Exploration for Evaluation of Iatrogenically Induced Opioid Withdrawal in Pediatric ICU

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the opioid withdrawal symptoms in pediatric ICU. METHODS The Sophia observation withdrawal symptoms scale(SOS) score was retrospectively assessed after weaned of opioids on the children who received continuous infusion of opioids for 5 d or more days in pediatric ICU. RESULTS In total of 86 children, the median of age was 7 months (interquartile range, 5-12 months), the prevalence of withdrawal in this study sample was 22%, the median of total course was 9 d (interquartile range, 6.25-12 d), the median of SOS ≥ 4 was 7 d(interquartile range, 6-9 d). Abrupt discontinuation of opioids could easily lead to withdrawal symptoms. Assessment of the highest frequency of symptoms followed by fever, shortness of breath, restlessness, diarrhea, weep. CONCLUSION Children in pediatric ICU have the potential risk of iatrogenic opioid withdrawal, so it is necessary to pay attention to the identification and evaluation of opioid withdrawal symptoms, and avoid the occurrence of withdrawal symptoms.