THE EFFICACY OF SUCROSE FOR RELIEVING PROCEDURAL PAIN IN NEONATES - ASYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND METAANALYSIS

The objective was to determine the efficacy and optimal dose of sucros e for relieving procedural pain in neonates. Data were obtained using MEDLINE, EMBASE, Reference Update and personal files and assessed for quality of the methods. Data from all randomized controlled trials whe re term and preterm neonates received a heelstick or venipuncture were examined for the efficacy of different sucrose doses (0.18 g, 0.24 g, 0.48 g or 0.50 g, 1.0 g) and water (placebo). The primary outcome was the proportion of time crying during 3 min after the painful stimulus . Data were combined across studies using a random effects model, adap ted for use with single groups, producing a point estimate and 95% con fidence interval (CI). Thirteen trials were identified; eight were rej ected as data were inappropriate, non-extractable, or the primary outc ome was not measured. Five studies provided data on 271 infants. The p roportion of time crying did not differ between 0.18 g of sucrose and water (p > 0.05) but was significantly lower in all other sucrose grou ps. There were no differences in proportion of time crying between ter m and preterm neonates. Sucrose reduced the proportion of time crying during painful procedures in neonates. The 0.18 g dose of sucrose was ineffective. Doses of 0.24 g (2 ml of 12% sucrose solution) were most effective, A dose of 0.50 g provided no additional benefit.