A comparison of transcutaneous PO2 in patients sedated with diazepam-fentanyl or midazolam-fentanyl.

Fifty oral and maxillofacial surgery patients undergoing outpatient surgical removal of third molars under intravenous conscious sedation comprised the study group. All patients received 1 microgram/kg of fentanyl prior to receiving either diazepam or midazolam. The results show no statistically significant differences in blood pressure or pulse over time between the two groups, nor was there a statistically significant difference between the transcutaneous PO2 responses of the groups. However, a statistically significant time effect as well as a group by time interaction was present. Both groups show respiratory depression at the 8- and 10-minute time intervals. The use of supplemental oxygen and monitoring of respiration is recommended with the use of these drug combinations.