Pain control during retinopathy of prematurity screening: double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study

By late gestation, the fetus has developed the anatomic, neuro-physiological, and hormonal components necessary to perceive pain. Pain experienced in the neonatal period may have long-term effects. In this prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of eighteen neonates the effect of morphine or paracetamol on pain experienced during retinopathy of prematurity screening was assessed by the Premature Infant Pain Profile.

C.M. Manjunatha, S.E. Ibhanesebhor, C. Rennix, H. Fisher, R. Abara