[Is there a risk of global respiratory insufficiency with the use of intramuscular midazolam as premedication for bronchoscopy?].

To determine whether midazolam i.m. as premedication for bronchoscopy involves a risk of overall respiratory failure, we compared hydrocodonum (15 mg i.m.) with midazolam (5-7.5 mg i.m., weight related) as premedication in flexible bronchoscopy in two groups of 30 patients. The two groups were comparable. Arterial blood gases were measured before premedication, before bronchoscopy, and 10 and 60 minutes after the procedure. Significant respiratory depression did not occur in either group. Side effects were rare and similar. Confusional states, as reported with midazolam given orally, were not noted. Midazolam administered as reported above is of value as premedication in flexible bronchoscopy.