Nonpharmacological Applications During the Retinopathy of Prematurity Examination and Their Effects on Pain Control: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Examination for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a very painful procedure. Therefore, pain management is essential given the possibility of sensory and behavioral problems in newborns, who are constantly exposed to painful stimuli. In this light, the use of nonpharmacological methods alone or in combination with pharmacological methods is recommended for pain control. This systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the effects of nonpharmacological treatments on pain during ROP examination. Randomized controlled trials published in English between 2011 and 2021 and available in the electronic databases of Medline, Web of Science, Nursing & Allied Health, and PubMed were reviewed. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.4. Six randomized controlled studies were included. Glucose (mean difference [MD]: -1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -2.34 to 0.94, P < .0001) and sucrose (MD: -2.50, 95% CI: -3.20 to -1.79, P < .0001) solutions were effective in reducing pain. However, breast milk did not reduce the Premature Infant Pain Profile score (MD: -2.50, 95% CI: -6.10 to 1.10, P > .05). The application of sucrose and glucose solutions for pain management during ROP examination can be effective and safe.

Effects of music on sleep quality and comfort levels of pregnant women.

OBJECTIVES: This pilot randomized controlled experimental study was conducted to investigate effects of music on sleep quality and comfort levels of pregnant women. METHODS: The sample of the study consisted of 70 pregnant women who met the inclusion criteria and agreed to participate in the study. The pregnant women were assigned to the music (n=35) and control groups (n=35). In the study, the musical pieces composed in Ussak mode were played for the participants in the music group. The pregnant women in the music group were first asked to empty their bladder and then listen to music for 30 min in a semi-Fowler's position with their head and shoulders raised 30°, in a quiet and dim environment, every other day for two weeks before going to sleep. The Pregnant Information Form, Prenatal Comfort Scale (PCS) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index - 1 week (PSQI-1 week) were used to collect the study data. RESULTS: The analysis of the mean scores obtained from the overall PSQI-1 week by the pregnant women in the music and control groups by weeks demonstrated that there was a statistically significant difference between the music and control groups in the second week (p<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the mean scores they obtained from the overall PCS (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Music increased the sleep quality of the pregnant women in the music group, but had no effect on their comfort levels.

Effects of three different methods used during heel lance procedures on pain level in term neonates.

AIM: This study aims to experimentally determine effects of three different methods (swaddling; swaddling and holding; swaddling, holding and breastfeeding) used during heel lancing on pain levels in healthy term neonates. METHODS: This study was a prospective, randomized controlled trial. The sample of newborns (n = 160) were allocated to the groups (group 1, control; group 2, swaddling; group 3, swaddling and holding; group 4, swaddling, holding and breastfeeding) by blocked randomization. The study data were obtained using an information form, and the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS). RESULTS: The procedural pain scores of group 4 were lower than group 1, group 2 and group 3. Both the total crying time and the first calming time of the groups swaddling, holding and breastfeeding, were shorter than the swaddling, swaddling and holding and the control group. CONCLUSIONS: As a result, all the three methods are effective in reducing the pain felt during heel lancing in the newborn. However, swaddling, holding and breastfeeding is more effective than the other methods.