Subcutaneous Midazolam with and without Ketamine for Sedation In Children Undergoing Dental Treatment: A Pilot Study.

AIM: The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of subcutaneous (SC) sedation using midazolam with and without ketamine in non-cooperative pediatric patients undergoing dental treatment.

STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind, crossover pilot clinical trial was carried out in 13 children, aged between 17-46 months, ASA l, Frankl 1. Two sedation schemes were administered SC: Midazolam alone (M), and a combination of Midazolam-Ketamine (MK). Both regimens were administered to the same patient in two consecutive treatment sessions, in accordance with a random assignment. Overall behavior, movement, and crying were assessed according to the modified Houpt scale. Heart rate, blood pressure, blood oxygen saturation, and possible side effects were also monitored.

RESULTS: The percentage of non-crying children was always higher in the treatment with MK compared with the treatment with M, but without a significant statistical difference. Regarding variable body movement, the percentage of children without movement was higher in the MK group, although only up to minute 10; no significant differences were found at 20, 30, and 40 minutes, and from minute 40, body movement was lower in the M group.

CONCLUSIONS: Midazolam alone and the midazolam-ketamine combination administered subcutaneously resulted in a safe and efficient pharmacological method for providing moderate sedation to non-cooperative pediatric patients undergoing dental treatment.