Comparison of midazolam with or without fentanyl for conscious sedation and hemodynamics in coronary angiography

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare the hemodynamic and sedative effects of midazolam - with or without fentanyl combination - with placebo in coronary angiography, DESIGN: Prospective, double-blind, randomized study. SETTING: University medical centre. PATIENTS: All patients undergoing coronary angiography. INTERVENTIONS: Demographic data, hemodynamic variables, sedation and anxiety scores, amnesia, patient and cardiologist satisfaction, and adverse effects were evaluated and compared among coronary angiography patients taking midazolam, midazolam and fentanyl, or placebo before the procedure. MAIN RESULTS: Ninety patients scheduled for coronary angiography were randomly assigned into three groups: a midazolam-placebo group (group MP), a midazolam-fentanyl group (group MF) and a placebo group (group P). Hemodynamic stability was better in each sedation group (groups MP and MF) than in group P. Sedation scores, anxiolysis, and patient and cardiologist satisfaction were not different between the sedation groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both techniques of conscious sedation - midazolam and midazolam with fentanyl - are satisfactory for coronary angiography where hemodynamic stability and patient cooperation are required. In such procedures, local anesthesia without sedation may lead to hypertension and increase overall morbidity.