Clonidine for neonates receiving mechanical ventilation

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (Intervention). The objectives are as follows: To assess whether clonidine infusion in term and preterm newborn infants receiving mechanical ventilation reduces the rate of mortality and morbidity. The intervention will be compared to placebo, no treatment and dexmedetomidine. In addition, the safety of clonidine infusion will be assessed for potential harms. We will perform subgroup analyses according to gestational age; birth weight; dose, duration and route of clonidine administration; and presence of pharmacological sedation as co-intervention.