Radial graph of mean scores in all cases of 3 groups.

Plotted markers indicate mean score values of all cases in each group. High scores are revealed for clenching in groups A2 and R, and for head or extremity movements in group R. One case in the A1 group was judged ineffective as the patient could not be awaked by calling her name or shaking her shoulders for about 1 hour after the injection. Other cases in group A1 almost achieved a satisfactory sedative condition. In group A2, a higher dose was necessary for control of jaw movements, but it made airway maintenance more difficult. In the R group, the score related to the airway was zero in all cases. Although the patients of this group were administered a higher dose of flunitrazepam than the other groups, the dose was not enough for control of resistant behavior.

Radial graph of mean scores in effective cases of 3 groups.

Plotted markers indicate mean score values of effective cases in each group. In groups A1 and A2, almost all difficulties were relieved, but we must pay attention to airway management, especially in off patients in the A2 group who were administered a high dose of flunitrazepam. Values for coughing by aspiration are the same in groups A1 and A2. By contrast, in group R, clenching and uncooperative behavior were still observed, but the score related to the airway was zero in all cases.