Effects of sedation during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy on arterial oxygen saturation.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Determination of optimal administered sedatives during endoscopy is vital and necessary for the minimization of their side effects. This study was designed to see the effect of sedation on endoscopy induced arterial oxygen desaturation and determination of sedatives safety during gastrointestinal endoscopy.

METHODOLOGY

In this controlled clinical trial, 90 consecutive patients scheduled for diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were categorized into 2 groups (45 in each group). The patients in the first group were sedated with midazolam 0.1 mg/kg, propofol 1 mg/kg and fentanyl 1 microg/kg intravenously, while the patients in the second group received saline as a placebo. In both groups, blood pressure, heart rate, and arterial oxygen saturation were measured before and one minute after endoscopy, and compared.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in arterial O2 saturation (p = 0.142) and heart rate (p = 0.154) between the two groups, one minute after endoscopy. Both systolic and diastolic blood pressures were higher in non-sedated group (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Concomitant administration of midazolam, propofol, and fentanyl do not cause arterial desaturation, however, it can lead to blood pressure changes one minute after the beginning of endoscopy.