Study Hypothesis

The EUROPAIN study is an epidemiological study that is based on the following hypothesis:

·    Most newborn ventilated infants receive continuous sedation and analgesia.
·    Non ventilated babies are not sedated.
·    Morphine, fentanyl and midazolam are the most frequently drugs used in this setting.
·    Infrequent use of validated pain assessment tools to monitor sedation and analgesia occurs in ventilated newborn infants.
·    Most units have developed written local guidelines for sedation and analgesia in ventilated neonates, but huge variability exists among practitioners in the same unit, across different units in the same country, and across different countries in Europe.
·    Development, dissemination, and regular updates of common European standards will improve the care and clinical outcomes of ventilated newborn infants.