Oral Sucrose for Pain in Neonates During Echocardiography: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objective: To test the efficacy of oral sucrose in reducing pain/stress during echocardiography as estimated by Premature Infant Pain Profile score.

Design: Double-blind, parallel-group, randomized control trial.

Setting: Tertiary-care neonatal care unit located in Western India.

Participants: Neonates with established enteral feeding, not on any respiratory support and with gestational age between 32 and 42 weeks requiring echocardiography.

Interventions: Neonates in intervention group received oral sucrose prior to echocardiography.

Main outcome measures: Assessment was done using Premature Infant Pain Profile score.

Results: There were 104 examinations; 52 in each group. Baseline characteristics like mean gestational age (37.6 vs. 37.1), birth weight (2.20 vs. 2.08), and feeding status (Breastfeeding- 59.6% vs. 44.2%, paladai feeding- 13.5% vs. 13.5%, and gavage feeding- 26.9% vs. 42.3%) were comparable. The mean (SD) premature infant pain profile score was significantly higher in control group [(7.4 (3.78) vs. 5.2 (1.92), P <0.001].

Conclusion: Oral sucrose significantly reduces pain, and is safe to administer to neonates.