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Pediatric Dentistry Supporting Your Practice

Are there side effects of intravenous midazolam sedation when used in paediatric dentistry? A review

Young boy at dentistThis summary is based on the article published in International Journal of Pediatric Dentistry: Reported side effects of intravenous midazolam sedation when used in pediatric dentistry: a review (May 2015)

Arathi Papineni Mcintosh, Paul Francis Ashley and Liege Lourenco-Matharu

 

Context

Intravenous (IV) midazolam may be of value as an alternative pediatric dental sedation technique, but there is some apprehension concerning its routine use due to a lack of evidence regarding its safety and side effects.

Purpose of the Review

To review all available literature reporting the side effects of IV midazolam in children undergoing dental procedures.

Key Findings

  • There is a lack of available scientific evidence concerning the safety and side effects of IV midazolam sedation when used in children needing dental treatment.
  • This review reveals that no significant side effects of IV midazolam have been reported in the 11 studies reviewed. Minor side effects were recorded, with paradoxical reactions being the most frequently reported side effect.
  • The review reveals an inconsistency in the reporting of adverse effects and calls for a more standardized adverse event reporting system.

References

List of references (PDF)

 

2 Comments

  1. Alan Milnes August 24, 2015

    Midazolam is now the most widely used sedative in pediatrics. Why would the authors think that there is anything special about dental treatment? If they took the time to look outside of dentistry they would find numerous publications in the pediatric MEDICAL and NURSING literature supporting the use of midazolam as a pediatric sedative. Yes, this drug has significant limitations. But, in the right situation it can make a difficult procedure much more acceptable to a child. As for reporting adverse events, there are at least TWO large international databases, the Pediatric Sedation Research Consortium and the Society for Intravenous Anesthesia which are collecting data on pediatric sedations including adverse events using standardized definitions from which dentistry is by and large absent despite repeated invitations to participate. Our profession needs to stop navel gazing and needs to begin partnering and participating with our medical brethern for the betterment of pediatric health care.

    Reply
  2. Anonymous August 26, 2015

    I am aware that oral midazolam is recommended by some for pediatric sedation also. Are there any differences or recommendations regarding the use of oral midazolam for pediatric sedation from a safety perspective?

    Reply

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