Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 10, 2026
Electrophysiological Measurements and Analysis of Nociception in Human Infants
Published on: December 20, 2011
[Pain scales used in the newborn infant: a systematic review]
Tiago Pereira Da Silva1, Lincoln Justo Da Silva
1Clínica Universitária de Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina de Lisboa/Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisboa.
Insights
Neonatal pain assessment is crucial in infant care. This review systematically analyzes pain scales for newborns, suggesting two validated options for clinical and research use in neonatal medicine.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Pain Management
Background:
- Historically, infant pain has been underestimated in clinical practice.
- Recent research highlights the significance of pain assessment in newborns.
- Validated pain scales are now available for clinical use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a systematic review of neonatal pain assessment scales.
- To evaluate scales based on infant's gestational age, pain duration, and indicator type.
- To provide guidance for healthcare professionals in selecting appropriate pain scales.
Main Methods:
- Systematic literature review of neonatal pain scales.
- Analysis of pain indicators, gestational age applicability, and pain episode duration.
- Evaluation of scale validation data for clinical and research suitability.
Main Results:
- Multiple neonatal pain scales exist, utilizing diverse pain indicators.
- Scale selection depends on specific clinical circumstances and patient factors.
- Validation data for existing scales were critically assessed.
Conclusions:
- Two validated neonatal pain scales are recommended for clinical practice and research.
- Appropriate selection of pain scales is essential for effective neonatal pain management.
- Further research and consistent application of validated scales are encouraged.
Abstract:
For many years, appropriate relevance has not been given for pain in newborn infants, but research brought to light this important subject in neonatal medicine. Pain scores have been organized in scales and validated to be used in clinical practice. Currently, there are several scales based on different pain indicators. These scales should be used according to different circumstances. With the purpose of helping health professionals, a systematic review of neonatal pain scales based on gestational age, duration of painful episode and type of pain indicator was carried out. Data concerning validation of the scales were also analyzed and two scales for use in clinical practice or in research are suggested.
