were randomly assigned to receive one of the following premedicants. Midazolam 0.1, 0.25 or 0.5 mg kg−1 orally, melatonin 0.1, 0.25 or 0.5 mg kg−1 orally each mixed in 15 mg kg−1 acetaminophen, or placebo only (15 mg kg−1 acetaminophen). Anxiety and temperament were evaluated before and after administration of the study drug, on separation from parents and on the introduction of the anaesthesia mask. At week 2 postoperatively, the behaviour of the children was measured by the Post Hospitalization Behaviour Questionnaire.

Results: Melatonin or midazolam each in doses of 0.25 or 0.5 mg kg−1 were equally effective as premedicants in alleviating separation anxiety and anxiety associated with the introduction of the anaesthesia mask. A trend was noted for midazolam to prolong recovery times as the dosage increased. The use of melatonin was associated with a lower incidence (P = 0.049) of excitement at 10 min postoperatively, and a lower incidence (P = 0.046) of sleep disturbance at week 2 postoperatively than that observed with midazolam and control groups. No postoperative excitement was noted in the melatonin groups at 20, 30 and 45 min.

Discussion: Melatonin was not only as effective as midazolam in alleviating preoperative anxiety in children, but it was also associated with a tendency towards faster recovery, lower incidence of excitement postoperatively and a lower incidence of sleep disturbance at week 2 postoperatively.

Keywords

ADJUVANTS, ANAESTHESIA, midazolam, melatoninANAESTHESIA, DRUG THERAPY, premedicationPAEDIATRICSRANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALSANXIETY, separation
Type
Original Article
Information
European Journal of Anaesthesiology , Volume 22 , Issue 3 , March 2005 , pp. 189 - 196
Copyright
2005 European Society of Anaesthesiology

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