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Literature review informs clinical guidelines for pain management during screening and laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity
Author(s) -
Pirelli Anna,
Savant Levet Patrizia,
Garetti Elisabetta,
Ancora Gina,
Merazzi Daniele,
Bellieni Carlo Valerio,
Lago Paola
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/apa.14523
Subject(s) - retinopathy of prematurity , medicine , neonatology , pain assessment , intensive care , grading (engineering) , intensive care medicine , clinical trial , medline , pain control , pediatrics , pain management , physical therapy , gestational age , surgery , pregnancy , genetics , civil engineering , political science , law , engineering , biology , pathology
Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to carry out a literature review and develop clinical guidelines for pain prevention and control during screening and laser photocoagulation for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). Methods The Italian Society of Neonatology assessed papers published between 1986 and June 2017 and used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach, to develop new guidelines on pain and ROP. Results The Society's pain experts assessed the full texts of 47 papers, including randomised or quasi‐randomised controlled trials and case–control studies on nonpharmacological and pharmacological measures used in NICUs during the screening and laser photocoagulation of neonates for ROP. The literature suggested methods for reducing the stress and pain associated with ROP screening procedures. The panel concluded that the literature showed that it was feasible to provide laser photocoagulation for ROP in spontaneously breathing patients with adequate analgesia. Conclusion This literature review on managing pain in infants with ROP in NICUs led to the development of national guidelines, which will help physicians and nurses to reduce the stress and pain experienced by premature newborn infants during unavoidable screening and treatment for ROP.