Abstract
Objective: This study was undertaken to study physiological and behavioral pain responses of neonates and to assess the analgesic effect of orally administered sucrose as assessed by the behavioral pain rating scale [DAN (Douleur Aiguë du Nouveau-né) score] during venepuncture in neonates.
Method: In 50 healthy neonates requiring bilirubin estimation, blood sugar was randomly assigned to receive 2ml of 30% sucrose two minutes before the venepuncture (intervention) in comparison to a group not receiving sucrose (control). During the procedure, pain was assessed by behavioral pain rating scale [Douleur Aiguë Nouveau-né (DAN) scale]. The heart rate, oxygen saturation before, during and after procedure as well as crying time was noted.
Results: There was significantly lower pain (DAN) score in the intervention group compared to control group. Median (inter-quartile) DAN score in the group receiving sucrose was 3 (1.5–5.5) compared to 7 (5–9.5) in control group. The difference in median DAN score between two groups was statistically significant (p=0.0001). There was a significant increase in heart rate in the control group whereas in group receiving sucrose, no significant change in heart rate was observed. Similarly, oxygen saturation was also significantly reduced in control group when compared to intervention group.
Conclusion: The analgesic effect of 30% sucrose was large enough to be clinically significant and can thus be detected by behavioral rating scale for acute pain (DAN). Sucrose reduces the physiological alteration occurring during venipuncture.