Sevoflurarte is a volatile anaesthetic agent with low pungency, nonirritating odor, and low blood/gas partition coefficient that makes it an attractive alternative to halotharte. However, a high incidence of emergence agitation (EA) has been reported in paediatric patients after sevoflurarte anaesthesia. The underlying mechanism of sevoflurane-induced EA remains unclear. Rapid recovery of consciousness (emergence) from sevoflurane anaesthesia has been proposed as one possible mechanism. It was, therefore, hypothesized that sedatives such as midazolam may counteract sevofiurane's rapid emergence and thus reduce the incidence and the severity of sevoflurarte-induced EA. This prospective, controlled, single-blinded study included 88 ASA class I or II paediatric patients scheduled for elective outpatient surgery. Patients were assigned to receive either oral mirlawlam (0.2 mg kg-__ as anaesthetic premedication) or saline (oral normal saline as premedication) before the conduct of anaesthesia. Induction and maintenance of anaesthesia were uniform in both groups. Induction of anaesthesia was Inarie possible with 8% sevoflurane and N20 in 50% 02. Intubation was performed straight without the aid of muscle relaxant and the ventilator was set to maintain normocapnia. Anaesthesia was maintained with 3% sevoflurane and N20 in 50% 02 until the surgery was over. All matters of relevant time periods were recorded (induction, surgical procedure, |
