Pain management in preterm infants with necrotizing enterocolitis: an international expert consensus statement

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is probably the most painful intestinal disease affecting infants born preterm. NEC is known to cause highly severe and prolonged pain that has been associated with adverse short- and long-term effects. However, research on pain management in infants with NEC is scarce. This is likely due to its low incidence and very acute occurrence. As a result, the optimal pain management for these vulnerable infants remains unknown, and analgesic therapy practices are highly variable. Therefore, we aimed to establish expert-based consensus recommendations on pain management for NEC. Experts of the European Society for Paediatric Research (ESPR) Special Interest Groups on Neonatal pain and NEC were invited to participate in two consensus meetings. Prior to the first hybrid consensus meeting, an online survey provided input for potential recommendations. During the consensus meetings, experts shared clinical expertise and voted on recommendations. An expert consensus statement, comprising nine recommendations on optimal pain assessment and pain treatment in infants with NEC, was developed. Expert recommendations included regular pain assessments with a neonatal pain scale with additional assessments on indication and pre-emptive administration of analgesic therapy (e.g., paracetamol and an opioid) in infants with NEC stage ≥ II.

Conclusion: This expert consensus statement provides clinical recommendations essential for any healthcare professional caring for premature infants with NEC. The recommended guidance this statement provides on pain management strategies is key to preventing and reducing pain in this vulnerable population.