A randomized comparison between midazolam and thiopental for elective cesarean section anesthesia: II. Neonates.

In a randomized blind trial, the general condition of 40 neonates was assessed following midazolam- or thiopental-based general anesthesia for elective cesarean section. Among 19 neonatal neurobehavioral observations and tests, statistically significant differences between the midazolam and the thiopental groups were rare. However, a statistically significant interaction with regard to body temperature, general body tone, and arm recoil was observed where results were inferior for midazolam, although only within the first 2 hours. It was concluded that midazolam is as safe as thiopental for the induction and maintenance of elective cesarean section anesthesia in neonates.