• A M Cohen, N Cook, M C Harris, G-S Ying, and G Binenbaum.
• Divisions of Neonatology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
• J Perinatol. 2013 Jun 1;33(6):462-5.

ObjectiveEvaluate physiological and behavioral pain responses of premature infants following instillation of mydriatic eyedrops for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) examinations. While burning and stinging occurs in older patients, the infant pain response is not well characterized.Study DesignVital sign and video monitor recorded infant responses before, during and after mydriatic (tropicamide 1%, phenylephrine 2.5%) administration upon first ROP exam. Two masked observers graded Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) scores immediately before and following eyedrop administration. Scores <7 indicate no/minimal pain, 7 to 12 slight/moderate, >12 severe.ResultTwenty infants had mean premydriatic PIPP score 3.6 (s.d. 1.6), mean postmydriatic score 5.7 (s.d. 3.4), mean change 2.1 (s.d. 3.4) (P=0.01). One (5%) had premydriatic PIPP score ≥7, seven (35%) post scores ≥7 (P=0.07) with one >12.ConclusionMydriatic drops cause a clinically significant pain response in one-third of infants. Non-pharmacological supportive measures are recommended for all infants until predictive factors are defined.

22 keywords...

hide…