EVALUATION OF PERCEPTION OF EXTEROCEPTIVE SENSATIONS IN PRETERM NEONATES-A PILOT STUDY

Aim: Preterm infant is deprived of various in-utero sensory experiences which have been documented as risk factor for prevalence broad range neurodevelopmental impairment in preterm infants. The present study evaluates the pain processing pattern neonates with and without known abnormalities using Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP)-a 7 indicator measure that include three behavioural (facial actions: brow bulge, eye squeeze nasolabial furrow), two physiological (heart rate oxygen saturation), contextual (gestational age state). Method: Neonates were randomly observed receiving one following procedures: Dry cotton swab simple touch (T), Cold warm water wet swabs recording temperature perceptions (Tp), venous puncture back hand (P), considered a painful stimulus; or alcohol friction on (F), distressing but not stimulus. A neonatologist evaluated physiologic behavioral parameters. evaluation perception includes utilizing Neonatal Scale (NIPS) PIPP. Results: mean score 8.04 moderate per PIPP table. standard deviation 3.517. probability distribution normal. Conclusion: according to recorded premature comparatively high abnormalities. infants born at 29-31 weeks gestational group showed greatest changes hemodynamic patterns during exteroceptive stimulation. KEY WORDS: premature, neonates, Profile, PIPP, Scale, NIPS, birth