Comparison of intranasal nebulized remimazolam versus esketamine for preoperative sedation in pediatric patients
10.3760/cma.j.cn131073-20250205-00712
- VernacularTitle:鼻内雾化瑞马唑仑与艾司氯胺酮用于患儿术前镇静效果的比较
- Author:
Meichao WU
1
;
Fangfang YANG
1
;
Jingwen LI
1
;
Liang ZHAO
1
;
Dongfeng LIANG
1
Author Information
1. 阜阳市人民医院麻醉科，阜阳 236000
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Benzodiazepines;
Ketamine;
Conscious sedation;
Preoperative care;
Child
- From:
Chinese Journal of Anesthesiology
2025;45(7):846-851
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective:To compare the efficacy of intranasal nebulized remimazolam versus esketamine for preoperative sedation in pediatric patients.Methods:In this randomized double-blind controlled trial, 90 pediatric patients scheduled for elective surgery with general anesthesia at Fuyang People′s Hospital between October 2024 and January 2025, were divided into 3 groups ( n=30 each) using a simple randomization: remimazolam group (group R), esketamine group (group S) and normal saline group (group C). Group R received intranasal nebulization of remimazolam 1.5 mg/kg, group S received intranasal nebulization of esketamine 1 mg/kg, and group C received intranasal nebulization of normal saline 0.05 ml/kg. Primary outcome: The preoperative anxiety was assessed using the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale before intranasal drug administration (baseline), at 10 and 20 min after administration, and before anesthesia induction. Secondary outcomes included sedation level (Ramsay Sedation Scale score), satisfaction with intranasal administration acceptance, parental separation anxiety and mask acceptance, development of emergence agitation, emergence time, time of recovery from anesthesia, and nausea and vomiting and increased secretions. Results:Compared to group C, the incidence of anxiety was significantly decreased at 10 and 20 min after intranasal nebulization and before anesthesia induction, the level of sedation was deepened (to light sedation), and the satisfaction with intranasal administration acceptance was decreased in group R ( P<0.017), the incidence of anxiety was significantly decreased before anesthesia induction, the level of sedation was deepened (to deep sedation), and the satisfaction with intranasal administration acceptance was increased in group S ( P<0.017), and the satisfaction with parental separation anxiety and mask acceptance and anesthesiologists′ satisfaction were significantly increased in R and S groups( P<0.017). Compared to group R, the incidence of anxiety was significantly increased at 10 min after intranasal nebulization (7 cases [23%] versus 20 cases [67%]), the level of sedation was lighter at 10 min after intranasal nebulization, the level of sedation was deeper, and the satisfaction with intranasal administration acceptance was increased in group S ( P<0.017). Compared to groups C and R, the emergence time and time of recovery from anesthesia were significantly prolonged in group S ( P<0.017). There was no significant difference in the incidence of emergence agitation, nausea and vomiting and increased secretions or in parental satisfaction among three groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:Both intranasal nebulized remimazolam and esketamine can produce good preoperative sedation in pediatric patients. Compared to esketamine, remimazolam provides a more appropriate level of sedation with a faster onset and does not prolong the recovery from anesthesia, making it more suitable for preoperative sedation in minor procedures.
