Pain response of neonates to venipuncture.

OBJECTIVE To study the physiological and behavioral response to pain. METHODS 80 healthy neonates requiring bilirubin estimation, blood sugar etc, were randomly assigned to receive a venous puncture. All parameters were recorded 10 minutes prior, during and 10 minutes after the procedure. Evaluated NIPS score and RR. HR, NIBP and O2 saturation observed on Datex-Ohmeda multimonitor. RESULTS After the venepuncture, heart rate (p<0.001) and blood pressure (p<0.001) were significantly increased in both the groups but more significant increase was present in Group I (>2.5 kg) as compared to Group II (>2.5 kg). Respiratory rate was also increased but more significant in Group II (p<0.001) whereas oxygen saturation was decreased in both the groups but more significant in Group I (p<0.001). Median Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) score was higher in both the Groups (p<0.001). CONCLUSION The outcome measures appear to be reliable indices of term neonates responses to painful stimulation. NIPS are suitable instruments for neonatal pain evaluation.