Cognitive, motor, and behavioral outcomes in preterm infants exposed to opioids
Our findings suggest that cumulative opioid exposure in the NICU does not significantly influence overall behavioral problems at the age of 3 years. However, it poses a risk for altered cognitive and motor development. This study highlights the distinct effects of opioid exposure on motor development and cognitive outcomes, while offering a nuanced perspective on behavioral outcomes, filling gaps in understanding the long-term neurodevelopmental consequences in preterm infants. The findings emphasize the need for careful management of opioid administration in NICU settings, balancing pain relief with potential long-term neurodevelopmental risks, while also underscoring the role of confounding factors such as IVH in shaping developmental trajectories.
Authors
- Karin Pichler (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0980-4860)
- Monika Olischar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6000-2137)
- Claudia Lindtner
- Sophie Stummer
- Philipp Deindl (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0254-754X)
- Susanne Brandstetter (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7021-8895)
- Katrin Klebermass‐Schrehof (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5387-6602)
- Philipp Steinbauer (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7961-327X)
- Renate Fuiko (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6278-8866)
- Vito Giordano (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2094-8523)
- Angelika Berger (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8775-2405)
- Julia Kühnl
Institutions
- Universität Hamburg (DE)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Vienna (AT)
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (DE)
- Medical University of Vienna (AT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Pediatric Research
- Published
- 2025-04-12
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1038/s41390-025-04048-3
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Pediatric Pain Management Techniques
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 6.99
Funders
- Universität Wien
- Medizinische Universität Wien