Management of pain in ventilated neonates: current evidence

Management of pain in neonates has gained importance in the last two decades. We have just begun to understand the expression of pain by the neonates and we are still exploring pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic management strategies. This article reviews the pharmacological treatment of pain in ventilated neonates, the clinical and neuro-developmental impact of most used drugs for analgesia and sedation and discusses various options and recommendations.