Immediate retrograde amnesia induced by midazolam: A prospective, non‐randomised cohort study

Background Midazolam, a short‐acting benzodiazepine, has sedative, anxiolytic, amnestic and anticonvulsant effects. Given its advantages of rapid onset, short duration and low toxicity, midazolam is optimal for any procedural sedation. Midazolam is known to cause anterograde amnesia; however, the possibility of retrograde amnesia has also been raised. This prospective cohort, non‐randomised study evaluated the presence and extent of retrograde amnesia induced by midazolam during caesarean delivery. Methods One hundred parturients scheduled for elective caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia were enrolled. As soon as giving birth, six picture cards were shown to the patients in 1‐min intervals, and then midazolam (0.1 mg/kg) was given or not according to the patients’ preference. This overall retrograde recall rate of six cards was the primary outcome of our study, which was asked by a blinded investigator. Results The overall retrograde card recall rate was lower in the midazolam group compared with the control group (77.0 ± 13.4 vs. 87.7 ± 3.9%, P