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Gabapentin Use in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Laura Edwards1, Stephen DeMeo1, Chi D Hornik2

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|November 19, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Gabapentin improved feeding tolerance and reduced irritability in infants with visceral hyperalgesia. However, abrupt discontinuation led to adverse events, highlighting careful management needs.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatalogy
  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Visceral hyperalgesia is a condition affecting term and preterm infants.
  • Neurologic and gastrointestinal morbidities can cause visceral hyperalgesia.
  • Current treatment options may have limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of gabapentin in treating visceral hyperalgesia in infants.
  • To assess the impact of gabapentin on feeding tolerance and irritability.
  • To identify potential adverse events associated with gabapentin use.

Main Methods:

  • Gabapentin was administered to term and preterm infants diagnosed with suspected visceral hyperalgesia.
  • Infants had underlying neurologic or gastrointestinal conditions.
  • Outcomes included feeding tolerance, irritability, and medication usage.

Main Results:

  • Gabapentin treatment resulted in improved feeding tolerance.
  • Decreased infant irritability was observed.
  • There was a notable reduction in the use of opioids and benzodiazepines.
  • Adverse events were documented upon abrupt discontinuation of gabapentin.

Conclusions:

  • Gabapentin shows promise in managing visceral hyperalgesia in infants.
  • The medication may reduce the need for other sedating drugs.
  • Careful monitoring and gradual withdrawal are essential to prevent adverse events.

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