Comparative Study of Oral Clonidine and Midazolam as Premedication in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Tonsillectomy

Abstract

Bridgit Merlin J, Ebenezer Joel Kumar E, Aswathy B and Rajajeyakumar M

Background and Aim: Anxiety and fear of operation, injections, physicians, operation theatre environment and parental separation are all traumatizing experiences in children. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of oral midazolam and oral clonidine as premedication in children undergoing tonsillectomy .The preoperative sedation, anxiolytic, acceptance of mask for induction of anaesthesia, intravenous cannulation and post-operative recoverywere assessed in both groups.

Methods: Aprospective randomized double blinded study of 100 patients of age group 4 -12 yrs undergoing tonsillectomy under general anaesthesia were selected. They were divided into 2 groups of 50 patients each. Group A (oral clonidine) received 4 mcg/kg 90 minutes before induction. Group B (oral midazolam) received 0.5 mg/kg 90 minutes before induction. The sedation and anxiety score was noted at the time of parental separation. The reaction to IV cannulation was assessed by sedation and anxiety scoring at the same time all of them were taken under GA with controlled ventilation. The Mask acceptance was graded by 5 point scoring system .Grade 3,4 and 5 are satisfactory.They were monitored throughout the surgery for any complications. Post operative status was assessed by Modified Objective Pain score.

Results: The sedation score and anxiety score at venipuncture was better with clonidine group with statistical significance (p< 0.000 and<0.003). The mask acceptance was better with clonidine group with statistical significance (p <0.000).Postoperative score was also better with clonidine group with statistical significance of p value <0.000.

Conclusion: We concluded that oral clonidine and midazolam can be used as better premedicants to produce optimal sedation and emotional state.Clonidine 4 μg / kg has been shown to be a more effective premedication for children undergoing elective tonsillectomy than midazolam 0.5mg/kg

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