THE ANALGESIC EFFECT OF SUCROSE IN FULL-TERM INFANTS - A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Objective-To evaluate the effects of different sucrose concentrations on measures of neonatal pain, Design-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. Setting-Postnatal ward, Patients-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. Main outcome measure-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. Conclusion-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.