Postoperative Pain in Infants

This observational study aims to evaluate skin conductance measurement (SCM) for pain assessment in postoperative newborns. Pain assessment in newborns is challenging due to their inability to communicate, and current methods rely on intermittent observational scales such as the Neonatal Pain, Agitation and Sedation Scale (N-PASS) in combination with physiological parameters. Skin conductance reflects sympathetic nervous system activity and provides a continuous, objective measure of stress and pain. This study will investigate the correlation between skin conductance measurements and standard clinical pain assessment tools (N-PASS and vital parameters), as well as explore the potential analgesic effect of skin-to-skin care on postoperative pain. The study is conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting where all monitoring and treatments are part of routine clinical care.

Inclusion Criteria * Neonates admitted to the NICU * Undergoing surgical intervention * Receiving postoperative care at the study site Exclusion Criteria * Lack of parental consent (if applicable) * Major congenital conditions affecting autonomic nervous system function