Nihal Demirel1, Ahmet Y Bas1, Sumru Kavurt1, Istemi H Celik1, Husniye Yucel1, Dursun Turkbay1, Emre Hekimoğlu2, Orhan Koc3. 1. Department of Neonatology, Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women's Health Teaching and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. 2. Department of Ophthalmology, Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Women's Health Teaching and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. 3. Department of Health Politics, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara, Turkey.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of childhood blindness. AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of remifentanil analgesia during laser treatment of ROP performed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Remifentanil was infused continuously during the procedure starting with a dose of 0.2 µg/kg/min and increased gradually to 0.6 µg/kg/min to provide an adequate level of analgesia. RESULTS: We enrolled 64 infants. Remifentanil was infused continuously at a mean rate of 0.4 ± 0.1 μg/kg/min. No major adverse effects were observed except in two patients with reversible bradycardia and hypotension. Premature infant pain profile (PIPP) scores revealed no pain. Patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia had similar remifentanil dosage, intubation duration, and extubation time. CONCLUSIONS: Remifentanil analgesia for ROP treatment performed in the NICU by pediatricians is a safe and effective modality. This modality offers a practical solution in hospitals without readily available pediatric anesthetists. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.
BACKGROUND:Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of childhood blindness. AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the feasibility of remifentanil analgesia during laser treatment of ROP performed in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Remifentanil was infused continuously during the procedure starting with a dose of 0.2 µg/kg/min and increased gradually to 0.6 µg/kg/min to provide an adequate level of analgesia. RESULTS: We enrolled 64 infants. Remifentanil was infused continuously at a mean rate of 0.4 ± 0.1 μg/kg/min. No major adverse effects were observed except in two patients with reversible bradycardia and hypotension. Premature infantpain profile (PIPP) scores revealed no pain. Patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia had similar remifentanil dosage, intubation duration, and extubation time. CONCLUSIONS:Remifentanil analgesia for ROP treatment performed in the NICU by pediatricians is a safe and effective modality. This modality offers a practical solution in hospitals without readily available pediatric anesthetists. Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.