Patterns of heart rate variability responses to acute skin-breaking procedures in neonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PainJun 17, 2026 (epub)
Clinical ResearchPediatrics

Oana Bucsea, Sara Jasim, Estreya Cohen et al.

✦ AI-curated · Sources linked

In 30 seconds

This systematic review and meta-analysis examined heart rate variability (HRV) responses to acute skin-breaking procedures in preterm and full-term newborns within the first month of life. A total of 32 studies were included, with 27 undergoing meta-analysis. The findings revealed significant variability in HRV patterns related to acute pain responses, influenced by gestational and postnatal age.

Key findings

  • Gestational and postnatal age significantly affect HRV patterns of acute pain-related stress reactivity.
  • There is variability in acute pain-related stress reactivity across different HRV measures.
  • Normative patterns of pain-related stress regulation were identified through HRV analysis.
  • Substantial heterogeneity and risk of bias were noted across the included studies.

Why it matters

Understanding HRV responses to pain in newborns can inform clinical practices for pain management in this vulnerable population, potentially leading to improved outcomes and care strategies.

What to keep in mind

Substantial heterogeneity and risk of bias across studies were significant limitations in the current review.

Source

PubMed · PMID 42300226

Published in Pain. This summary was written by xxcode from the publication's abstract and metadata. It is not peer reviewed and is not a substitute for the original article. For clinical decisions, review the original publication.

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