Is Age a Risk Factor for Failed Sedation?

Background: The success of pediatric procedural sedation can be affected by drug regimen and patient characteristics. Objective: To evaluate the sedative effect and safety of the combination of intranasal dexmedetomidine with oral midazolam in children of different age groups. Design: Retrospective study conducted in China. Participants: Children aged 0 to 12 years who received 2 μg/kg of intranasal dexmedetomidine in combination with 0.5 mg/kg of oral midazolam. Methods: Children were stratified into 4 age groups: 0 to 1 year (infant), 1 to 3 years (toddler), 3 to 6 years (preschool), and 6 to 12 years (school age). The depth of sedation was assessed using the Modified Observer’s Assessment of Alertness and Sedation score, and patients were monitored appropriately. Procedures included diagnostic imaging such as MRI, and if the patient became uncooperative, propofol was administered as a rescue sedation. Results: 3149 cases met criteria (38.2% were girls), of which 1043 were more...