Opioids and alpha-2-agonists for analgesia and sedation in newborn infants: protocol of a systematic review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hospitalized newborn infants may require analgesia and sedation either for the management of procedural pain, during or after surgery, and other painful conditions. The benefits and harms of opioids administered at different doses and routes of administration have been reported in numerous trials and systematic reviews. The use of alpha-2-agonists such as clonidine and dexmedetomidine in newborn infants is more recent, and they might be prescribed to reduce the total amount of opioids which are thought to have more side effects. Moreover, alpha-2-agonists might play an important role in the management of agitation and discomfort.

Methods

We will conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis on the use of opioids, alpha-2-agonists, or the combination of both drugs.

SUBMITTER: Kinoshita M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7441710 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature