Remifentanil for percutaneous intravenous central catheter placement in preterm infant: a randomized controlled trial

Which is the safer option for adult patients between peripherally inserted central catheters and midline catheters: a meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) and midline catheters (MC) are widely used for intravenous infusions in oncology and critically ill patients. However, controversy remains regarding which method is superior. This meta-analysis systematically compares the safety differences between these 2 methods of intravenous catheterization.

METHODS

Eligible studies comparing PICC and MC were identified through searches in 6 databases. Thrombosis is the primary endpoint, while secondary endpoints include other complications, cost, and satisfaction rate.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies with 20,675 patients were analyzed. Based on patient data, the MC group exhibited higher rates of catheter-related superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) (risk ratio [RR]: 0.42 [0.28, 0.64]), infiltrations (RR: 0.27 [0.12, 0.62]), and leaks (RR: 0.16 [0.05, 0.53]). In contrast, the PICC group had more catheter-related bloodstream infections (RR: 1.95 [1.15, 3.32]). Considering catheter days, the MC group showed increased total complications (RR: 0.51 [0.26, 0.99]), catheter-related thrombosis (deep vein thrombosis [DVT]+SVT) (RR: 0.41 [0.18, 0.95]), and leaks (RR: 0.17 [0.05, 0.64]). In the PICC group, the top 3 complications were catheter occlusions (20 per 1,000 catheter days [CDs]), pain (15 per 1,000 CDs), and phlebitis (11 per 1,000 CDs); for the MC group, they were leaks (33 per 1,000 CDs), premature removals (22 per 1,000 CDs), and catheter-related DVT (22 per 1,000 CDs). Additionally, the PICC group had higher dissatisfaction rates (RR: 4.77 [2.33, 9.77]) and increased costs.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to MC, PICC appears to be a safer intravenous catheterization option for adult patients, exhibiting fewer complications. However, the higher associated costs and lower satisfaction rates of PICC warrant serious attention.

Prospective case series study on the use of a novel analgosedation protocol for ultrasound-guided catheterization in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Critically ill newborns admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit often require a centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs) inserted by ultrasound-guided puncture of the internal jugular or brachio-cephalic vein. Achieving an appropriate level of sedation and analgesia is paramount for procedure success and patient safety, avoiding the potential risks associated with excessive deep sedation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a novel protocol of sedation. Data from 46 patients were prospectively collected. The feasibility was assessed throughout the monitoring of adverse events and the incidence of spontaneous movements. The procedure was completed in 100% of cases. There were no cases of escalation of the baseline ventilatory support despite the procedure and no case of hypotension, and all spontaneous movements were controlled with additional boluses when required.

CONCLUSION

Our study represents the very first step towards the design of a validated protocol for analgosedation during ultrasound-guided CICC insertion in NICU.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Critically ill newborns admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit often require a centrally inserted central catheter. • Achieving an appropriate level of sedation and analgesia is paramount for procedure success and patient safety, avoiding the potential risks associated with excessive deep sedation.

WHAT IS NEW

• The use of this new protocol for analgosedation is able to achieve a good level of sedation and pain control without significant adverse event. • Ultrasound-guided CICC insertion can be performed even in non-ventilated newborns.

Fetal, Preterm, and Term Neonate Exposure to Remifentanil: A Systematic Review of Efficacy and Safety

BACKGROUND

Owing to its pharmacodynamic properties, especially the rapid onset and short duration of its action, the use of remifentanil in obstetric anesthesia, as well as in neonatology, might be increasingly used.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a systematic review to assess the efficacy and safety of remifentanil in preterm and term neonates. Outcomes of interest were neonatal adaptation after fetal exposure; neonatal pain, distress, and discomfort control during invasive procedures; and the occurrence of hemodynamic effects or respiratory depression induced by remifentanil infusion.

METHODS

Given the different contexts of use, we have organized this work into three parts: (A) use of remifentanil for labor or cesarean section, with exposure of the fetus before birth, (B) brief use for neonatal procedural analgesia, and (C) prolonged use for sedation/analgesia of neonates. The bibliographic search was conducted based on keywords using electronic medical databases (DATABASE, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and EMBASE) from 1 January 2000 until 31 December 2022.

RESULTS

Twenty-two articles were included (10 in part A, 5 in part B and 7 in part C). Prospective, controlled, randomized, blinded, and intention-to-treat trials were retained. Neonates were well adapted after exposure to remifentanil in the fetal period. Pain, stress, and discomfort were controlled during a brief or prolonged invasive procedure when remifentanil was used for sedation/analgesia. The physiological parameters were stable and the procedures were straightforward. Chest wall rigidity appeared to be a common side effect, but this can be managed by slow and continuous infusion and by using the minimum effective dose.

CONCLUSIONS

Remifentanil appears to be effective and safe in the short term in preterm and full-term neonates. However, its safety is compromised by the risk of chest wall rigidity. It should be used in appropriate neonatal units and in the presence of physicians able to monitor its side effects. Long-term outcomes have not been evaluated, to our knowledge.

Opioids for procedural pain in neonates

BACKGROUND

Neonates might be exposed to numerous painful procedures due to diagnostic reasons, therapeutic interventions, or surgical procedures. Options for pain management include opioids, non-pharmacological interventions, and other drugs. Morphine, fentanyl, and remifentanil are the opioids most often used in neonates. However, negative impact of opioids on the structure and function of the developing brain has been reported.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of opioids in term or preterm neonates exposed to procedural pain, compared to placebo or no drug, non-pharmacological intervention, other analgesics or sedatives, other opioids, or the same opioid administered by a different route.

SEARCH METHODS

We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was December 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials conducted in preterm and term infants of a postmenstrual age (PMA) up to 46 weeks and 0 days exposed to procedural pain where opioids were compared to 1) placebo or no drug; 2) non-pharmacological intervention; 3) other analgesics or sedatives; 4) other opioids; or 5) the same opioid administered by a different route.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were pain assessed with validated methods and any harms. We used a fixed-effect model with risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous data and mean difference (MD) for continuous data, and their confidence intervals (CI). We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 13 independent studies (enrolling 823 newborn infants): seven studies compared opioids to no treatment or placebo (the main comparison in this review), two studies to oral sweet solution or non-pharmacological intervention, and five studies (of which two were part of the same study) to other analgesics and sedatives. All studies were performed in a hospital setting. Opioids compared to placebo or no drug Compared to placebo, opioids probably reduce pain score assessed with the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP)/PIPP-Revised (PIPP-R) scale during the procedure (MD -2.58, 95% CI -3.12 to -2.03; 199 participants, 3 studies; moderate-certainty evidence); may reduce Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) during the procedure (MD -1.97, 95% CI -2.46 to -1.48; 102 participants, 2 studies; low-certainty evidence); and may result in little to no difference in pain score assessed with the Douleur Aiguë du Nouveau-né (DAN) scale one to two hours after the procedure (MD -0.20, 95% CI -2.21 to 1.81; 42 participants, 1 study; low-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of opioids on pain score assessed with the PIPP/PIPP-R scale up to 30 minutes after the procedure (MD 0.14, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.45; 123 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence) or one to two hours after the procedure (MD -0.83, 95% CI -2.42 to 0.75; 54 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of opioids on episodes of bradycardia (RR 3.19, 95% CI 0.14 to 72.69; 172 participants, 3 studies; very low-certainty evidence). Opioids may result in an increase in episodes of apnea compared to placebo (RR 3.15, 95% CI 1.08 to 9.16; 199 participants, 3 studies; low-certainty evidence): with one study reporting a concerning increase in severe apnea (RR 7.44, 95% CI 0.42 to 132.95; 31 participants, 1 study; very low-certainty). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of opioids on episodes of hypotension (RR not estimable, risk difference 0.00, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.06; 88 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence). No studies reported parent satisfaction with care provided in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Opioids compared to non-pharmacological intervention The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of opioids on pain score assessed with the Crying Requires oxygen Increased vital signs Expression Sleep (CRIES) scale during the procedure when compared to facilitated tucking (MD -4.62, 95% CI -6.38 to -2.86; 100 participants, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence) or sensorial stimulation (MD 0.32, 95% CI -1.13 to 1.77; 100 participants, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence). The other main outcomes were not reported. Opioids compared to other analgesics or sedatives The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of opioids on pain score assessed with the PIPP/PIPP-R during the procedure (MD -0.29, 95% CI -1.58 to 1.01; 124 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence); up to 30 minutes after the procedure (MD -1.10, 95% CI -2.82 to 0.62; 12 participants, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence); and one to two hours after the procedure (MD -0.17, 95% CI -2.22 to 1.88; 12 participants, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence). No studies reported any harms. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of opioids on episodes of apnea during (RR 3.27, 95% CI 0.85 to 12.58; 124 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence) and after the procedure (RR 2.71, 95% CI 0.11 to 64.96; 124 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence) and on hypotension (RR 1.34, 95% CI 0.32 to 5.59; 204 participants, 3 studies; very low-certainty evidence). The other main outcomes were not reported. We identified no studies comparing different opioids (e.g. morphine versus fentanyl) or different routes for administration of the same opioid (e.g. morphine enterally versus morphine intravenously).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Compared to placebo, opioids probably reduce pain score assessed with PIPP/PIPP-R scale during the procedure; may reduce NIPS during the procedure; and may result in little to no difference in DAN one to two hours after the procedure. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of opioids on pain assessed with other pain scores or at different time points. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of opioids on episodes of bradycardia, hypotension or severe apnea. Opioids may result in an increase in episodes of apnea. No studies reported parent satisfaction with care provided in the NICU. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of opioids on any outcome when compared to non-pharmacological interventions or to other analgesics. We identified no studies comparing opioids to other opioids or comparing different routes of administration of the same opioid.

Opioids for procedural pain in neonates

BACKGROUND

Neonates might be exposed to numerous painful procedures due to diagnostic reasons, therapeutic interventions, or surgical procedures. Options for pain management include opioids, non-pharmacological interventions, and other drugs. Morphine, fentanyl, and remifentanil are the opioids most often used in neonates. However, negative impact of opioids on the structure and function of the developing brain has been reported.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of opioids in term or preterm neonates exposed to procedural pain, compared to placebo or no drug, non-pharmacological intervention, other analgesics or sedatives, other opioids, or the same opioid administered by a different route.

SEARCH METHODS

We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was December 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials conducted in preterm and term infants of a postmenstrual age (PMA) up to 46 weeks and 0 days exposed to procedural pain where opioids were compared to 1) placebo or no drug; 2) non-pharmacological intervention; 3) other analgesics or sedatives; 4) other opioids; or 5) the same opioid administered by a different route.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were pain assessed with validated methods and any harms. We used a fixed-effect model with risk ratio (RR) for dichotomous data and mean difference (MD) for continuous data, and their confidence intervals (CI). We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence for each outcome.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 13 independent studies (enrolling 823 newborn infants): seven studies compared opioids to no treatment or placebo (the main comparison in this review), two studies to oral sweet solution or non-pharmacological intervention, and five studies (of which two were part of the same study) to other analgesics and sedatives. All studies were performed in a hospital setting. Opioids compared to placebo or no drug Compared to placebo, opioids probably reduce pain score assessed with the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP)/PIPP-Revised (PIPP-R) scale during the procedure (MD -2.58, 95% CI -3.12 to -2.03; 199 participants, 3 studies; moderate-certainty evidence); may reduce Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) during the procedure (MD -1.97, 95% CI -2.46 to -1.48; 102 participants, 2 studies; low-certainty evidence); and may result in little to no difference in pain score assessed with the Douleur Aiguë du Nouveau-né (DAN) scale one to two hours after the procedure (MD -0.20, 95% CI -2.21 to 1.81; 42 participants, 1 study; low-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of opioids on pain score assessed with the PIPP/PIPP-R scale up to 30 minutes after the procedure (MD 0.14, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.45; 123 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence) or one to two hours after the procedure (MD -0.83, 95% CI -2.42 to 0.75; 54 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence). No studies reported any harms. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of opioids on episodes of bradycardia (RR 3.19, 95% CI 0.14 to 72.69; 172 participants, 3 studies; very low-certainty evidence). Opioids may result in an increase in episodes of apnea compared to placebo (RR 3.15, 95% CI 1.08 to 9.16; 199 participants, 3 studies; low-certainty evidence). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of opioids on episodes of hypotension (RR not estimable, risk difference 0.00, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.06; 88 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence). No studies reported parent satisfaction with care provided in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Opioids compared to non-pharmacological intervention The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of opioids on pain score assessed with the Crying Requires oxygen Increased vital signs Expression Sleep (CRIES) scale during the procedure when compared to facilitated tucking (MD -4.62, 95% CI -6.38 to -2.86; 100 participants, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence) or sensorial stimulation (MD 0.32, 95% CI -1.13 to 1.77; 100 participants, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence). The other main outcomes were not reported. Opioids compared to other analgesics or sedatives The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of opioids on pain score assessed with the PIPP/PIPP-R during the procedure (MD -0.29, 95% CI -1.58 to 1.01; 124 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence); up to 30 minutes after the procedure (MD -1.10, 95% CI -2.82 to 0.62; 12 participants, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence); and one to two hours after the procedure (MD -0.17, 95% CI -2.22 to 1.88; 12 participants, 1 study; very low-certainty evidence). No studies reported any harms. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of opioids on episodes of apnea during (RR 3.27, 95% CI 0.85 to 12.58; 124 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence) and after the procedure (RR 2.71, 95% CI 0.11 to 64.96; 124 participants, 2 studies; very low-certainty evidence) and on hypotension (RR 1.34, 95% CI 0.32 to 5.59; 204 participants, 3 studies; very low-certainty evidence). The other main outcomes were not reported. We identified no studies comparing different opioids (e.g. morphine versus fentanyl) or different routes for administration of the same opioid (e.g. morphine enterally versus morphine intravenously).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Compared to placebo, opioids probably reduce pain score assessed with PIPP/PIPP-R scale during the procedure; may reduce NIPS during the procedure; and may result in little to no difference in DAN one to two hours after the procedure. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of opioids on pain assessed with other pain scores or at different time points. No studies reported if any harms occurred. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of opioids on episodes of bradycardia or hypotension. Opioids may result in an increase in episodes of apnea. No studies reported parent satisfaction with care provided in the NICU. The evidence is very uncertain about the effect of opioids on any outcome when compared to non-pharmacological interventions or to other analgesics. We identified no studies comparing opioids to other opioids or comparing different routes of administration of the same opioid.

Evolving approaches in neonatal postoperative pain management

Neonates experience significant moderate and severe postoperative pain. Effective postoperative pain management in neonates is required to minimize acute and long-term effects of neonatal pain. Protecting the developing nervous system from persistent sensitization of pain pathways and developing primary hyperalgesia is essential. Opioids and acetaminophen are commonly analgesics used for pain control. Regional anesthesia provides adequate intraoperative and postoperative analgesia in neonates. It decreases exposure to opioids, reduces adverse drug effects, and facilitates early extubation. It suppresses the stress response and can prevent long-term behavioral responses to pain. The most common blocks performed in neonates are neuraxial blocks. Using ultrasound increased the number of peripheral nerve blocks performed in neonates. Recently, various peripheral nerve blocks (paravertebral, transverse abdominis plane, rectus sheath, quadratus lumborum, erector spinae plane blocks) were safely used. Many studies support analgesic efficacy but highlight neonates' unpredictability and variability of fascial blocks.

Infant peripherally inserted central catheter insertion without general anesthesia

BACKGROUND

Avoiding anesthesia for infant peripherally inserted central catheter insertion beyond the neonatal period has been the subject of very little research despite this being a high-risk age group. In our institution, we introduced a "Fast, Feed, and Wrap" technique, previously described for magnetic resonance imaging scans, for infants up to 6 months and weighing under 5.5 kg undergoing peripherally inserted central catheter insertion.

AIMS

The aim was to report our experience using "Fast, Feed, and Wrap," in particular the success rate and proportion of qualifying infants who were managed this way.

METHODS

A retrospective study was undertaken using electronic records and case notes to determine patient age, weight, indication for procedure, anesthetic technique (general anesthesia or "Fast, Feed, and Wrap"), peripherally inserted central catheter details (site of insertion, gauge, and number of lumens), and length of procedure.

RESULTS

Fifty-one infants qualified for "Fast, Feed, and Wrap" over a 42-month period, 43 were attempted this way and 40 were successful. All infants were greater than 40 weeks postconceptual age at the time of peripherally inserted central catheter insertion under "Fast, Feed, and Wrap," though 26% were preterm. The average age of babies undergoing "Fast, Feed, and Wrap" was 35 days (IQR 18-55), and the median weight was 3.78 kg (IQR 3.48-4.77).

CONCLUSIONS

Infants younger than 6 months and under 5.5 kg can be managed without general anesthesia for peripherally inserted central catheter insertion using a Fast, Feed, and Wrap technique.

Remifentanil for Procedural Sedation and Analgesia in Central Venous Catheter Insertion: A Randomized, Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

Central venous catheter (CVC) insertion is a common practice for anesthetists, but this invasive procedure generates anxiety and pain in patients that are often underestimated. We compared target-controlled infusion of remifentanil and local lidocaine infiltration with placebo and local lidocaine infiltration to decrease pain scores during CVC placement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We included conscious, adult patients without contraindication to remifentanil or lidocaine. We excluded pregnant women, emergency situations, and opioid abuse. Patients requiring CVC were randomly assigned, using computer-generated allocation numbers stored in sealed envelopes, to receive target-controlled infusion of remifentanil or placebo-all patients received local anesthesia with lidocaine. All patients were hospitalized in a recovery room or intensive care unit, monitored, and received 4 L/min of oxygen.The primary outcome was global pain (Verbal Numeric Rating Pain Scale) during the procedure. Secondary outcomes were pain perceived at every stage of the procedure, anxiety, patient satisfaction, operational ease, and side effects.

RESULTS

In this double-blind study, we included 90 patients (split into 2 groups of 45 patients). Global pain was significantly reduced in the remifentanil group: 20 of 100 (95% confidence interval, 16-40) versus 50 of 100 (95% confidence interval, 40-60) in the placebo group; P=0.0009. No major adverse events were observed during this study, and there were no significant differences between both groups regarding side effects.

DISCUSSION

Target-controlled infusion of remifentanil is an effective drug to reduce pain during CVC insertion in association with lidocaine-based local anesthesia, in conscious patients.

Systematic review of nonpharmacological analgesic interventions for common needle-related procedure in newborn infants and development of evidence-based clinical guidelines

The aim of this literature review was to develop clinical guidelines for the prevention and control of needle-related pain in newborn infants. The guidelines were developed by the Italian Society of Neonatology, using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach, based on the assessment of 232 papers published between 1986 and 2015. The quality of the evidence was high or moderate for some behavioural and nonpharmacological interventions.

CONCLUSION

There was sufficient evidence to strongly support the use of nonpharmacological interventions for common needle-related procedures in newborn infants. Combined interventions seemed to be more effective in relieving procedural pain.

Randomized controlled trials in central vascular access devices: A scoping review

BACKGROUND

Randomized controlled trials evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for central venous access devices, however, high complication rates remain. Scoping reviews map the available evidence and demonstrate evidence deficiencies to focus ongoing research priorities.

METHOD

A scoping review (January 2006-December 2015) of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to improve central venous access device outcomes; including peripherally inserted central catheters, non-tunneled, tunneled and totally implanted venous access catheters. MeSH terms were used to undertake a systematic search with data extracted by two independent researchers, using a standardized data extraction form.

RESULTS

In total, 178 trials were included (78 non-tunneled [44%]; 40 peripherally inserted central catheters [22%]; 20 totally implanted [11%]; 12 tunneled [6%]; 6 non-specified [3%]; and 22 combined device trials [12%]). There were 119 trials (68%) involving adult participants only, with 18 (9%) pediatric and 20 (11%) neonatal trials. Insertion-related themes existed in 38% of trials (67 RCTs), 35 RCTs (20%) related to post-insertion patency, with fewer trials on infection prevention (15 RCTs, 8%), education (14RCTs, 8%), and dressing and securement (12 RCTs, 7%). There were 46 different study outcomes reported, with the most common being infection outcomes (161 outcomes; 37%), with divergent definitions used for catheter-related bloodstream and other infections.

CONCLUSION

More high quality randomized trials across central venous access device management are necessary, especially in dressing and securement and patency. These can be encouraged by having more studies with multidisciplinary team involvement and consumer engagement. Additionally, there were extensive gaps within population sub-groups, particularly in tunneled devices, and in pediatrics and neonates. Finally, outcome definitions need to be unified for results to be meaningful and comparable across studies.

Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Different Single Doses of Intravenous Paracetamol for Placement of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Preterm Infants

BACKGROUND

The availability of a safe and effective pharmacological therapy to reduce procedural pain in preterm infants is limited. The effective analgesic single dose of intravenous paracetamol in preterm infants is unknown. Comparative studies on efficacy of different paracetamol doses in preterm infants are lacking.

OBJECTIVES

To determine the analgesic effects of different single intravenous paracetamol doses on pain from peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement in preterm infants.

METHODS

In a blinded randomized controlled trial, the analgesic effects of 10-, 15-, and 20-mg/kg single-dose intravenous paracetamol before PICC placement were compared in neonates with a gestational age <32 weeks. Secondly, a separate age-matched nonrandomized control group receiving oral sucrose was included. Pain was assessed with the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) and the COMFORTneo score. Peak plasma concentrations of paracetamol were determined.

RESULTS

A total of 60 patients were included in the paracetamol dose groups (median gestational age = 27.8, IQR: 25.7-29.2 weeks). PIPP scores were comparable: median = 8 (IQR: 6-10.5), 7 (IQR: 6-9), and 8 (IQR: 6-10) for the 10-, 15-, and 20-mg/kg paracetamol groups, respectively (p = 0.94). COMFORTneo scores were not statistically different between the different paracetamol dose groups (p = 0.35). All randomized subjects, except for 3 who received 10 mg/kg of paracetamol, had peak paracetamol concentrations >9 mg/L. PIPP (p = 0.78) and COMFORTneo (p = 0.08) scores were also comparable between paracetamol- and sucrose-treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We found no analgesic benefit from intravenous paracetamol studied in different single doses over sucrose for PICC placement in preterm infants. Paracetamol is not a suitable analgesic for this procedure in preterm infants.

Paracetamol and morphine for infant and neonatal pain; still a long way to go?

INTRODUCTION

Pharmacologic pain management in newborns and infants is often based on limited scientific data. To close the knowledge gap, drug-related research in this population is increasingly supported by the authorities, but remains very challenging. This review summarizes the challenges of analgesic studies in newborns and infants on morphine and paracetamol (acetaminophen). Areas covered: Aspects such as the definition and multimodal character of pain are reflected to newborn infants. Specific problems addressed include defining pharmacodynamic endpoints, performing clinical trials in this population and assessing developmental changes in both pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Expert commentary: Neonatal and infant pain management research faces two major challenges: lack of clear biomarkers and very heterogeneous pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of analgesics. There is a clear call for integral research addressing the multimodality of pain in this population and further developing population pharmacokinetic models towards physiology-based models.

Neonatal pain management: still in search for the Holy Grail

Inadequate pain management but also inappropriate use of analgesics in early infancy has negative effects on neurodevelopmental outcome. As a consequence, neonatal pain management is still in search for the Holy Grail. At best, effective pain management is based on prevention, assessment, and treatment followed by a re-assessment of the pain to determine if additional treatment is still necessary. Unfortunately, epidemiological observations suggest that neonates are undergoing painful procedures very frequently, unveiling the need for effective preventive, non-pharmacological strategies. In addition, assessment is still based on validated, multimodal, but subjective pain assessment tools. Finally, in neonatal intensive care units, there is a shift in clinical practices (e.g., shorter intubation and ventilation), and this necessitates the development and validation of new pharmacological treatment modalities. To illustrate this, a shift in the use of opioids to paracetamol has occurred and short-acting agents (remifentanil, propofol) are more commonly administered to neonates. In addition to these new modalities and as part of a more advanced approach of the developmental pharmacology of analgesics, pharmacogenetics also emerged as a tool for precision medicine in neonates. To assure further improvement of neonatal pain management the integration of pharmacogenetics with the usual covariates like weight, age and/or disease characteristics is needed.

Prevention and Management of Procedural Pain in the Neonate: An Update

The prevention of pain in neonates should be the goal of all pediatricians and health care professionals who work with neonates, not only because it is ethical but also because repeated painful exposures have the potential for deleterious consequences. Neonates at greatest risk of neurodevelopmental impairment as a result of preterm birth (ie, the smallest and sickest) are also those most likely to be exposed to the greatest number of painful stimuli in the NICU. Although there are major gaps in knowledge regarding the most effective way to prevent and relieve pain in neonates, proven and safe therapies are currently underused for routine minor, yet painful procedures. Therefore, every health care facility caring for neonates should implement (1) a pain-prevention program that includes strategies for minimizing the number of painful procedures performed and (2) a pain assessment and management plan that includes routine assessment of pain, pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic therapies for the prevention of pain associated with routine minor procedures, and measures for minimizing pain associated with surgery and other major procedures.

Pain management in newborns

As a standard of care for preterm/term newborns effective pain management may improve their clinical and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Neonatal pain is assessed using context-specific, validated, and objective pain methods, despite the limitations of currently available tools. Therapeutic approaches reducing invasive procedures and using pharmacologic, behavioral, or environmental measures are used to manage neonatal pain. Nonpharmacologic approaches like kangaroo care, facilitated tucking, non-nutritive sucking, sucrose, and others can be used for procedural pain or adjunctive therapy. Local/topical anesthetics, opioids, NSAIDs/acetaminophen and other sedative/anesthetic agents can be incorporated into NICU protocols for managing moderate/severe pain or distress in all newborns.

A comparative study of two remifentanil doses for procedural pain in ventilated preterm infants: a randomized, controlled study*

OBJECTIVES

Remifentanil is an ultrashort-acting synthetic opioid, and the metabolism of which is not influenced by hepatic or renal function. This study aims to compare the efficacy of two remifentanil doses during procedures in ventilated preterm infants.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, double-blind, noninferiority trial.

SETTING

Neonatal ICU.

PATIENTS

Preterm infants who were supported by a mechanical ventilator with tracheal tube and requiring central venous access.

INTERVENTIONS

Two remifentanil dosages were administered in mechanically ventilated preterm infants during peripherally inserted central catheter insertion. Fourteen preterm infants were randomly assigned to low-dose (0.1 μg/kg/min) or high-dose (0.25 μg/kg/min) remifentanil infusion. The Premature Infant Pain Profile was used to score pain during the procedure, and changes in the Premature Infant Pain Profile score between needle puncture and baseline were analyzed to investigate the noninferiority of low-dose to high-dose remifentanil. Occurrence of cardiorespiratory complications was also recorded.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The median gestational age (minimum, maximum) was 26 weeks (24, 31), and the median birth weight was 825 g (610, 1,280). Changes in Premature Infant Pain Profile in the high-dose and low-dose groups were 1.43 ± 3.10 and -0.60 ± 5.32, respectively. The difference in changes in the Premature Infant Pain Profile score between the high-dose and low-dose groups was -2.03 ± 4.13. The corresponding lower limit of one-tailed 97.5% CI was -7.24, below the noninferiority margin. Apneic events and bradycardia did not occur in the low-dose group; however, there were three episodes of apnea (42.9%) and one of bradycardia (14.3%) in the high-dose group (p = 0.683 and 0.366, respectively).

CONCLUSION

For mechanically ventilated preterm infants, the use of remifentanil at 0.25 μg/kg/min as an analgesic for short procedures represents a therapeutic option. Our pilot study suggests the need for larger randomized trials.

Neonatal pain

Effective management of procedural and postoperative pain in neonates is required to minimize acute physiological and behavioral distress and may also improve acute and long-term outcomes. Painful stimuli activate nociceptive pathways, from the periphery to the cortex, in neonates and behavioral responses form the basis for validated pain assessment tools. However, there is an increasing awareness of the need to not only reduce acute behavioral responses to pain in neonates, but also to protect the developing nervous system from persistent sensitization of pain pathways and potential damaging effects of altered neural activity on central nervous system development. Analgesic requirements are influenced by age-related changes in both pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic response, and increasing data are available to guide safe and effective dosing with opioids and paracetamol. Regional analgesic techniques provide effective perioperative analgesia, but higher complication rates in neonates emphasize the importance of monitoring and choice of the most appropriate drug and dose. There have been significant improvements in the understanding and management of neonatal pain, but additional research evidence will further reduce the need to extrapolate data from older age groups. Translation into improved clinical care will continue to depend on an integrated approach to implementation that encompasses assessment and titration against individual response, education and training, and audit and feedback.

Sedation of newborn infants for the INSURE procedure, are we sure?

Background. Neonatal intubation is a stressful procedure that requires premedication to improve intubation conditions and reduce stress and adverse physiological responses. Premedication used during the INSURE (INtubation, SURfactant therapy, Extubation) procedure should have a very short duration of action with restoration of spontaneous breathing within a few minutes. Aims. To determine the best sedative for intubation during the INSURE procedure by systematic review of the literature. Methods. We reviewed all relevant studies reporting on premedication, distress, and time to restoration of spontaneous breathing during the INSURE procedure. Results. This review included 12 studies: two relatively small studies explicitly evaluated the effect of premedication (propofol and remifentanil) during the INSURE procedure, both showing good intubation conditions and an average extubation time of about 20 minutes. Ten studies reporting on fentanyl or morphine provided insufficient information about these items. Conclusions. Too little is known in the literature to draw a solid conclusion on which premedication could be best used during the INSURE procedure. Both remifentanil and propofol are suitable candidates but dose-finding studies to detect effective nontoxic doses in newborns with different gestational ages are necessary.

[Analgesia and sedation during placement of peripherally inserted central catheters in neonates]

This study aimed to characterize the analgesia and sedation strategies in neonates having a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placed, and to relate it to the number of venipunctures, duration of procedure and catheter tip position. This was a cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit of a private hospital in the city of São Paulo, during the period from August 31, 2010 to July 1, 2011, which evaluated 254 PICC insertions. The adoption of analgesic or sedative strategies occurred in 88 (34.6%) catheter placements and was not related to the number of venipunctures, duration of procedure or catheter tip position. Intravenous administration of midazolam, in 47 (18.5%), and fentanyl, in 19 (7.3%), catheter insertions were the most frequent strategies. Wider adoption of analgesic strategies is recommended before, during and after the procedure.

Remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia for labor - monitoring of newborn heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation during the first 24 hours after delivery

INTRODUCTION

There is no available information about the effects of remifentanil labor analgesia on newborns' vital signs in the first hours after delivery. The aim of the study was to assess changes in the heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation during the first 24 h of neonatal life after using remifentanil patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) for labor analgesia.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Forty-four full-term neonates, 23 from intravenous PCA remifentanil labor anesthesia 0.2 µg/kg, repeated not more frequently than every 2 min, and 21 born to mothers without any pharmacological forms of analgesia, were studied. Heart rate, oxygen saturation, and systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were monitored using a Nellcor Oxi Max monitor N5500 (Tyco Healthcare), and recorded at 1 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h.

RESULTS

No significant differences in heart rate (p = 0.54; p = 0.26; p = 0.60; p = 0.83), oxygen saturation (p = 0.21; p = 0.27; p = 0.61; p = 0.9) and DBP (p = 0.98; p = 0.31; p = 0.83; p = 0.58) between the groups at 1 h, 6 h, 12 h and 24 h. Newborns from the remifentanil group had lower SBP at 1 h of life (59 mm Hg vs. 68.5 mm Hg) but the difference was just on the borderline of statistical significance (p > 0.06). There were no significant differences in SBP between the groups at 6 h (p = 0.65), 12 h (p = 0.11), and 24 h (p = 0.89) of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Remifentanil PCA analgesia during labor does not significantly modify the oxygen saturation, heart rate and blood pressure in infants during the first day of their life. Therefore, further studies are needed to explain the observed trend for arterial hypotension in the first hour of life in infants born to mothers treated with remifentanil.

Pharmacological treatment of neonatal pain: in search of a new equipoise

Inadequate management of pain in early human life contributes to impaired neurodevelopmental outcome and alters pain thresholds, pain or stress-related behavior and physiological responses. However, there are also emerging animal experimental data on the impact of exposure to analgo-sedatives on the incidence and extent of neuro-apoptosis. Since this association has also been suggested in humans, the pharmacological treatment of neonatal pain is in search of a new equipoise since these 'conflicting' observations are the main drivers to further reconsider our current treatment regimens. This review focuses on new data concerning clinical pharmacology of morphine, followed by data on more recently introduced opioids like remifentanil and tramadol, locoregional anesthesia and minimally invasive techniques in neonates, and finally with data on intravenous paracetamol. Since the available data are still incomplete, priorities for both clinical management and future research will be proposed.

Axillary block as the sole anesthetic for peripherally inserted central catheter placement in an infant with goldenhar syndrome

The use of peripheral nerve block as the sole anesthetic in infants is not very common. Studies have demonstrated that ultrasound guided (USG) peripheral nerve block is associated with higher overall success rate when compared with nerve stimulation (Rubin et al., 2009, and Gelfand et al., 2011). Described below is a medically complex infant who had an USG axillary brachial plexus block for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement.

Remifentanil in neonatal intensive care and anaesthesia practice

Remifentanil is a relatively new ultrashort action synthetic opioid. Studies on the use of remifentanil in neonatology have emerged demonstrating its effectiveness and safety in neonates. The present study describes the use of remifentanil in both full-term and premature newborns, highlighting the theoretical benefits for this population in terms of both neonatal intensive care and anaesthesia. A Medline search was undertaken of all reviews and reports about the use of remifentanil in neonates published between 1996 and 2009 using MeSH search terms 'remifentanil', 'analgesia', 'anaesthesia', 'newborn' and 'neonate'. The review points that remifentanil has been used with advantages in newborns including preterm neonates and even for foetal anaesthesia. It proved to be a good option to attenuate the hemodynamic/endocrine markers of stress related to surgery. Owing to its unique pharmacokinetic profile, shorter extubation times can be achieved what makes the drug also a good option for short duration invasive procedures in NICUs (InSurE). A concern on its use is that the hemodynamic response (hypotension) may become significant when the drug is associated to other drugs like sevoflurane.

CONCLUSION

Remifentanil seems to be an effective and safely used opioid for neonatal intensive care and anaesthesia practice.

Sevoflurane for central catheter placement in neonatal intensive care: a randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of sevoflurane deep sedation with glucose and nonnutritive sucking (GNNS) in reducing the duration of the procedure and in preventing pain-related effects during peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement.

BACKGROUND

PICC placement in neonatal intensive care is a delicate and stressful procedure that requires pain prevention. GNNS has been recommended in this situation but remain often inefficient.

METHODS

We designed a randomized controlled study in a sixteen-bed pediatric and neonatal unit in a tertiary hospital. Fifty-nine neonates at >28 weeks of gestation with continuous positive airway pressure or invasive mechanical ventilation and requiring PICC placement were included. Patients were randomized to receive inhaled sevoflurane (IS) or glucose and non-nutritive sucking (GNNS). Procedural duration and conditions, hemodynamic and respiratory parameters, occurrence of movements and complications were compared (http://clinicaltrials.gov trial register no. NCT00420693).

RESULTS

The two groups had similar demographics. There were no between-group differences in procedural duration (P = 0.84) despite greater immobility in IS group (P = 0.017). IS was also associated with fewer episodes of hypertension (P = 0.003), tachycardia (P < 0.001), and bradycardia (P = 0.02). Occurrences of hypotension were not different between the groups (P = 0.06). The GNNS group showed more desaturation during the 4 h after the procedure (P = 0.03). Complications during intensive care stay did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSION

Inhaled sevoflurane does not make easier catheters placement but prevent pain-related symptoms. Because sevoflurane is responsible for hypotension, it requires careful monitoring and treatment adaptation.

Remifentanil in children

Remifentanil has gained the confidence of anesthesiologists and has given a real opportunity to change the way anesthesia is given. It can be considered the ideal opioid despite many obstacles to pediatric use: the condition of 'off-label', the lack of wide randomized clinical trials, and the fear of adverse events because of its high potency. Experiences in the field with this opioid over the years encouraged its use. Use has been associated with N(2)0 and volatile agents for general anesthesia and with propofol for total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA). It seems very useful for sedation inside and outside the operating room and in intensive care for both short painful procedures and synchronization with mechanical ventilation. However, its unique pharmacokinetic characteristics causing rapid onset and offset of effect appear unchanged in small children and even in premature neonates and need to be really confirmed by further pharmacokinetic studies. Moreover, the real risks of tolerance and hyperalgesia should be evaluated in the pediatric population. In this review, we go through the newer aspects of this versatile drug that has been proposed as 'the pediatric anesthetist's opiate'.

Use of analgesic and sedative drugs in the NICU: integrating clinical trials and laboratory data

Recent advances in neonatal intensive care include and are partly attributable to growing attention for comfort and pain control in the term and preterm infant requiring intensive care.Limitation of painful procedures is certainly possible, but most critically ill infants require unavoidable painful or stressful procedures such as intubation, mechanical ventilation, or catheterization.Many analgesics (opioids and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)and sedatives (benzodiazepines and other anesthetic agents) are available but their use varies considerably among units. This review summarizes current experimental knowledge on the effects of sedative and analgesic drugs on brain development and reviews clinical evidence that speaks for or against the use of common analgesic and sedative drugs in the NICU but avoids any discussion of anesthesia during surgery. Risk/benefit ratios of intermittent boluses or continuous infusions for the commonly used sedative and analgesic agents are discussed in the light of clinical and experimental studies. The limitations of extrapolating experimental results from animals to humans must be considered while making practical recommendations based on the currently available evidence.

Optimal time for neonatal circumcision: an observation-based study

OBJECTIVE

A detailed observation-based study to determine the ideal age for neonatal circumcision.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective study of 583 neonatal circumcisions was carried out over a 3-year period (December 2005-December 2008). First a penile ring block was performed with 1% lignocaine solution, injected with a 26G needle. Formula milk, expressed breast milk or 20% sucrose solution was given to the child ad libitum as a further soothing agent. Circumcision was performed utilizing the Gomco sutureless clamp technique. Neonatal/Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) was used to score the severity of pain. NIPS > or =2 was taken to imply a painful procedure.

RESULTS

Only 6.5% of neonates under 1 week of age scored NIPS > or =2 during the procedure, but this reached 100% by the 4th week of life. There were 2 minor complications in this cohort.

CONCLUSION

Despite current controversy over whether it is ethical for parents to consent to a non-therapeutic neonatal circumcision, it remains a widely practiced procedure. Therefore it is important for pediatric surgeons/urologists to perform circumcision safely with minimal trauma to the neonate. This study shows that painless circumcision is possible in almost all newborns if it is performed during the first week after birth.

Latency to facial expression change following noxious stimulation in infants is dependent on postmenstrual age

Change in facial expression over a fixed time after a noxious stimulus is the key measure used to calculate pain scores in preterm and newborn infants. We hypothesised that the latency of facial motor responses would be longer in the youngest premature infants and that behavioural scoring methods of pain may need to take this into account. One hundred and seventy-two clinically required heel lances were performed in 95 infants from 25 to 44 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). Sixty-four percentage of the heel lances evoked a change in facial expression. Change in facial expression was observed in infants across the whole age range from 25 weeks PMA and the latency to the facial expression response ranged from 1 to 17s. Latency to facial expression change was dependent on the infants' PMA at the time of the heel lance. Infants below 32 weeks PMA had a significantly longer latency to change in facial expression than older infants (54% increase in infants below 32 weeks; p < 0.001). Sleep state and presence of brain damage (IVH grades 1-4) did not significantly increase the latency (p > 0.05 for each variable). Intravenous morphine at the time of the heel lance significantly increased the latency to facial expression response (p < 0.001) but the analysis shows that latency is highly dependent on PMA independent of morphine administration. These findings highlight developmental changes underlying infant behaviour that are critically important if pain scores are to be correctly interpreted.

Remifentanil analgosedation in preterm newborns during mechanical ventilation

AIM

To assess efficacy of remifentanil in preterm newborns during mechanical ventilation.

METHODS

Remifentanil was administered by continuous intravenous infusion to provide analgesia and sedation in 48 preterm infants who developed respiratory distress and required mechanical ventilation. We examined the doses needed to provide adequate analgesia, extubation time after the discontinuation of opioid infusion, the presence of side effects and safety of the use.

RESULTS

Remifentanil provided adequate analgesia, with a significant reduction of NIPS and COMFORT score since 1 h after starting the infusion of remifentanil. The drug was initially administered at a dose of 0.075 microg/kg/min, but in 73% of newborns the latter had to be increased; at a dose of 0.094 +/- 0.03 (mean +/- standard deviation) microg/kg/min, 97% of the newborns received adequate analgesia and sedation. The time elapsed between the discontinuation of remifentanil infusion and extubation was 36 +/- 12 min. Treatment was started between the 1st and the 17th day of life. The mean duration of therapy was 5.9 +/- 5.7 days. No side effects on the respiratory or cardiovascular system were observed.

CONCLUSION

Remifentanil is a manageable and effective opioid in the newborn undergoing mechanical ventilation, though randomized controlled trials and information about long-term outcomes are necessary.