[Does the placebo effect exist in newborn infants?]

Abstract

Although comparison with a placebo is necessary to demonstrate the "true" effect of a drug, neonatologists are usually reluctant to use a placebo. The reason given is the lack of placebo effect in neonates. We studied heart and respiration rates and behaviour in normal neonates during heelstick for diagnosis of phenylketonuria. In this open randomized study we compared no treatment with an "analgesic" treatment consisting of water and sucrose. There was no difference in heart and respiration rates and behaviour between the two groups. These results do not demonstrate a "suggested" placebo effect and can in part be explained by the model and tools used to measure pain. The results do not support the non-use of placebo in drug evaluation trials in children.