Objective
Analgesia and sedation are common therapies in pediatric critical care, and rapid titration of these medications is associated with iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome (IWS). We performed a systematic review of the literature to identify all common and salient risk factors associated with IWS and build a conceptual model of IWS risk in critically ill pediatric patients.
Data sources
Multiple databases, including PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Registry of Clinical Trials were searched using relevant terms from January 1, 1980 to August 1, 2014.
Study selection
Articles were included if they were published in English and discussed IWS following either opioid or benzodiazepine therapy in children in acute or intensive care settings. Articles were excluded if subjects were neonates born to opioid- or benzodiazepine-dependent mothers, children diagnosed as substance abusers, or subjects with cancer-related pain; if data about opioid or benzodiazepine treatment were not specified; or if primary data were not reported.
Data extraction and synthesis
In total 1395 papers were evaluated, 33 of which met the inclusion criteria. To facilitate analysis, all opioid and/or benzodiazepine doses were converted to morphine or midazolam equivalents, respectively. A table of evidence was developed for qualitative analysis of common themes, providing a framework for the construction of a conceptual model. The strongest risk factors associated with IWS include duration of therapy and cumulative dose. Additionally, evidence exists linking patient, process and system factors in the development of IWS.
Findings
Most papers were prospective observational or interventional studies.
Conclusions
Given the state of existing evidence, well-designed prospective studies are required to better characterize IWS in critically ill pediatric patients. This review provides data to support the construction of a conceptual model of IWS risk that, if supported, could be useful in guiding future research.