EXPOSURE TO INVASIVE PROCEDURES IN NEONATAL INTENSIVE-CARE UNIT ADMISSIONS

The nature and numbers of invasive procedures were studied in 54 conse cutive infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. Over 3000 p rocedures were recorded, 74% in infants below 31 Reeks of gestation. O ne infant (23 weeks' gestation, birth weight (560 g) underwent 488 pro cedures. Heel prick blood sampling was the most common procedure (56%) , followed by endotracheal suction (26%) and intravenous cannula inser tion (8%). Invasive procedures which would cause pain or distress to a child ape frequently performed an infants admitted to the neonatal in tensive care unit. A reduction in the number of procedures, modifying them, or providing adequate analgesia could relieve some of this pain and distress.