Implementation of a risk-stratified opioid weaning protocol in a pediatric intensive care unit.

PURPOSE: Opioids are important in the care of critically ill children. However, their use is associated with complications including delirium, dependence, withdrawal, and bowel dysfunction. Our aim was to implement a risk-stratified opioid weaning protocol to reduce the duration of opioids without increasing the incidence of withdrawal.

METHODS: A pre- and post-interventional prospective study was undertaken in a large children's hospital pediatric ICU where we implemented a risk-stratified opioid weaning protocol. Patients were included if exposed to ≥7days of scheduled opioids. The primary outcome was duration of opioids and secondary outcome was hospital LOS.

RESULTS: One hundred seven critically ill children met the inclusion criteria (68 pre-, 39 post-intervention). Demographics, risk factors, and confounders did not differ between groups. Patients in the post-intervention group had shorter duration of opioids (17 vs. 22.5days, p=0.01) and opioid wean (12 vs. 18days, p=0.01). Despite the shorter duration of opioid wean, there was no increase in withdrawal incidence. There was no difference in the LOS (29 vs. 33days, p=0.06).

CONCLUSIONS: We implemented a risk-stratified opioid weaning protocol for critically ill children that resulted in reduction in opioid exposure without an increase in withdrawal. There was no difference in the LOS.