Effect of non-nutritive sucking on pain during the examination of retinopathy of prematurity

Abstract

BackgroundThe eye examination of Retinopathy of Prematurity is a painful procedure for premature infants. Non-nutritive sucking is an effective non-pharmacologic method for reducing pain levels in premature infants utilized in most neonatal intensive care units across the globe. AimThis study investigated the effect of non-nutritive sucking on infants’ pain levels during retinopathy of prematurity eye examinations. MethodsThe study is a randomized controlled trial consisting of 60 premature infants (30 randomized to the control group and 30 to the intervention group) undergoing an eye examination related to retinopathy of prematurity. Premature infants in the control group did not receive NNS. Premature infants in the intervention group received non-nutritive sucking with a gloved-finger. The evaluation of pain levels in premature infants used the Premature Infant Pain Profile for 60 s before the eye examination, 30 s during the eye examination, and 30 s at the conclusion of the ROP eye examination. The clinical trial registration number of the study is NCT04463927. ResultsA statistically significant difference was found between the control and intervention groups of premature infants in terms of pain levels during and after the eye examinations for retinopathy of prematurity (p < .001). Pain scores were significantly lower in the intervention group during and after the retinopathy of prematurity eye examinations compared to the control group.