Efficacy of expressed breast milk in reducing pain during ROP screening-a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of expressed breast milk (EBM) on neonatal pain during screening for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Methods: Neonates who were on oral feeds undergoing ROP screening were included. Babies were randomized into intervention group (EBM {thorn} Standard practice) and control group. The standard practice is proparacaine, nesting and swaddling. Pain was assessed by PIPP scale, during and at 1 and 5 min after the procedure by the principal investigator who was blinded. Results: The groups were similar in baseline characteristics. The group receiving EBM had significantly lower PIPP scores during the procedure 12.7±1.69 compared to the control group 15.5±1.78 (p<0.05). The beneficial effect persisted at 1 min and 5 min after the procedure 6.20±1.9 vs. 12.4±2.54 (p<0.05) at 1 min; 3.2±1.5 and 6.85±2.4 (p<0.05) at 5 min. Conclusion: Oral EBM significantly reduces pain during and after ROP screening.