ORAL HYPERTONIC GLUCOSE, FOR ANALGESIA IN THE PREMATURE NEWBORNS

Abstract

Background: A number of studies have shown that orally administered sweet tasting solutions reduce signs of pain during painful procedures in the term newborns. The aim of the present study was to compare the pain reducing effect of orally administered glucose with that of placebo during venipuncture in preterm infants. Methods: A Randomized, double- blind, placebo controlled trial was carried out at the neonatal intensive care unit at the Alzahra Hospital –Isfahan-Iran from June to September 2005. Thirty six preterm newborns (gestational age 28-34 weeks; postnatal age (1-14 days) undergoing venipuncture for clinical purposes, were enrolled in the study. Each infant was assessed two times receiving 1 ml 30% glucose or 1 ml sterile water by mouth, 2 minutes before venipuncture. The behavioral pain reactions were scored with the Premature Infant Pain Profile and duration of crying and heart rate were measured. Results: The PIPP scores were significantly lower in the glucose group compared with the placebo group (8.94±3.013 VS 11.44±3.42 respectively, P<0.001). The duration of crying in the first 3 minutes was significantly lower in 30% glucose compared with placebo group (24.1±18.48 VS 39.6±26.8 respectively, P=0.002). Conclusion: We found that 30% glucose may be a useful and safe analgesic for minor procedures in preterm newborns.