Clinical Evaluation of Oral Midazolam Containing Cyclodextrin in Pediatric Magnetic Resonance: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Background: Reducing a child's level of anxiety before magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) procedures allows for better behavioral outcomes. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate anxiolytic efficacy of Midazolam/gamma-cyclodextrin oral formulation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 100 medical charts of children who, between 1 February and 31 July 2022, underwent MRI under general anesthesia with or without premedication with midazolam/gamma-cyclodextrin. Primary outcome was comparison of behavior to facemask positioning, while secondary endpoints were degree of drugs acceptance, anxiolytic effect evaluation, child's behavior on separation, and sevoflurane need. Results: Facemask positioning was accepted by 58% of the midazolam/gamma-cyclodextrin group compared to 22% of children in the control group. The rate of acceptance was >90%. At the moment of separation from parent, none of the premedicated children needed to be restrained compared to 18% in the control group. A lower percentage of sevoflurane was needed for eye-closure at induction of anesthesia and for anesthesia maintenance. At emergence from anesthesia, 46% of children in the premedicated group compared to 66% of children in the control group showed transient agitation. Conclusions: Midazolam/gamma-cyclodextrin showed a good profile of acceptance, satisfactory anxiolytic properties, and reduced need for anesthetics when administered to children before MRI under general anesthesia.