Premedication for neonatal intubation: Current practice in Saudi Arabia

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Pediatric Critical Care
• Clinical Practice Surveys

Background:

• Rapid sequence intubation offers significant benefits for neonates.
• However, its utilization in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) remains infrequent.
• This contributes to unnecessary pain and physiological disturbances during procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the current practices and regimens for premedication before elective endotracheal intubation in Saudi Arabian NICUs.
• To explore the attitudes of neonatal physicians towards premedication in these institutions.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional survey using a web-based questionnaire was conducted.
• The survey targeted neonatal physicians and consultants across 10 NICUs in Saudi Arabia.
• Data were collected via email and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Main Results:

• A high percentage (70%) of respondents believed routine premedication is essential, yet only 41% implemented it.
• Key barriers included fear of potential side effects (60%) and the perception that procedures are faster without drugs (40%).
• Significant variation in treatment regimens was observed.

Conclusions:

• The adoption rate of premedication before non-emergent neonatal intubation is suboptimal.
• Misinformation and the absence of standardized unit policies impede effective implementation.
• Developing evidence-based guidelines could promote wider adoption of this practice.