Pain Relief in Late Preterm Neonates: A Comparative Study of Kangaroo Mother Care, Oral Dextrose 50%, and Supine Nesting Position

OBJECTIVE: The objectrve is to compare the analgesic effect of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), oral dextrose 50% (D50) and supine nesting position in late preterm neonates (34 week to <37 week Gestation Age) while doing heel prick for blood glucose monitoring. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Babies were randomized into three groups; KMC, D50 and supine nesting. Premature infant pain profile (PIPP) score was used to measure pain severity following heel prick. Total crying time was also compared. RESULTS: Data of 149 eligible babies were analyzed; significant difference was noted in total PIPP scores (mean; SD) across groups; KMC (8.42 [1.99]), D50 (8.76 [1.84]) and nesting (13.08 [1.70]) (P < 0.001). Post hoc analysis revealed comparable scores among KMC and D50 groups (P = 0.638), significantly less than nesting group (P < 0.001). Significant difference in crying time (median; interquartile range) was also noted amongst three groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The analgesic effect of KMC and oral D50 is comparable and found to be superior to supine nesting position in reducing pain of heel prick.