Evaluating Patterns of Morphine Use in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit After NEOPAIN

Objective: To test the hypothesis that use of morphine for sedation of ventilated premature neonates has not changed despite evidence-based recommendations.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Results: Of 410 ventilated patients, 129 received a morphine infusion. The annual percentage of ventilated patients started on an infusion did not vary significantly from 2005-2010 (range: 27%-37%, mean: 32%, χ2 test for trend p = 0.60). Patients given morphine infusion had a lower median estimated gestational age at birth (26 0/7 weeks versus 27 6/7 weeks), and a lower median birth weight (762 versus 1010 grams).

Conclusion: Use of morphine as a sedative and/or pre-emptive analgesic agent for critically ill, ventilated, premature neonates has not decreased at the study site despite evidence-based recommendations against this treatment approach. This is an area of care that may benefit from quality improvement interventions.