Comparison of Pregabalin and Midazolam as Premedication in Children Undergoing General Anesthesia for Dental Treatment

Abstract

Background: Pediatric dentists employ both pharmacological and non-pharmacological behavior control methods. Despite the use of behavioral control techniques, some young children cannot undergo treatment in the office, making sedation or general anesthesia necessary. Premedication drugs can be used before general anesthesia to reduce anxiety, control pain, induce amnesia, prevent nausea, and avert potential complications. The search for the ideal premedication for children is ongoing. Objectives: This study aims to compare the effects of pregabalin and midazolam (MID) in children undergoing dental treatment under general anesthesia. Methods: This prospective, triple-blind study included 64 children aged 2 - 6 years who required dental treatment under general anesthesia. Participants who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. One group of children received pregabalin syrup, while the other group received MID syrup. The comfort of the child during separation from the parents, ease of venous access, and degree of sedation upon entering the operating room were evaluated. Blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen levels were measured at baseline and every 30 minutes thereafter. Additionally, the duration of the patient's stay in recovery until discharge was recorded and compared between the two groups. Statistical analyses were performed using chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, Fisher's exact test, and SPSS version 14 software. Results: No statistically significant differences were found between premedication with MID and pregabalin in terms of anxiety during venous access, parental separation anxiety, restlessness in recovery, duration of recovery stay, or changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels between the two groups. However, a statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding the degree of sedation before entering the operating room. Conclusions: Both pregabalin and MID were effective for premedication in terms of sedation and anxiety reduction, with no significant difference between the two drugs in these outcomes.