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Am J Perinatol 2019; 36(04): 377-382
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1668557
Original Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Sevoflurane for Short Painful Procedures in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Felipe Gomez
1   Department of Neonatology, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
,
Marta Cabrera
1   Department of Neonatology, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
,
Pascual Sanabria
2   Department of Pediatric Anesthesia, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
,
Laura Sanchez
1   Department of Neonatology, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
,
Paloma Lopez-Ortego
1   Department of Neonatology, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
,
M. Dolores Elorza
1   Department of Neonatology, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

28 March 2018

07 July 2018

Publication Date:
19 August 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the use and safety of a sedation protocol with sevoflurane for short painful procedures in newborns.

Study Design This was a prospective and observational study conducted in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. Sevoflurane was recommended in patients undergoing an invasive procedure of short length, especially in those with spontaneous breathing or without venous access. Its safety and efficacy was assessed by continuous monitoring of respiratory and hemodynamic variables and clinical data recording.

Results Sevoflurane was used for 39 procedures, the main indications were: intravitreal bevacizumab injection (12), central venous catheterization (11), and biopsy (6). The median administration length was 14 minutes (range: 5–65 minutes). The median minimum dose was 1.5% (range: 1–3%). The median maximum dose was 2.5% (range: 1–6%). An effective control of nociceptive manifestations was achieved in 35 cases (90%). No major adverse effects were noticed. Main adverse effects were hypotension (8), desaturation (4), and apnea (3). All of them were solved by decreasing (14) or discontinuing (1) the administration of sevoflurane.

Conclusion Sevoflurane is relatively easy to use and provides an optimal control of pain-related symptoms. Its prescription should be individualized and more long-term follow-up data are needed.

Keywords

sevoflurane - newborn - sedation - analgesia - pain - neonatal intensive care
 

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