Acta paediatrica
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The aim of this study was to analyse the sedation subscale of the Neonatal Pain, Agitation and Sedation Scale (N-PASS), because the N-PASS has only been validated for the assessment of acute and prolonged pain. ⋯ The N-PASS sedation subscale reliably detected oversedation, but failed to differentiate between adequate and undersedation. We therefore recommend using additional methods to ensure adequate assessment of sedation in neonates.
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Critically ill children can develop withdrawal syndrome after prolonged analgesia and sedation in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU), when treatment is stopped abruptly or reduced quickly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of withdrawal syndrome in patients after three or more days of analgesic or sedative drug therapy, using a validated scale. We also analysed the association between withdrawal syndrome and the patients' outcome and factors related to analgesia and sedation treatment. ⋯ Withdrawal syndrome should be considered after three or more days of analgesic or sedative treatment. A high dose of benzodiazepine increases the risk of developing withdrawal symptoms.