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Multicenter observational study comparing sedation/analgesia protocols for laser photocoagulation treatment of retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract

Objective:

The aim of this study was to identify the best sedation/analgesia protocol for laser photocoagulation (PC) of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

Study Design:

This multicenter observational study included five hospitals, each using a specific sedation/analgesia protocol: local anesthesia with oxybuprocaine hydrochloride (Group L); intravenous pentazocine (Group P); intravenous fentanyl (Group F); air, oxygen and sevoflurane (AOS) inhalation (Group I). The groups were compared for pain responses, vital signs and adverse events.

Results:

Heart rates and systemic blood pressures were elevated by PC in Groups L and P and Groups L, P and F, respectively. Moreover, poor analgesic efficacy was recognized in Groups L, P and F. In contrast, Group I experienced hypothermia, enteral feeding intolerance and apnea more frequently.

Conclusion:

From the viewpoint of sedation/pain relief, AOS anesthesia should be the best protocol. However, considering all the various factors together, the most reasonable one can be varied based on the patient’s condition and hospital.

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Dr Tetsuo Hattori, Dr Reina Hyodo and Dr Yoshihiro Tanahashi for collecting the data. The authors have not received any financial support for the present study.

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Correspondence to Y Sato.

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Supplementary Information accompanies the paper on the Journal of Perinatology website

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Sato, Y., Oshiro, M., Takemoto, K. et al. Multicenter observational study comparing sedation/analgesia protocols for laser photocoagulation treatment of retinopathy of prematurity. J Perinatol 35, 965–969 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2015.112

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2015.112

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