The use of sucrose for the prevention of pain during venipuncture in neonates

• Published in: Enfermería clínica Vol. 19; no. 5; p. 267
• Main Authors: Giraldo Montoya, Isabel, Rodríguez Gázquez, María de Los Angeles, Mejía Cadavid, Luz Aída, Quirós Jaramillo, Alexandra
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Spanish
• Published: Spain 01.09.2009
• Subjects: Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Male; Pain - etiology; Pain - prevention & control; Phlebotomy - adverse effects; Sucrose - therapeutic use
• ISSN: 1130-8621
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enfcli.2009.05.004

To evaluate the effectiveness of sucrose use in the prevention of pain during venipuncture in neonates. Double blind randomized control trial. The population consisted of hospitalized neonates subjected to venipuncture. Sample size was calculated with a 95% confidence level, 80% power, minimum proportion of neonates with pain 40% in the study group and 70% in the control group. The minimum sample size was 49 newborns per group. Five minutes before venipuncture, the neonates received 1cc of oral solution of 12% sucrose (study group) or distilled water (control group). During the procedure the pain level was evaluated with NIPS (Neonatal Infant Pain Scale). A data base was created, and the information processed and analysed using the SPSS program. A total of 111 neonates were analysed, (55 in study group and 56 in control group). Bivariate analysis showed a smaller NIPS score in the group that received sucrose. Linear regression model explained that the significant variables for pain during the procedure were: hours since birth and the absence of non-nutritious suction, not being related to the sucrose administration. Neonates that received the oral solution of sucrose before venipuncture had an average pain score lower than the placebo controlled group.