[Pain, pain assessment and analgesia in newborn infants].

Although during the past few years more knowledge on pain and analgesia in the neonate has been acquired, adequate treatment is not always given. To achieve better understanding and treatment of pain in newborn infants, a review of pain perception and pain assessment is given as well as guidelines regarding its prevention and treatment. A proper assessment and an adequate relief of pain contributes to the quality of care for the newborn infant.