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.

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doi.org/10.1016/S0301-2115(00)00336-5, hdl.handle.net/1765/67321
European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology
Department of Pediatric Surgery

Lingen, R., Quak, C., Deinum, J., van de Logt, F., van Eyck, J., Okken, A., & Tibboel, D. (2001). Effects of rectally administered paracetamol on infants delivered by vacuum extraction. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 94(1), 73–78. doi:10.1016/S0301-2115(00)00336-5