Key result
Opioid analgesia attenuated the stress response in distressed neonates, significantly decreasing elevated cortisol, blood glucose, and beta-endorphin levels to match healthy controls within 24 hours.
Why the study?
Does opioid analgesia reduce stress responses (beta-endorphin, cortisol, glucose) in distressed, mechanically ventilated neonates with cardiorespiratory problems?
Observational (n=40)
Does opioid analgesia reduce stress responses (beta-endorphin, cortisol, glucose) in distressed, mechanically ventilated neonates with cardiorespiratory problems?
Opioid analgesia attenuates the stress response in mechanically ventilated neonates with cardiorespiratory problems, supporting the need for adequate analgesia in this population.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May support opioid analgesia to blunt stress in ventilated neonates; leaves open effects on clinical outcomes.
The effects of analgesia on plasma beta-endorphin (beta-E), serum cortisol and blood glucose responses were investigated in 20 distressed, mechanically ventilated neonates during the first 3 days of life. Morphine 0.1 mg/kg, meperidine 1 mg/kg or alfentanil 10 micrograms/kg were used for analgesia as clinically indicated. Plasma beta-E, serum cortisol and blood glucose were recorded before analgesia and 1 and/or 2, 12 and 24 h afterwards in the distress group and once in 20 healthy neonates (control group). beta-E, cortisol, and blood glucose before analgesia were significantly higher in the distress group than in the control group. Cortisol values had decreased significantly 2 h after analgesia and blood glucose within 12 h. Plasma beta-E values had decreased to the same level as in the controls 24 h after the start of analgesia. The results indicate that the stress response in the distressed neonates with cardiorespiratory problems, as assessed by beta-E, cortisol, and blood glucose, is attenuated by opioid medication, and it is concluded that these patients should be given adequate analgesia.
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Marja‐Leena Pokela (2009) conducted an observational in Cardiorespiratory problems (n=40). Opioid analgesia (morphine, meperidine, or alfentanil) vs. Healthy neonates was evaluated on Plasma beta-endorphin, serum cortisol and blood glucose responses. Opioid analgesia attenuated the stress response in distressed neonates, significantly decreasing elevated cortisol, blood glucose, and beta-endorphin levels to match healthy controls within 24 hours.
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