Remimazolam for Sedation During Magnetic Resonance Imaging in a Toddler With an Acute COVID-19 Infection

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a global surge in hospitalizations due to pneumonia and respiratory distress. As with other infectious medical conditions, the perioperative care of a patient with an active or recent severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection must address concerns regarding both the healthcare providers and the patient. SARS-CoV-2-positive patients face a higher risk of pulmonary complications and significantly higher rates of mortality, especially in those with preoperative respiratory symptoms. We present the use of the novel benzodiazepine, remimazolam, to provide sedation in a 9-month-old child with a fever of 106 who required sedation and anesthetic care during magnetic resonance imaging following a seizure. The basic pharmacology of remimazolam is discussed, previous reports of its use for procedure sedation are reviewed, and dosing regimens are presented.

Int J Clin Pediatr. 2024;13(3):101-104
doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/ijcp541