Comparison of two techniques of patient-controlled sedation with midazolam

Objective: To compare patient-controlled sedation with l-mg increments of m idazolam at 1-min intervals with 0.1-mg increments of midazolam without a l ock-out interval. Design: Randomized cross over study Subjects: 32 patients aged 17-35 years having third molars removed, Results: Doses of midazolam obtained, degree of sedation and operating conditions were similar in the t wo groups. The demands far exceeded the increments actually received by pat ients obtaining 0.1-mg increments. Some were extremely sedated with both te chniques. Conclusions: In this age group, there were no significant advanta ges or disadvantages of one technique over the other. Patients obtained the degree of sedation they required to undergo the operation by pressing the button independently of the dose or incremental interval. So-called 'true' patient-controlled sedation is a misnomer, The cut-off interval proved to b e an extremely important safety feature.