Comparison of Effects of Dexmedetomidine and Midazolam on Sevoflurane-related Emergence Agitation in Children

Objective To compare the effects of dexmedetomidine and midazolam on sevoflurane-related emergence agitation in children.Methods Sixty ASAⅠ-Ⅱchildren aged 3to 10years who received strabismus surgery were randomly divided into normal saline group(group C), dexmedetomidine group(group D)and midazolam group(group M),with 20children in each group.The sevoflurane was used for anesthesia induction and maintenance in all patients.In addition,group C,D and M were intravenously injected with the same volume of normal saline, dexmedetomidine(0.5μg·kg-1)and midazolam(0.05mg·kg-1)10minutes before the end of surgery,respectively.The time to extubation and duration of PACU stay were recorded in the periextubation period.Postoperative emergence agitation was assessed with the Watcha and PAED scales.Results Compared with group C,emergence agitation score decreased and extubation time increased in group D and group M(P0.05).Compared with group D,emergence agitation score and duration of PACU stay increased in group M(P0.05).There were no significant differences in the duration of PACU stay between group C and group D,as well as in the time to extubation between group D and group M(P0.05).Conclusion Dexmedetomidine(0.5μg· kg-1)administered 10minutes before the end of surgery is superior to midazolam(0.05mg· kg-1)for reducing sevoflurane-related emergence agitation and duration of PACU stay.