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Updated: Jun 20, 2025

Acquisition of Resting-State Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Data in the Rat
Published on: August 28, 2021
Pain and heart rate variability in neonates receiving dexmedetomidine
Catarina Sevivas1,2, Ruth Ibáñez3, Melissa Fontalvo3
1Neonatology, BCNatal, Barcelona Center for Maternal Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu and Hospital Clinic, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain. catarinaalexandra.sevivas@sjd.es.
Introduction:
Neonates in a NICU experience pain. Based on the cardiovascular and nociceptive systems link, a Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation (NIPE) monitor was designed to assess pain. The use of α2-agonists as analgesic-sedative drugs has increased in neonates. Given their effect on the autonomic system, we hypothesized that their use may alter NIPE's measurement capacity.
Methods:
Data were prospectively collected. The included patients were evaluated using combined pain assessment systems.
Results:
Sixteen newborns requiring sedoanalgesia underwent a total of 84 pain assessments. A good correlation was found between the NIPE-index and the COMFORT-neo and the crSO2 (cerebral regional oxygen saturation). No correlation was found in premature infants. By sedation group, the correlation remained in those receiving α2-agonist.
Conclusion:
NIPE is a reliable tool for pain assessment. Further studies in premature infants are needed. The use of α2-agonist does not alter the measuring capacity of NIPE. The correlation between NIPE-index and crSO2 was also demonstrated.
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