Oral sucrose for pain in neonates during echocardiography: A Randomized Controlled Trial

To test the efficacy of oral sucrose in reducing pain/ stress during echocardiography as estimated by Premature Infant Pain Profile score. Double-blind, parallel-group, randomized control trial. Tertiary-care neonatal care unit located in Western India. Neonates with established enteral feeding, not on any respiratory support and with gestational age between 32 and 42 weeks requiring echocardiography. Neonates in intervention group received oral sucrose prior to echocardiography. Assessment was done using Premature Infant Pain Profile score. There were 104 examinations; 52 in each group. Baseline characteristics like mean gestational age (37.6 vs. 37.1), birth weight (2.20 vs. 2.08), and feeding status (Breastfeeding- 59.6% vs. 44.2%, paladai feeding- 13.5% vs. 13.5%, and gavage feeding- 26.9% vs. 42.3%) were comparable. The mean (SD) premature infant pain profile score was significantly higher in control group [(7.4 (3.78) vs. 5.2 (1.92), P < 0.001]. Oral sucrose significantly reduces pain, and is safe to administer to neonates.