Evaluate the efficacy of intravenous sedation using dexmedetomidine in comparison with combination ketamine and midazolam in children with Down syndrome during dental treatment.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous sedation using dexmedetomidine in comparison with combination ketamine and  midazolam in uncooperative children with Down syndrome during dental treatment.

Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 20 children with Down syndrome aged 5 to 11 years who were divided equally into two groups: Group (1)  intravenous dexmedetomidine with a loading dose of 6 μg/kg body weight (b.w.), which was followed by 0.2 μg/kg b.w./h via continuous infusion and Group  (2) intravenous ketamine 1 mg/kg b.w and midazolam 0.1  mg/kg b.w . The efficacy of both methods was evaluated according to Ohio State University OSUBRS behavioral rating scale, University of Michigan scale UMSS and Houpt general behavior scale.

 Results: Both methods sedation  have been effective in the management of children with Down syndrome. There were no statistically significant differences for Ohio State University OSUBRS behavioral rating scale, University of Michigan scale UMSS (P-value = 0.529) and Houpt general behavior scale (P-value = 0.280).

Conclusion:   Both methods can be used to sedate children with Down syndrome.