MedPath

Oral Glucose in Pain Alleviation Among Term Neonates

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Pain
Interventions
Other: Placebo
Other: 30% glucose
Other: 5% glucose
Registration Number
NCT03190980
Lead Sponsor
Makassed General Hospital
Brief Summary

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.

Detailed Description

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

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
244
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

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
PlaceboPlaceboneonates will receive 2 ml of sterile water before heel prick
30% glucose30% glucoseneonates will receive 2 ml of 30% glucose before heel prick
5% glucose5% glucoseneonates will receive 2 ml of 5% glucose before heel prick
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Pain score2 minutes during the procedure

Pain responses will be evaluated using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale NIPS

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Occurance of adverse events5 minutes after the procedure

local bruising or haematoma or hyperglycemia

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Makassed General Hospital

🇱🇧

Beirut, Lebanon

© Copyright 2025. All Rights Reserved by MedPath