Early Opioid Infusion and Neonatal Outcomes in Preterm Neonates ≤28 Weeks' Gestation

https://www.thieme-connect.com/ejournals/abstract/ajp/doi/10.1055/s-0030-1270112
A retrospective analysis of preterm infants ≤28 weeks' gestational age (GA) admitted to neonatal intensive care units in the Canadian Neonatal Network was conducted comparing infants on the basis of receipt of opioid infusion during day 1 and day 3 after birth.
A total 362 infants received opioid infusion on day 1 and day 3, whereas 4419 infants did not receive opioid infusion.

Neonates who received opioid infusion had higher risk for mortality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.13, 2.18), severe neurological injury (AOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.30, 2.04), severe retinopathy of prematurity (AOR 1. 39, 95% CI 1.08, 1.79), and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (AOR 1.36, 95% CI 1.03, 1.79). Early exposure to opioid infusion in the first 3 days was associated with higher risk of adverse outcomes in extremely preterm infants.
POINT: Narcotics are known to produce apoptosis of neurons in animal models. So, ask yourself-do we need to give it today and if so, why? Everything we d, can affect the outcomes, so be judicious!