Administering sedative preoperatively deemed safe for older patients

Editor's Note

Researchers conducted the largest randomized study to date on use of the sedative midazolam in older patients, a drug sometimes used to calm patients prior to surgery. The results were published in JAMA Surgery on December 20. Highlights include:

• The study involved nine German hospitals and included more than 600 participants between 65 and 80 years old who were about to undergo elective surgery with at least 30 minutes of general anesthesia. 
• Approximately half of the participants received a low dose of midazolam; the other half received placebos.
• The day after the operation, patients were given an evaluation and they continued to be monitored for any adverse effects for a month. 
• Researchers found that there was no difference in patient safety between the midazolam group and the placebo group. 

The findings indicate that a low-dose of midazolam may be administered to older patients before surgery or with anxiety without concerns about adverse effects.