The analgesic effect of sucrose in full term infants: a randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of different sucrose concentrations on measures of neonatal pain.


METHODS
Randomised, double blind, placebo controlled trial of sterile water (control) or one of three solutions of sucrose--namely, 12.5%, 25%, and 50% wt/vol.


METHODS
Postnatal ward.


METHODS
60 healthy infants of gestational age 37-42 weeks and postnatal age 1-6 days randomised to receive 2 ml of one of the four solutions on to the tongue two minutes before heel prick sampling for serum bilirubin concentrations.


METHODS
Duration of crying over the first three minutes after heel prick.


RESULTS
There was a significant reduction in overall crying time and heart rate after three minutes in the babies given 50% sucrose as compared with controls. This was maximal one minute after heel prick in the 50% sucrose group and became statistically significant in the 25% sucrose group at two minutes. There was a significant trend for a reduction in crying time with increasing concentrations of sucrose over the first three minutes.


CONCLUSIONS
Concentrated sucrose solution seems to reduce crying and the autonomic effects of a painful procedure in healthy normal babies. Sucrose may be a useful and safe analgesic for minor procedures in neonates.
Haouari
N
N
University Division of Paediatrics and Child Health, Leeds General Infirmary.
Wood
C
C
Griffiths
G
G
Levene
M
M
D000284:Administration, Oral; D000698:Analgesia / Q000379:methods*; D001800:Blood Specimen Collection / Q000009:adverse effects; D003448:Crying; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011677:Punctures / Q000009:adverse effects; D013395:Sucrose / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D013395:Sucrose