Table 1 The Douleur Aigüe du Nouveau-né (DAN) scale[10, 20]

Calm

0

Snivels and alternates gentle eye opening and closing

1

Intensity of eye squeeze, brow bulge, nasolabial furrow:

- Mild, intermittent with return to calm*

2

- Moderate†

3

- Very pronounced, continuous‡

4

Limb movements

Calm or gentle movements

0

Intensity of pedalling, toes spread, legs tensed and pulled up, agitation of arms, withdrawal reaction:

- Mild, intermittent with return to calm*

1

- Moderate†

2

- Very pronounced, continuous‡

3

Vocal expression

No complaints

0

Moans briefly (for intubated child, looks anxious or uneasy)

1

Intermittent crying (for intubated child, expression of intermittent crying)

2

Long lasting crying, continuous howl (for intubated child, expression of continuous crying)

3