Stress at three-month immunization : Parents and infants salivary cortisol response in relation to the use of pacifier and oral glucose

• The aims of the present study were to investigate (1) whether the salivary cortisol response could be dampened during a routine three-month immunization if the infant received sweet-tasting solution in combination with a pacifier and (2) stress experienced by parents during immunization of the infant. Ninety-eight infants were included into one of four intervention groups: glucose and pacifier, water and pacifier, glucose, or water. Saliva was collected before and 30 min after the immunization. Infants crying-time and parents self-reported stress (VAS) were measured before and after immunization, Infants in the pacifier and glucose group had a significantly smaller change in salivary cortisol than infants in the other groups (F-3.72 = 3.1, p < 0.05). In the glucose and pacifier group the median salivary cortisol levels decreased 33% after the immunization. In the water and pacifier, glucose, and water group median cortisol increased with 50%, 42%, and 8%, respectively. No significant differences in crying-time were observed between the intervention groups. If the infant cried before the immunization, the crying-time during the immunization was longer (p < 0.01) and cortisol increased more (p < 0.05). Median cortisol levels for parents decreased after the immunization (p < 0.01). Median VAS increased 50% (p < 0.0001) after immunization. First time parents rated higher stress on VAS before immunization (p < 0.01). Parents change in cortisol and VAS were significantly related to infants crying time. In conclusion, the combination of oral glucose and pacifier dampen infants salivary cortisol in response to the three-month immunization.

Nyckelord

Cortisol

Cry

Glucose

Immunization

Infant

Pain

Stress

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

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