Analgesic effect of oral glucose in preterm infants during venipuncture--a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of glucose on measures of neonatal pain during venipuncture. A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial was carried out at the neonatal intensive care unit at the King Edward Memorial Hospital. Sixty healthy preterm infants of gestation age 28-37 weeks and postnatal age 2-28 days were randomized to receive 2 ml of one of three solutions (sterile water, 10 per cent wt/vol. glucose and 25 per cent wt/vol. glucose) in the mouth 2 min before venipuncture. There was a significant reduction in duration of first cry in the babies given 25 per cent glucose compared with controls and those given 10 per cent glucose. There was no significant effect on heart rate, respiratory rate or oxygen saturation. It is concluded that concentrated glucose solution seems to reduce pain and may be a useful and safe analgesic for minor procedures in neonates.