276 - Comparing Oral Midazolam Dosages for Pediatric Dental Sedation

Comparing Oral Midazolam Dosages for Pediatric Dental Sedation

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of two oral midazolam dosages (0.5 mg/kg and 0.6 mg/kg) for pediatric dental sedation.

Methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients aged 4–7 years who underwent oral sedation for dental treatment at a tertiary medical center. Group 1 received 0.5 mg/kg midazolam with 1 mg/kg hydroxyzine, while Group 2 received 0.6 mg/kg midazolam with 1 mg/kg hydroxyzine. All patients also received nitrous oxide and local anesthesia. Sedation effectiveness was evaluated using the Frankl and Houpt Behavior Rating Scales, along with intra-procedural physiological parameters.

Results: A total of 114 patients were included (52 in the 0.5 mg/kg group and 62 in the 0.6 mg/kg group). There were no significant differences in age or gender between groups. Behavioral outcomes showed a trend toward improved cooperation in the higher-dose group. Median Frankl scores were 2 in the 0.5 mg/kg group and 3 in the 0.6 mg/kg group, and median Houpt scores were 4 and 5, respectively. These differences were not statistically significant. Treatment success rates were 71% for the 0.5 mg/kg group and 82% for the 0.6 mg/kg group. Intra-procedural vital signs were comparable between groups, with no clinically significant differences in heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, or blood pressure.

Conclusion: Both oral midazolam dosing regimens demonstrated comparable effectiveness and safety for pediatric dental sedation. Although the 0.6 mg/kg dose showed a trend toward improved behavioral outcomes and treatment success, differences were not statistically significant, supporting the use of either regimen in clinical practice.