[Cochrane report: sucrose reduces pain in newborns, optimal doses however not known]

Management of pain in newborns is less than optimal. We know for certain that newborns, even if born extreme premature, can feel pain. The assessment of pain is difficult and should include both physiological and behavioural parameters. The Cochrane Collaborative presents a review considering the efficacy of sucrose as analgesia in newborns undergoing painful procedures. The review shows that sucrose is efficient for procedural pain reduction even for premature newborns. The optimal doses are however not known and further studies must focus on efficacy and safety.