The use and safety of intramuscular midazolam during in-office botulinum toxin injections in pediatric patients

Abstract

PURPOSE: Pediatric outpatient procedures can be traumatic experiences for patients. This retrospective study, evaluates intramuscular midazolam as a safe option for anxiolysis during spasticity management injections. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart review of 72 patients from a Tertiary Pediatric Hospital Outpatient Clinic. One hundred and twenty injections were administered over two years by a single practitioner. Comorbidities included asthma, sleep apnea, chronic obstructive disease, and epilepsy. Duration of sedation, safety of midazolam as determined through the use of the REACT (Respiration, Energy, Alertness, Circulation, Temperature) score, and frequency of side effects (prolonged sedation, breakthrough crying, medication reversal, and emergent evaluation) were recorded. A student’s t test evaluated the relationship between the above comorbidities and duration of sedation. RESULTS: The average duration of sedation was 29 minutes (95% CI 26.51–31.35) with an average dose of midazolam of 0.20 mg/kg (95% CI 0.9–0.21). None of the subjects required medication reversal or emergent evaluation. 39% of the patients had prolonged sedation (> 30 minutes after medication administration), 22% had breakthrough crying, and 0% had respiratory events requiring oxygen, intubation or an emergency evaluation. No statistical significance found between the comorbidities and duration of sedation. CONCLUSION: Intramuscular midazolam is a possible effective anxiolytic medication strategy for outpatient pediatric injections. Additional studies are needed to ensure its safety and efficacy.