Effects of rectally administered paracetamol on infants delivered by vacuum extraction

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate whether paracetamol (20 mg/kg rectally) relieves pain in infants delivered by vacuum extraction, and improves clinical condition.

Methods: Prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Infants delivered by vacuum extraction were randomised either to the study group (n=61) and given paracetamol or to the control group (n=61) receiving placebo. Pain assessment was performed by a validated pain score and by scoring the clinical condition. Both scores and clinical symptoms in these groups were compared with symptoms in a reference group (n=66) with uncomplicated pregnancy and delivery in vertex position without vacuum extraction.

Results: Pain score did not differ between groups; clinical condition in the study group improved only after the first dose. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) in objective clinical symptoms in the vacuum extraction groups, compared to the reference group.

Conclusion: One dose of paracetamol given to neonates delivered by vacuum extraction significantly improved their clinical condition, but did not result in a significant change in objective pain scores. Subsequent doses of paracetamol did not show any effect on the clinical symptoms or appearance of the neonates studied.