Analysis of pain and free cortisol of newborns in intensive therapy with therapeutic procedures

Abstract

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Newborns at high risk in the intensive care unit are exposed to painful, repetitive and prolonged procedures that may be related to changes in brain development and behavioral abnormalities. The objective of this study was to relate pain and free cortisol of premature newborns undergoing therapeutic procedures in intensive care units. METHODS: A quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted with 32 premature newborns submitted to venipuncture, who were evaluated for pain and stress related to assisted ventilation; sedatives, prenatal corticoid, type of venipuncture, site, and the number of attempts. RESULTS: Preterm newborns undergoing invasive ventilation had a predominance of moderate pain in 12 (37.5%) and cortisol increase in 14 (43.8%) of them. Venipuncture triggered moderate and intense pain, 10 (31.3%), and in 17 (53.1) the cortisol levels increased. More than half was due to peripherally inserted central catheter placement, so that 10 (43.8) had moderate pain. The results of the research suggest that the exposure of newborns to invasive procedures is stressful, especially when repeated several times. CONCLUSION: Repeated venous puncture associated with therapeutic procedures intensified pain and altered cortisol, causing stress in premature newborns.