Evaluation of analgesic effect of skin-to-skin contact compared to oral glucose in preterm neonates

Nonpharmacological interventions are important alternatives for pain relief during minor procedures in preterm neonates. Skin-to-skin contact or kangaroo mother care is a human and efficient way of caring for low-weight preterm neonates. The aim of the Present Study was to assess the analgesic effect of kangaroo care compared to oral glucose on the response of healthy preterm neonates to a low-intensity acute painful stimulus. Ninety-five preterm neonates with a postmenstrual age of 28-36 weeks were randomly assigned to three groups in a single-blind manner. In group 1 (isolette, n = 33). the neonate was in the prone position in the isolette during heel lancing and did not receive analgesia. In group 2 (kangaroo method, n = 31). the neonate was held in skin-to-skin contact for 10 min before and during the heel-lancing procedure. In group 3 (glucose, n = 31). the neonate was in the prone position in the isolette and received oral glucose (1 ml, 25%). 2 min before heel lancing. A smaller variation in heart rate (P = 0.0001) and oxygen saturation (p = 0.0012), a shorter duration of facial activity (brow bulge. eye squeeze and nasolabial furrowing) (p 0.0001). and a lower PIPP (Premature Infant Pain Profile) score (p = 0.0001) were observed in group 2. In Conclusion. skin-to-skin contact Produced an analgesic effect in preterm newborns during heel lancing. (C) 2008 International Association for the study of Pain. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.