Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2025
A Preterm Rat Model for Pain Studies
Published on: February 9, 2024
Post-procedure pain in preterm neonates undergoing retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening: a prospective cohort
Raman Singla1, Ankit Verma2, Vivek Kumar1
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
Insights
Preterm infants experience significant pain immediately after retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening. Pain management strategies should be enhanced, considering pharmacological agents for ROP screening pain.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Ophthalmology
- Pain management
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening is crucial for preterm infants.
- Pain assessment during ROP screening is essential for appropriate care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate pain intensity in preterm infants following retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening.
- To assess pain levels up to 48 hours post-ROP screening using the Premature Infant Pain Profile-Revised (PIPP-R) score.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study conducted in a Level-III NICU in India.
- 83 neonates undergoing their first ROP screening were assessed.
- Pain was measured using the PIPP-R score at baseline and at 5 minutes, 30 minutes, 6, 24, and 48 hours post-procedure.
Main Results:
- Pain scores significantly increased immediately after ROP screening (median PIPP-R: 10.5 at 5 min vs. 0 at baseline).
- Moderate pain persisted for up to 6 hours post-procedure (median PIPP-R: 4.5).
- 59% of neonates experienced severe pain (PIPP-R > 12) immediately after the screening.
Conclusions:
- A majority of neonates experience severe pain immediately after ROP screening.
- Mild to moderate pain continues for 6 hours post-ROP screening.
- Additional pharmacological interventions should be considered to manage pain effectively after ROP screening.
Objective:
To evaluate the pain intensity in preterm infants during 48 h post retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) screening by binocular fundoscopy.
Design:
Prospective cohort study.
Settings:
Level-III-NICU in India.
Participants:
83 Neonates undergoing first ROP screening.
Main Outcome Measures:
Pain assessment using the premature infant pain profile-revised (PIPP-R) score at baseline and 5 min, 30 min, 6 h, 24 h, and 48 h post-procedure.
Results:
The mean gestation and birth weight was 29.8 (2.3) weeks and 1256 (344)g respectively. The median (IQR) PIPP-R score at baseline was 0 which significantly increased to 10.5 (8,12.5) 5 min (immediately) after the procedure. At 30 min and 6 h, scores were 7 (5,8) and 4.5 (3,5.5) respectively. After 24 h and 48 h, it decreased to 3 (0,5) and 0 (0,4.5) respectively. Nearly 59% (95%CI:40%-83%) of neonates had severe pain (PIPP-R score > 12) immediately after procedure.
Conclusion:
A majority of neonates experience severe pain immediately after ROP screening, and mild-moderate pain continues for 6 h. Hence, an additional pharmacological agent should be considered for reducing neonatal pain.
