The Effect of Midazolam on Decreasing the Duration of Intussusception Hydrostatic Reduction in Children

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The use of sedative medications may be effective in the success and facilitation of the intussusception non-surgical treatment. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the effect of midazolam on decreasing the duration of intussusception hydrostatic reduction in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a double-blind clinical trial, 32 children were diagnosed with ileocolic intussusception based on sonographic findings, were studied and randomly divided into two groups. After obtaining written informed consent from the parents, 5 minutes before reduction, an intravenous Midazolam at the concentration of 1.0 mg/kg (up to 3 mg) was infused, and then barium reduction was performed under fluoroscopy guideline. In the control group, sterile water was injected as placebo and the remaining reduction steps were performed compared with the experiment group. RESULTS: Of 16 patients that received Midazolam, 15 patients demonstrated successful reduction; and of 16 patients that received distilled water, only 11 patients showed successful reduction (P=0.07). The mean duration of a successful reduction in the Midazolam group and placebo was 34.8±11.35 and 32.73±19.2 min, respectively (P=0.733). CONCLUSIONS: The use of Midazolam as a benzodiazepine with known sedative and muscle relaxant effects can increase the success rate of enema reduction in intussusception.