Use of Tramadol in Pain Management of Neonates with Epidermolysis Bullosa: A Single-Center Experience.

Background

Inherited Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB) is a wide group of rare genetic disorders characterized by mucocutaneous fragility and blister formation. In neonates with EB, pain control is particularly complex because painful skin lesions coexist with developmental vulnerability, repeated handling, and the need for frequent wound care. Traditional opioid use carries a risk of adverse effects such as respiratory depression. Tramadol, a centrally acting weak opioid with a dual mechanism of action, may offer a safer alternative.

Methods

This retrospective observational study analyzed neonates with different EB subtypes admitted to our tertiary neonatal care center between January 2020 and October 2022. Genetic diagnosis was confirmed via next-generation sequencing. Pain was assessed using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS). Tramadol was administered intravenously (1-2 mg/kg bolus or 0.1-0.2 mg/kg/h infusion) before daily wound dressings, then transitioned to oral dosing when appropriate. Pain scores before and after tramadol administration were compared.

Results

Six neonates with various EB subtypes were included. All patients received tramadol for procedural pain control. No significant differences in NIPS scores were observed before and after tramadol administration (p = 0.997), indicating adequate pain control, although baseline pain scores were low, limiting interpretation of analgesic efficacy. No immediate adverse events were observed during hospitalization or reported during follow-up.

Conclusions

Scheduled tramadol administration appears to be a safe and effective option for pain management in neonates with EB, with no observed hemodynamic or respiratory complications. Given the scarcity of data in this population, our findings highlight the need for multicenter studies to establish standardized analgesia protocols for EB neonates.