Analgesic Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy before Heel Lance for Pain Management in Healthy Term Neonates: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial investigated the analgesic effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) compared to breast milk (BM) feeding before heel lance in healthy term neonates. 125 neonates were included (55 LLLT, 59 BM). There were no significant differences in latency to first cry or cry duration. Squeeze time was significantly shorter in the LLLT group (p = 0.047). No significant differences were found in pain scores, heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, salivary cortisol, or α-amylase between groups, except for significant changes in salivary cortisol and α-amylase in the BM group after heel lance. Findings suggest LLLT is comparable to BM for pain management during heel lance in healthy term neonates, showing potential as an analgesic treatment.

Bei-Yu Wu, Mei-Chen Ou-Yang, Chun-Ting Liu, Hsin-Chun Huang, Wen-Long Hu, I-Lun Chen, Hsin-Yu Chang, Mei-Yung Chung, Feng-Shun Chen, Yung-Hsiang Chen, Chih-Cheng Chen