Pharmacological interventions for the prevention of pain during endotracheal suctioning in ventilated neonates
NICU newborns experience pain from procedures like endotracheal suctioning. A review found uncertain evidence that opioids (morphine, alfentanil) and sedatives (midazolam, ketamine) consistently reduce pain. While morphine may not increase hypotension risk, more robust evidence is needed to confirm pain relief or safety for these vulnerable patients.
All newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) experience pain during routine care and are at increased risk of long‐term adverse effects. Endotracheal suctioning (ETS) is one of the most frequently performed procedures in the NICU, causing moderate‐to‐severe pain. Approximately 50% of extremely preterm neonates require intubation and repeated ETS.
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