Midazolam used to sedate children for intubation linked to PTSS: Study

Recent findings of a new study, published in Australian Critical Care, showed elevated posttraumatic stress symptoms evident in 24 per cent of children during the 12 months after hospital discharge and most likely for children treated with midazolam therapy.Midazolam is used to sedate children when they need lifesaving treatments like intubation, but the long-term side effects of using this...
Recent findings of a new study, published in Australian Critical Care, showed elevated posttraumatic stress symptoms evident in 24 per cent of children during the 12 months after hospital discharge and most likely for children treated with midazolam therapy.
Midazolam is used to sedate children when they need lifesaving treatments like intubation, but the long-term side effects of using this drug have not been previously explored in children.
Longitudinal study confirms a link between midazolam and elevated posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in some children.
- Children exposed to midazolam were almost four times more likely to have elevated PTSS.
- PTSS can included nightmares, difficulty sleeping, reliving the event in thought and play, angry outbursts and ongoing fear or sadness.
- Study raises awareness of potential adverse effects and need for early interventions for at-risk children.
https://www.australiancriticalcare.com/article/S1036-7314(21)00095-3/fulltext