Comparison of pre-treatment with low -dose midazolam versus low- dose etomidate for prevention of etomidate induced myoclonus and pain at intubation - A randomized controlled study

Abstract

Background: Etomidate a commonly used induction agent in anesthesia is associated with pain and episodes of myoclonus post induction. This study was designed to evaluate and compare Midazolam and low dose of Etomidate in prevention of these symptoms on injection. Methods: This prospective randomized controlled study was conducted on 90 patients allocated to three study groups. Group 1 patients received 0.015 mg/kg of Midazolam i/v diluted to 5 ml in normal saline, Group II received 0.03 mg/kg of Etomidate i/v diluted to 5 ml in normal saline and Group III received 5 ml normal saline intravenously as premedication. Five minutes after receiving the study drugs, patient was preoxygenated with 100% oxygen for 3 min along with anesthesia induction with 0.3 mg/kg etomidate injected intravenously over the period of 20-30 sec. The patients were observed for etomidate induced myoclonus and pain. Results: The incidence of myoclonus in Group II was least with 46.67% having no myoclonus as compared to group I and III where Majority of patients had grade 3 myoclonus (50%; Group I) and (46.67%; Group III). There was statistical difference between the groups in terms of myoclonus grading. Further, there was statistical difference between the groups in pain score with majority of group 1 patients having grade 3 (severe pain = 46.67%) pain and group 3 patients with 43.3% having severe pain. Group 2 on the contrary majorly reported no pain (46.6%). Conclusions: The current study indicated pre induction of etomidate in low dose as an effective strategy in prevention of EIM as compared to Midazolam.