Abstract
Effective pain management in neonates is critical, as inadequate treatment can result in both immediate complications and long-term cognitive and behavioral issues. Neonates, particularly preterm infants, have heightened sensitivity to pain, which necessitates the use of specialized pain management techniques. Regional anesthesia (RA) offers significant benefits in this patient population, including reducing the need for opioids and their associated risks, minimizing the stress response, and improving postoperative outcomes. Despite its proven efficacy in pediatric and adult populations, there is limited published evidence regarding RA's use in neonates. This article reviews the fundamental science, clinical applications, and safety considerations of regional anesthesia in neonates, focusing on four modalities: neuraxial blocks, peripheral nerve blocks, fascial plane blocks, and analgesic catheters. While RA has been shown to provide superior pain control and reduce opioid consumption, safety is paramount, especially considering the unique physiological characteristics of neonates.