Comparison 1. Continuous infusion versus bolus administration.

Outcome or subgroup title	No. of studies	No. of participants	Statistical method	Effect size
1.1 Pain assessed with visual analogue scale (VAS) during the administration of selected drugs (neonates from 0 to 4 weeks)	2	133	Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)	0.00 [‐0.23, 0.23]
1.2 Pain assessed with COMFORT scale during the administration of selected drugs (neonates from 0 to 4 weeks)	2	133	Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)	‐0.07 [‐0.89, 0.75]
1.3 Hypotension requiring medical therapy	1		Risk Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)	Totals not selected
1.4 Mechanical ventilation longer than 24 hours	3	147	Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.62 [1.19, 2.21]
1.4.1 Morphine	2	131	Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.63 [1.20, 2.22]
1.4.2 Fentanyl	1	16	Risk Ratio (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)	1.29 [0.10, 17.14]