Lung Ultrasound - Can it be Potentially Painful for a Newborn?

Aim:We aimed to analyze changes in vital parameters and assess behavioral responses to lung ultrasound (LUS) in preterm and term newborns hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Materials and Methods:Three groups of neonates (term, 370/7-416/7 weeks; moderate to late preterm, 320/7-366...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Marta Olszewska, Stephanie Pointinger-Tomasik, Przemko Kwinta
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Galenos Yayinevi 2023-03-01
Series:Journal of Pediatric Research
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Online Access: http://jpedres.org/archives/archive-detail/article-preview/lung-ultrasound---can-it-be-potentially-painful-fo/58759
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Summary:Aim:We aimed to analyze changes in vital parameters and assess behavioral responses to lung ultrasound (LUS) in preterm and term newborns hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).Materials and Methods:Three groups of neonates (term, 370/7-416/7 weeks; moderate to late preterm, 320/7-366/7; and very preterm, <320/7) were included. Response to LUS was assessed using heart rate (HR), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), and the neonatal infant pain scale (NIPS). Reactions to LUS, blood sampling, and nappy change were compared.Results:Seventy-one infants were enrolled: 30 term, 21 moderate to late preterm, and 20 very preterm. An increase in mean HR and a decrease in median SpO2 during LUS were observed (p<0.001) in all analyzed groups, whereas the median NIPS score was 3. During LUS, 38% of term infants experienced pain according to NIPS. The same was observed for 47% and 35% of infants in the moderate to late preterm and very preterm groups. The trend of NIPS increased along with the higher intensity of the stimulus. The highest NIPS values were related to blood sampling, moderate to LUS, and the lowest to nappy change (p<0.001).Conclusion:As LUS affects vital parameters and may be perceived as potentially painful in >1/3 newborns, indications for each examination and adequate pain management should always be considered.
ISSN:2147-9445
2587-2478