Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
07:33
Sucrose Preference and Novelty-Induced Hypophagia Tests in Rats using an Automated Food Intake Monitoring System
Published on: May 8, 2020
Sucrose analgesia: identifying potentially better practices.
Linda Lefrak1, Kelly Burch, Rheta Caravantes
1Children's Hospital and Research Center, 747 52nd St, Neonatology, Oakland, CA 94609, USA. llefrak@mail.cho.org
Pediatrics
|November 3, 2006
Summary
Oral sucrose effectively manages procedural pain in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This study developed evidence-based guidelines for its use, improving pain management strategies for neonates.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pain management
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Procedural pain is a significant concern in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
- Oral sucrose is a commonly used analgesic for neonates undergoing painful procedures.
- Standardized guidelines for sucrose use are needed to ensure optimal efficacy and safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current use of oral sucrose for procedural pain management in NICUs.
- To develop evidence-based practice guidelines for sucrose analgesia.
- To provide strategies for implementing these improved guidelines.
Main Methods:
- A collaborative effort involving 12 centers from the Vermont Oxford Network.
- Comprehensive review of existing evidence on sucrose analgesia.
- Development of guidelines covering indications, dosage, administration, and contraindications.
Main Results:
- Consensus was reached on guidelines for sucrose use, including specific indications and age-related dosing.
- Guidelines detail dosage per painful procedure and over a 24-hour period.
- Contraindications and methods of delivery were clearly defined.
Conclusions:
- Evidence-based guidelines for oral sucrose use in NICUs are now available.
- Suggestions for guideline implementation were developed based on successful strategies for other pain management interventions.
- These guidelines aim to standardize and enhance procedural pain management in neonates.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Analgesia and Pain Management
Pain is critical to various clinical pathologies, provoking an urgent need for effective management. Pain, whether acute or chronic, is a complex neurochemical process. Its alleviation depends on the type, with nonopioid analgesics effective for mild to moderate pain, such as musculoskeletal or inflammatory pain, while neuropathic pain responds best to anticonvulsants, tricyclic antidepressants, or serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors. For severe acute or chronic pain, opioids may be...
01:15Opioid Analgesics: Synthetic and Semisynthetic Opioids
Synthetic and semisynthetic opioids are pivotal in pain management and tackling opioid addiction. Semisynthetic opioids, including morphinans (morphine derivatives), oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, and hydromorphone, have improved pharmacokinetic profiles compared to morphine. Additionally, heroin and 6-MAM (6-Monoacetylmorphine) show better CNS penetration than morphine due to heightened lipid solubility. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid, undergoes hepatic metabolism to form the active...