Impact of Sedative and Anxiolytic Medication on Children's Experience After Anesthesia

" Effect of Sedative and Anxiolytic Premedication on Children Experience After General Anesthesia " The pediaPREM Study.

Phase 3 Interventional University Hospital, Montpellier · NCT05681572

This study is testing if giving kids aged 7 to 18 a sedative before surgery can help reduce their anxiety and improve their recovery after anesthesia compared to a placebo.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages7 Years to 18 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Montpellier Academic / other
Locations1 site (Montpellier)
Trial IDNCT05681572 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of sedative and anxiolytic premedication on the perioperative experiences of children aged 7 to 18 undergoing general anesthesia for surgery. It aims to determine whether pharmacologic premedication, specifically midazolam or dexmedetomidine, can reduce anxiety and improve postoperative outcomes compared to a placebo. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the medication or placebo, and their experiences will be assessed using self-report questionnaires. The study addresses a gap in existing research regarding older children and the efficacy of premedication.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are children aged 7 to 18 who are scheduled for surgery requiring general anesthesia and can complete a self-questionnaire in French.

Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing anxiety disorders, cognitive impairments, or those on psychotropic medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved perioperative experiences for children undergoing surgery, reducing anxiety and postoperative complications.

How similar studies have performed: While studies have shown benefits of premedication in younger children, this approach in older children is less explored, making this study a novel investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subject over 7 and under 18 years of age
* Subjects who are scheduled for surgery
* Subject who will be under general anesthesia
* Subject able to complete a self-questionnaire in French

Exclusion Criteria:

* Subject who has already participated in the pediaPREM study
* Subject with a treated anxiety disorder
* Subject with cognitive disorders
* Subject suffering from chronic pain (outside the operated area)
* Subject with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) with or without hyperactivity, with or without treatment
* Subject suffering from mental retardation
* Subjects receiving psychotropic treatment
* Subject whose intervention could reduce the ability to complete a self-questionnaire (neurosurgery etc.)
* Subject with a contra-indication to midazolam and its excipients
* Subject with a contra-indication to dexmedetomidine and its excipients
* Subjects who need to receive intravenous alpha agonist in perioperative
* Subjects requiring emergency intervention
* Subjects requiring preoperative hypnosis
* Subject who needs general anesthesia for diagnostic purposes (biopsy, etc...)
* Subject having had a surgical intervention in the month preceding the inclusion.
* Subject who will have an iterative surgical intervention within 15 days (removal of material, burns etc...)
* Subjects who are scheduled for surgery as part of oncology management
* Pregnant or breastfeeding woman
* Subject whose two parents have not signed a written informed consent
* Subjects who are not affiliated with or benefiting from a social security plan

Where this trial is running

Montpellier

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Anesthesiachildren premedicationanesthesiachildren perioperative experienceanxietysedation
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.