Preterm neonates exposed to painful NICU procedures exhibit increased pain scores and alterations in oxygenation and heart rate. It is unclear whether these physiologic responses increase the risk of oxidative stress. Using a prospective study design, we examined the relationship between a tissue-damaging procedure (TDP, tape removal during discontinuation of an indwelling central arterial or venous catheter) and oxidative stress in 80 preterm neonates. Oxidative stress was quantified by measuring uric acid (UA) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in plasma before and after neonates experienced a TDP (n=38) compared to those not experiencing any TDP (control group, n=42). Pain was measured before and during the TDP using the Premature Infant Pain Profile(PIPP). We found that pain scores were higher in the TDP group compared to the control group (median scores:11 and 5, respectively, P<0.001). UA significantly decreased over time in control neonates but remained stable in TDP neonates (132.76μM to 123.23μM vs.140.50μM to 138.9μM, P=0.002). MDA levels decreased over time in control neonates but increased in TDP neonates (2.07μM to 1.81μM vs. 2.07μM to 2.21μM, P=0.01). We found significant positive correlations between PIPP scores and MDA. Our data suggest a significant relationship between procedural pain and oxidative stress in preterm neonates.

Objective To examine the effects of sucrose on pain and biochemical markers of adenosine trisphosphate(ATP) degradation and oxidative stress in preterm neonates experiencing a clinically required heel lance. Study design Preterm neonates that met study criteria (n=131) were randomized into three groups: (1) control; (2) heel lance treated with placebo and non-nutritive sucking (NNS); and (3) heel lance treated with sucrose and NNS. Plasma markers of ATP degradation (hypoxanthine, xanthine and uric acid) and oxidative stress (allantoin) were measured before and after the heel lance. Pain was measured using the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP). Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Spearman rho. Results We found significant increases in plasma hypoxanthine and uric acid over time in neonates who received sucrose. We also found a significant negative correlation between plasma allantoin concentration and PIPP in a subgroup of neonates who received sucrose. Conclusion A single dose of oral sucrose, given before heel lance, significantly increased ATP utilization and oxidative stress in premature neonates. Because neonates are given multiple doses of sucrose per day, randomized trials are needed to examine the effect of repeated sucrose administration on ATP degradation, oxidative stress and cell injury.

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atient satisfaction with health care is an increasingly significant concern. In 2001, the Institute of Medicine introduced a comprehensive strategy to improve health care in the United States. A key aim of this proposal is patient-centered care (PCC), defined as "providing care that is respectful of and responsive to individual patient preferences, needs, and values and ensuring that patient values guide all clinical decisions." 1(p6) Based on a comprehensive analysis of patient focus group data, 4 core concepts (dignity and respect, information sharing, participation, and collaboration) have been established to define quality in health care delivery (Table ). 2 These concepts harmonize with the clinical ethical principles of beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice, and respect for autonomy. 3 Previous reports suggest dissatisfaction among patient families and growing debate among clinicians regarding care after trisomy 18 (T18) or trisomy 13 (T13) diagnosis. 4,5 Our objective was to use PCC concepts to develop a framework that more fully evaluates sources of dissatisfaction and debate regarding shared decision making and clinical care of infants with T18 and T13. We outline key recommendations for a balanced approach to joint decision making regarding care that has application in other areas of challenging patient treatment.

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