The Use of Midazolam and Remifentanil During Dialysis Access Procedures

The midazolam was prepared as 5 mg midazolam in 20 mL syringe of 5% dextrose water solution (0.25 mg/mL) in both arms. Both groups of patients received an intravenous bolus dose of midazolam was administered before the start of the surgery. In Group 1, continuous infusion of intravenous midazolam was started and in Group 2, intravenous bolus doses of midazolam were administered. The doses were adjusted depending on pain level and sedation level using appropriate scales for monitoring during the surgical time period. The drip rate was adjusted according to pain intensity. The infusion of drugs was discontinued at the end of the procedure.

A remifentanil infusion was prepared as follows; 0.5 mg remifentanil was added into 100 mL of 0.9% saline at a concentration of 5 μg/mL. The preparation of remifentanil solution and installation of the device was done by an anesthesiologist who was blinded for the study groups. The dose and number of patients that required remifentanil were recorded. The infusion of drugs was discontinued at the end of the procedure. A rescue medication of intravenous remifentanil bolus dose was used as 1 to 3 mL (5 μg or 15 μg) every 5 minutes if necessary for pain scores greater than 3. This infusion was prepared prior to the use during the study and was discontinued at the end of the procedure.