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Intensive Care Medicine

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01-08-2007 | Pediatric review

Withdrawal symptoms in children after long-term administration of sedatives and/or analgesics: a literature review. “Assessment remains troublesome”

Authors: Erwin Ista, Monique van Dijk, Claudia Gamel, Dick Tibboel, Matthijs de Hoog

Published in: Intensive Care Medicine | Issue 8/2007

Abstract

Background

Prolonged administration of benzodiazepines and/or opioids to children in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) may induce physiological dependence and withdrawal symptoms.

Objective

We reviewed the literature for relevant contributions on the nature of these withdrawal symptoms and on availability of valid scoring systems to assess the extent of symptoms.

Methods

The databases PubMed, CINAHL, and Psychinfo (1980–June 2006) were searched using relevant key terms.

Results

Symptoms of benzodiazepine and opioid withdrawal can be classified in two groups: central nervous system effects and autonomic dysfunction. However, symptoms of the two types show a large overlap for benzodiazepine and opioid withdrawal. Symptoms of gastrointestinal dysfunction in the PICU population have been described for opioid withdrawal only. Six assessment tools for withdrawal symptoms are used in children. Four of these have been validated for neonates only. Two instruments are available to specifically determine withdrawal symptoms in the PICU: the Sedation Withdrawal Score (SWS) and the Opioid Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Scale (OBWS). The OBWS is the only available assessment tool with prospective validation; however, the sensitivity is low.

Conclusions

Withdrawal symptoms for benzodiazepines and opioids largely overlap. A sufficiently sensitive instrument for assessing withdrawal symptoms in PICU patients needs to be developed.

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Title: Withdrawal symptoms in children after long-term administration of sedatives and/or analgesics: a literature review. “Assessment remains troublesome”
Authors: Erwin Ista
Monique van Dijk
Claudia Gamel
Dick Tibboel
Matthijs de Hoog
Publication date: 01-08-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Intensive Care Medicine / Issue 8/2007
Print ISSN: 0342-4642
Electronic ISSN: 1432-1238
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00134-007-0696-x

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Withdrawal symptoms in children after long-term administration of sedatives and/or analgesics: a literature review. “Assessment remains troublesome”

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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