Nebulized Lidocaine and Intranasal Midazolam for Reducing Pain/Anxiety of Nasogastric Tube Insertion in Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion is commonly performed in the emergency department (ED) which can cause some pain/anxiety [Shih S and Rosen P, 2018]. The pain/discomfort related to NGT insertion comes from anxiety, gagging and sensitivity of nasopharynx and oropharynx [Tapiawala SN et al, 2008]. Success rate depends on cooperation, which limits order for nasogastric tube insertion in most patients especially in non-pediatric hospitals.

The pain and anxiety associated with such procedures in kids is a source of noxious stimuli to the nervous system. Not only does pain have a negative impact on neurological development, but children whose pain has not been adequately treated in infancy or early childhood reported lower pain thresholds as adolescents and adults [Ruda M.A.et al, 2000]. If not addressed, this pain can lead to distress for children, their parents and those performing the procedures, preprocedural anxiety in the future and can result in negative long-term emotional outcomes [Blount R.L et al,2006; Brewer S.G. et al, 2006].

Nebulized 2% lidocaine at doses of 4 and 8 mg/kg has shown to be safe in infants and children, with all blood levels obtained were well below the toxic range [Gjonaj S et al, 1997]. Nebulized lidocaine in doses up to 8 mg/kg appears to be safe and gave statistically significant reduction in pain score when used before flexible bronchoscopy [Gjonaj S et al, 1997]. Nebulized/intranasal lidocaine did not seem to be of benefit when used alone in the two previous trials for NGT insertion in children [Babl FE et al,2009; Craig SS et al, 2019]. On the other hand it greatly reduced discomfort associated with NG tube in adult population [Cullen L et al, 2004]. This might be explained by the anxiety and lack of cooperation, especially in young kids, which might limit the validity of pain score during the whole procedure.

Midazolam has a controlled sedation with a quicker recovery time. The safety and tolerability profile of midazolam in pediatric patients is comparable/superior to that observed in adults [Pacifici GM, 2014]. Midazolam is a GABA receptor agonist providing anxiolysis for procedures in pediatric population. Midazolam has been shown to be safe and effective for use in children [Wilton NC et al,1988; Theroux MC et al, 1993]. Intranasal midazolam has shown improvements with anxiety and crying, as well as need for restraint [Theroux MC et al, 1993]. Midazolam anxiolysis has been tried in pediatrics and ordered as nebulization, found to have a plasma concentration bioavailability which is comparable to the intranasal midazolam by the ratio (nebulized:nasal) of 1:2.9. [McCormick AS et al, 2008]. Clinically effective serum concentrations of intranasal midazolam can be reached within less than 10 min after nasal application [Knoester PD et al, 2002].

Lidocaine / Midazolam has been commonly used in different procedures in pediatric emergency department; such as urethral catheterization, intravenous cannulation, lumbar puncture with a great safety margin.