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Percutaneous lignocaine absorption in newborn infants
1Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nottingham University.
Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Newborn infant skin absorption of lignocaine (a local anesthetic) increases with prematurity. Topical lignocaine is effective and safe for preterm infants, with minimal toxicity risk.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal dermatology
- Pharmacokinetics
- Dermatology
Background:
- Neonatal skin exhibits unique permeability characteristics.
- Understanding drug absorption in neonates is crucial for safe and effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vitro skin permeability of newborn infants to lignocaine.
- To determine the relationship between gestational age and skin absorption of lignocaine.
Main Methods:
- Excised skin samples from 24 infants (gestational age 25-40 weeks) were used for in vitro permeability studies.
- Lignocaine absorption was measured across the skin samples.
Main Results:
- Mature neonatal skin showed low lignocaine permeability.
- Premature infants demonstrated significantly higher skin absorption of lignocaine.
- A strong inverse correlation was observed between gestational age and skin permeability to lignocaine.
Conclusions:
- Topical lignocaine is a potentially effective local anesthetic for preterm infants.
- Systemic absorption of lignocaine is unlikely to cause toxicity in preterm neonates.
- Gestational age is a key determinant of neonatal skin permeability to lignocaine.