[Pain and pain relief during the neonatal period. Early pain experiences can result in negative late-effects]

Abstract

The neonate has a functional nociceptive system. However, recent research suggests that infants may be more vulnerable to the negative effects of pain than older children and adults. Apart from short-term effects, untreated pain may also have long-term effects, which may later affect neurological development, including the reaction to pain. Despite convincing evidence from recent research, the neonate is still subjected to painful procedures, even surgery, without adequate treatment.