Managing neonatal pain in the era of non-invasive respiratory support

Non-invasive ventilation is currently the preferred respiratory support for premature infants with respiratory distress. The lung-protective effects of non-invasive ventilation should however not prompt disregard for the possible pain and discomfort it can generate. Non-pharmacological interventions should be used in all premature infants, regardless of their respiratory support, and are not detailed in this review. This review includes currently available evidence and gaps in knowledge regarding three aspects of pain management in premature infants receiving non-invasive ventilation: optimisation of non-invasive ventilation especially through the choice of positive pressure source, appropriate interface and synchronisation; sedative or analgesic drug use for strategies aiming at administering surfactant with reduction or avoidance of tracheal ventilation; risks and benefits of some analgesic and/or sedative drugs used to treat or prevent prolonged pain and discomfort during non-invasive ventilation.
Source: Seminars in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine - Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Source Type: research