Dexmeditomedine vs Morphine Infusion for pain relief in mechanically ventilated preterm neonates: A Randomized Control Study

Preterm neonates require care in the neonatal intensive care unit forvarious reasons. One of the common problems encountered in these neonates isrespiratory distress syndrome where the management could be either using CPAPor mechanical ventilation. Newborninfants, including those born extremely preterm, can perceive pain. The entireduration when the neonate is on the ventilator could be a stressful experiencefor the neonate. Painif unmanaged can have an immediate impact on hemodynamic and physiologic stabilityand altered stress hormone expression. There could also be long term effects onbrain growth, development, cognition, and motor components. Hence alleviatingpain is of prime importance. Various drugs have been used in intensive careunits to reduce pain in neonates. Current neonatal drug regimens used toachieve pain relief generally consist of combinations of benzodiazepines andopioids like morphine, fentanyl,midazolam .  Though these drugs have proven efficacy assedatives and analgesics, they are often accompanied by a spectrum of sideeffects that might prolong the duration of ventilation and hospitalization.There is always a search for newer sedatives and analgesics which have feweradverse effects. Dexmedetomidine is one such drug that has been tried as it provides both sedation and analgesiawhen used alone, and has benzodiazepine and opioidâ€sparing properties when usedin combination with more conventional agents. The current study is being undertaken to knowthe efficacy of Dexmeditomedine versus morphine infusion in preterm ventilatedneonates.