Sucrose reduces pain reaction to heel prick in preterm infants|[period]| A placebo controlled, randomized, and masked study

摘要

In term infants duration of crying after heel prick seems to be reduced by sucrose given orally (Blass et al. Pediatrics 1991; 87:215-218).Major objective: Does sucrose reduce nociceptive activity in preterm infants as assessed by change in heart rate and duration ol crying?Minor objective: Changes in cerebral blood volume (CBV) during the study?Methods: 16 preterm infants (27 - 34 gestational weeks, postnatal age 10-67 days, birth weight 900-1900 g) were studied. Each infant was its own control and got 2 ml sucrose 50% or 2 ml aqua dest. in random order unknown to the investigator before heel prick. Reaction to pain was documented by video, continuous monitoring of heart rale and CBV (Near infrared spectroscopy).Results: [Mean (SD)] p: paired t-test.Conclusion:Sucrose administered orally before a heel prick reduces nociceptive reaction in preterm infants, but does not seem to alter response of CBV to pain.