Researchers from University College London have called for improved methods of assessing pain in infants.

A study published in the journal PLoS Medicine suggests that the pain assessment tools currently used, which are based on behavioural and physiological measures, may be underestimating the pain response in infants.

The research team led by Dr Slater studied the relationship between brain activity and the premature infant pain profile (PIPP) in response to a heel lance.

Results revealed a correlation between changes in brain activity and the PIPP scores, however, no change in facial expression was seen in 13 of the 33 test cases whereas a positive brain response was noted in ten.

Commenting on the findings, the authors stated that "pain assessment based on behavioural tools alone should be interpreted with caution as they could under estimate the total pain response".

The report follows recent evidence that suggests inadequate pain management in infants can have both immediate and long-term implications.

According to the researchers, studies have found that repetitive pain suffered by preterm infants can be linked to attention deficit disorder, learning disorders and behavioural problems in later childhood.

Login and visit the Opioids and Pain Management Knowledge Centre

• Opioids 'could exacerbate pain' 22/08/08
• High use of complementary methods in cancer survivors, study finds 04/08/08
• Experts to discuss treatment of chronic pain on the web 23/06/08
• Shorter self-management programmes 'better for chronic pain' 13/06/08
• Ideal treatment of chronic pain remains uncertain 06/06/08