Remimazolam for sedation and anesthesia in children: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: Remimazolam, a novel intravenous benzodiazepine recently approved by both the European Medicines Agency and the Food and Drug Agency, shows considerable promise in clinical practice. Its pharmacodynamic profile closely resembles that of midazolam, while its pharmacokinetic properties are similar to those of remifentanil. While research in adult populations continues to accumulate, the pace of pediatric studies is not as significant. This scoping review aims to systematically examine published studies, clinical trials, observational research, case reports, and relevant literature to provide a comprehensive understanding of remimazolam in pediatric sedation and anesthesia. By synthesizing the gathered evidence, we aim to identify gaps in the literature, guide future research endeavors, and inform clinical practices.

Methods: The review follows the guidelines outlined by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis for Scoping Review. A thorough search strategy was implemented across prominent peer-reviewed databases, with focused efforts to identify relevant grey literature. All primary studies involving the use of remimazolam in pediatric populations were included in this review.

Results: Eighteen studies were included in this analysis, comprising 2 randomized controlled trials, 4 prospective cohort trials, 12 case reports, and 692 children in total.

Conclusion: This scoping review highlights the increasing interest in using remimazolam as a sedative or anesthetic for children. Although initial evidence indicates its effectiveness and safety, more research is necessary to fill knowledge gaps, establish standard protocols, and optimize its use in pediatric anesthesia and sedation. Addressing these challenges will enable clinicians to improve the quality of care and outcomes for pediatric patients undergoing sedation and anesthesia.

Keywords: anesthesia; children; remimazolam; sedation.