Evaluación del sistema parasimpático durante procedimientos dolorosos en neonatología / Parasympathetic evaluation for procedural pain assessment in neonatology

Introducción: El monitor NIPE (Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation) es una herramienta rápida, continua y objetiva de evaluación del disconfort neonatal. Los objetivos fueron describir los cambios del NIPE tras una extracción sanguínea y los factores implicados en su variación. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional analítico con recogida de datos prospectiva. Se incluyeron los recién nacidos ingresados en cuidados intensivos entre junio y diciembre de 2021 a quienes se les realizó extracción sanguínea. Se recogieron variables demográficas, las relacionadas con la realización del procedimiento, la puntuación NIPE, la frecuencia cardiaca previa y en los minutos 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 y 15 posteriores. Resultados: Se incluyeron 86 registros de 49 pacientes. Durante los primeros cuatro minutos tras el procedimiento hubo un descenso significativo en la puntuación NIPE, siendo el descenso máximo de un 22,8% respecto al valor basal, produciéndose el nadir a los 2,79 minutos. El mayor descenso del NIPE ocurrió en pacientes prematuros, varones, con menor Apgar a los cinco minutos, en procedimientos ya realizados previamente, tras cesárea y en horario matutino. No hubo diferencias con la realización en canguro. La correlación entre NIPE y frecuencia cardíaca fue débil. Conclusiones:Tras un procedimiento doloroso, como una extracción sanguínea, el monitor NIPE mostró un descenso significativo los primeros cuatro minutos, agudizándose el descenso con la prematuridad, la reiteración de procedimientos o el nacimiento tras cesárea. El monitor NIPE puede ayudar a identificar eficazmente a aquellos neonatos que sufren dolor agudo tras un procedimiento, complementándose con las escalas de valoración clínica. (AU)

Introduction: The Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation (NIPE) index is an instrument that enables continuous, fast and objective assessment of neonatal discomfort. The aim of the study was to analyse changes in NIPE values after performance of blood draws and the factors involved in this variation. Material and methods: We conducted a prospective observational study. We included infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit between June and December 2021 who underwent blood draws. We recorded demographic data, aspects related to the procedure, the NIPE index and the heart rate at baseline and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 and 15min after the procedure. Results: The study included 86 records for 49 patients. In the first 4min after the procedure, there was a significant decrease in the NIPE index, with a maximum decrease of 22.8% relative to baseline and the nadir at 2.79min. The decrease in NIPE values was greater in infants born preterm, male, with lower 5-min Apgar scores and following procedures that had been performed previously, after caesarean section or in the morning. There were no differences when the blood draw was obtained during kangaroo care. The correlation between the NIPE index and the heart rate was weak. Conclusions: After a painful procedure, such as a blood draw, the NIPE monitor showed a significant decrease in the first 4min, which was more pronounced in preterm infants, in repeated procedures or after caesarean delivery. The NIPE index could help identify infants experiencing acute procedural pain, complementing clinical rating scales. (AU)

Parasympathetic evaluation for procedural pain assessment in neonatology.

INTRODUCTION: The Newborn Infant Parasympathetic Evaluation (NIPE) index is an instrument that enables continuous, fast and objective assessment of neonatal discomfort. The aim of the study was to analyse changes in NIPE values after performance of blood draws and the factors involved in this variation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study. We included infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit between June and December 2021 who underwent blood draws. We recorded demographic data, aspects related to the procedure, the NIPE index and the heart rate at baseline and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10 and 15 min after the procedure. RESULTS: The study included 86 records for 49 patients. In the first 4 min after the procedure, there was a significant decrease in the NIPE index, with a maximum decrease of 22.8% relative to baseline and the nadir at 2.79 min. The decrease in NIPE values was greater in infants born preterm, male, with lower 5-min Apgar scores and following procedures that had been performed previously, after caesarean section or in the morning. There were no differences when the blood draw was obtained during kangaroo care. The correlation between the NIPE index and the heart rate was weak. CONCLUSIONS: After a painful procedure, such as a blood draw, the NIPE monitor showed a significant decrease in the first 4 min, which was more pronounced in preterm infants, in repeated procedures or after caesarean delivery. The NIPE index could help identify infants experiencing acute procedural pain, complementing clinical rating scales.