Objective: Several medications have been used for sedation in children in dentistry and intra-nasal route has been reported to be an efficient way regarding patient cooperation. The aim of the present study was to compare the changes in physiologic parameters following intra-nasal midazolam and ketamine administration.

  Methods: In this randomized cross-over double-blind trial, 17 uncooperative 3-6 years old children requiring at least two dental treatments were selected randomly and received intra-nasal ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) and midazolam (0.2 mg/kg) prior to the treatment using the other drug in the next visit. Physiologic parameters including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate and O₂ saturation were measured and compared during the different time intervals using two way repeated measure ANOVA.

  Results: The patients showed higher blood pressure and heart rate following ketamine administration compared to midazolam (p<0.001). No significant difference was found between the drugs at different time intervals regarding respiratory rate and O₂ saturation. (p> 0.05)

  Conclusion: In spite of significant differences between midazolam and ketamine regarding heart rate and blood pressure, both drugs can b e used as effective sedative medications without treatment interruption in children.

Source: Journal of Dental School Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences

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