Oral Glucose in Pain Alleviation Among Term Neonates
Oral Glucose in Pain Alleviation Among Term Neonates
Background: It was long believed that newborns could not experience pain. As it is now
 documented that newborns have all the necessary systems to perceive pain, pain management can
 no longer be ignored.

 Pharmacologic agents are not recommended in neonates for pain relief in minor procedures and
 still there is debate regarding the efficacy of oral glucose, in different strengths, on
 alleviation of pain among neonates.

 Aim: The objective of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety oral administration of
 glucose, in different concentrations, on pain relief in full term neonates undergoing heel
 prick test.

 Methods: The investigators will conduct a prospective, randomized, double blind placebo
 controlled trial to investigate the effect of glucose solution on alleviating the pain of
 heel prick test in 244 healthy full term newborns who will be randomly allocated to one of
 three groups: First group will receive 5% glucose, second group will receive 30% glucose and
 third group will receive sterile water as a placebo, 2 minutes prior to the procedure.

 Specially trained nurses will take turns to carry out blood sampling. Neonatal pain will be
 assessed by the Neonatal Infant Pain (NIPS) as well as by duration of crying, changes in
 heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation.
The investigators will conduct a prospective, randomized, double blind, placebo controlled
 study of healthy full term newborns delivered by normal vaginal delivery, undergoing heel
 prick test. They will be randomized to receive either 5% glucose, 30% glucose or sterile
 water as a placebo, 2 minutes prior to the procedure. The investigators will study the
 efficacy and safety of oral glucose, in different strengths, compared to placebo (sterile
 water) in pain alleviation.

 All parents will receive an explanation of the study before participation, and informed
 written consent will be signed by the parents for voluntary participation
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Estimated gestational age: 37 weeks-42 weeks

 -  Birth weight: 2500 grams- 4000 grams

 -  Mode of delivery: normal vaginal delivery

 -  Age: birth to 72 hours of life

 -  Apgar scores of at least 7 at 1 and 5 minutes

 -  Heart rate between 100 and 160 per minutes

 -  Blood O2 saturation ≥ 95%

 -  No known congenital anomalies

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  They have history of birth trauma

 -  They are admitted to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

 -  They need respiratory support

 -  Their mothers are receiving sedatives or opioids during vaginal delivery