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Pharmacological therapy for analgesia and sedation in the newborn
  1. K J S Anand,
  2. R W Hall
  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
  1. Correspondence to:
    K J S Anand
    Arkansas Children’s Hospital, 800 Marshall Street, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA;anandsunny{at}exchange.uams.edu

Abstract

Rapid advances have been made in the use of pharmacological analgesia and sedation for newborns requiring neonatal intensive care. Practical considerations for the use of systemic analgesics (opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, other drugs), local and topical anaesthetics, and sedative or anaesthetic agents (benzodiazepines, barbiturates, other drugs) are summarised using an evidence-based medicine approach, while avoiding mention of the underlying basic physiology or pharmacology. These developments have inspired more humane approaches to neonatal intensive care. Despite these advances, little is known about the clinical effectiveness, immediate toxicity, effects on special patient populations, or long-term effects after neonatal exposure to analgesics or sedatives. The desired or adverse effects of drug combinations, interactions with non-pharmacological interventions or use for specific conditions also remain unknown. Despite the huge gaps in our knowledge, preliminary evidence for the use of neonatal analgesia and sedation is available, but must be combined with a clear definition of clinical goals, continuous physiological monitoring, evaluation of side effects or tolerance, and consideration of long-term clinical outcomes.

  • IVH, intraventricular haemorrhage
  • NSAID, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
  • PVL, periventricular leucomalacia
  • RCT, randomised controlled trial

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Footnotes

  • Funding: This study was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NICHD, U10 HD50009; NCRR, 1P20 RR018765, 2P20 RR016460).

  • Competing interests: None.

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