Long-term effects of pain in infants

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F L Porter1, R E Grunau, K J Anand

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.

Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
|September 4, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Early pain and stress in infants can cause acute reactions and may lead to permanent changes. Understanding these effects is crucial for sensitive medical care and healthy child development.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care
  • Developmental psychology
  • Pediatric medicine

Background:

  • Newborn infants, especially premature or critically ill ones, experience numerous painful and stressful medical events.
  • These early life experiences can trigger significant physiological and behavioral responses.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence on the long-term effects of early life pain and stress in infants.
  • To promote improved medical management for infants and children.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing research on early life pain and stress.
  • Analysis of studies examining acute and potential long-term impacts.

Main Results:

  • Evidence suggests early pain and stress can induce not only immediate changes but also lasting structural and functional alterations in infants.
  • These effects can impact overall growth and development.

Conclusions:

  • A comprehensive understanding of early life pain and stress is essential for healthcare providers.
  • This knowledge can lead to more sensitive care, supporting healthy development in infants and children.

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