Premedication for neonatal intubation in Australia and New Zealand: a survey of current practice.

Ben Wheeler, Roland Broadbent, David Reith

Department of Women's and Child Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. Ben.wheeler@otago.ac.nz

Journal of paediatrics and child health 2012 Nov

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This study aims to describe the current approach to intubation premedication in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Australia and New Zealand. A literature review regarding intubation premedication in the newborn was carried out to inform questionnaire design. A web-based survey of 28 NICUs and two neonatal emergency transport services was conducted and supplemented by telephone contact to ensure completion. All the tertiary NICUs and neonatal emergency transport services in Australia and New Zealand use premedication for elective intubation of neonates. Eighty per cent of units have a written policy. There were 28 of 30 units (93%) that use muscle relaxants, mostly suxamethonium. The choice of sedative medication is varied. Australian and New Zealand neonatal units have a high use of intubation premedication including muscle relaxants, but vary considerably in their choice of sedative medication. © 2012 The Authors. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health © 2012 Paediatrics and Child Health Division (Royal Australasian College of Physicians).

Citation

Ben Wheeler, Roland Broadbent, David Reith. Premedication for neonatal intubation in Australia and New Zealand: a survey of current practice. Journal of paediatrics and child health. 2012 Nov;48(11):997-1000