There is conclusive evidence to support how harmful untreated pain can be to the newborn infant. However,concerns about the potential side effects of medications used to treat pain in neonates has contributed to the delay in procedural pain management in this population. This review shows that oral sucrose, with or without non nutritive sucking, is effective and safe in preterm and full term infants up to one month. However, it may not be appropriate for all invasive procedures and the case for the use of other non pharmacological methods is clear.
While the overall findings of the studies demonstrated a positive pain relief of oral sucrose one study found that sucrose did not significantly affect activity in neonatal brian or spinal cord nociceptive circuit; hence, suggesting it might not be an effective analgesia. Three other studies also found that breastfeeding and non nutritive sucking on pacifiers provided a more superior analgesia than oral sucrose. There was variation in the volume of sucrose used in studies with between 0.1 ml and 2 ml of either 24%, 25%, 33%, or 44% sucrose solution being administered in single and repeated doses. However, the overall findings demonstrated by each study mirrored each other, which may be considered as generalizable and transferable to NICUs internationally.
From the evidence it appears that the suitable group of infants for sucrose analgesia needs to be properly defined. Additionally, the optimal doses and concentration remain blurred; however, Lefrak et al. suggest that the volume does not determine the analgesic effect but instead the infant’s detection of a sweet taste.
Conclusion
The findings suggest that oral sucrose and other non-pharmacological pain reducing methods should be considered and utilized for minor invasive procedures but not as first line pain relief for moderate, severe or chronic pain in infants.
Clear guidelines and protocols on administration of oral sucrose are needed to ensure consistency between NICUs. The studies reviewed here had different administration regimens and therefore do not provide evidence for standardization. Research is also needed to ascertain any long term effects of early exposure to sugar.
Lack of clear guidelines and minimal research may be a reason why sucrose is not used more as greater emphasis is given to other considerations. For example, the larger literature and professional attention to the promotion of breast feeding and to the effect of early exposure to sugar on dental health and childhood obesity. Further research is needed within the UK to complement the international literature. This needs to consider the local cultural aspects of this practice and implementation recommendations.