Pain behavior of children with bilateral idiopathic clubfoot undergoing Ponseti casting and the effect of non-pharmaceutical pain-relieving agents.

INTRODUCTION

This study prospectively investigated the pain response and physiological parameters [heart rate (HR) and oxygen saturation (SpO2)] during sequential casting in bilateral clubfoot. Additionally, it explored the role of non-nutritive sucking and human care contact on the observed responses during casting.

METHODS

Subjects were allotted to control group (Group A with no intervention) and two intervention groups (Group B: non-nutritive sucking intervention, Group C: human care contact intervention). Neonatal Infant Pain Score (NIPS), heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation (SpO2) were used to assess the response.

RESULTS

The three groups matched in age and gender characteristics of the participants. Pain response was noted across all groups. The left foot demonstrated a statistically significant preexisting tachycardia which rose further during casting (p < 0.01). Intergroup comparisons revealed that the alteration for NIPS during casting was in following sequence (Group A > C > B, p < 0.00001). The effect of interventions offered in Group B and C lasted in the post-cast period as well (B > C).

CONCLUSION

The clubfoot child exhibited moderate pain response during casting of both feet. A tachycardia was noted prior to initiation of second cast which further exaggerated with subsequent cast. Pacifier (non-nutritive sucking) intervention produced better control of pain response than human care contact during casting for both feet.