Evaluation of the Analgesic Effect of Non-Nutritive Sucking on Procedural Pain in Neonates (>32 Weeks) Using the NIPS Scale (Code-T0129)
Keywords:
Non-nutritive sucking, neonatal pain, procedural pain, NIPS scale, analgesic effect, neonatal caSynopsis
Introduction: Neonates experience pain during medical procedures, which can have both short- and long-term consequences on their health and development. Non-nutritive sucking (NNS), a natural comfort mechanism, has been suggested as a potential analgesic intervention to alleviate procedural pain in neonates. This study investigates the analgesic effect of NNS in neonates greater than 32 weeks of gestational age during painful procedures, assessed using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS).
Aims and Objectives:
Aim:
To study the analgesic effect of non-nutritive sucking (oral pacifier) in neonates born at >32 weeks gestation during procedural pain.
Objectives:
Primary Objective
To study the analgesic effect of non-nutritive sucking (oral pacifier) in neonates born at >32 weeks gestation during procedural pain.
Secondary Objective
To study the effect of Non-Nutritive sucking on fluctuations in HR and SpO2 during procedural pain.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on neonates over 32 weeks gestation, undergoing routine procedures such as heel pricks or venipuncture. Participants were divided into two groups: one exposed to NNS during the procedure and the other receiving routine care. Pain levels were assessed using the NIPS scale at baseline, during, and after the procedure. Statistical analysis was performed to compare pain scores between the two groups.
Results: Preliminary findings indicate that neonates in the NNS group had significantly lower pain scores compared to the control group, suggesting a beneficial analgesic effect of NNS.
Conclusion: Non-nutritive sucking provides a safe, effective, and non-pharmacological intervention to alleviate procedural pain in neonates. It offers a simple, easily implementable strategy for improving neonatal care and pain management.
Keywords: Non-nutritive sucking, neonatal pain, procedural pain, NIPS scale, analgesic effect, neonatal ca
