TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ORAL SUCROSE SOLUTION ON PAIN PERCEPTION AMONG INFANTS RECEIVING IMMUNIZATION IN SELECTED PEDIATRIC UNITS AT INDORE

Background: Although the analgesic effect of sucrose on new- borns is well established, little is known about whether these solutions are effective in reducing procedural pain in infants beyond the newborn period. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of sucrose solution given orally on infant crying times and measure the distress in a 16–19-month age group. Methods: A total of 439 healthy infants and children receiving their regular vaccinations aged between 16 and 19 months attending the of the Department of Pediatrics were recruited and randomized for the study . Overall, 360 infants were analyzed. These infants were born at term, were of normal birth weight, were otherwise healthy, and were required only routine well-child care. Results: A total of 360 healthy, 16–19-month-old infants attending for their immunizations with intramuscular injection were randomized to receive 2 mL of a 75 % sucrose solution, a 25 % sucrose solution or sterile water 2 min before injections. Infants receiving a 75 % sucrose solution had significantly reduced total crying times and Childrens Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale scores (CHEOPS) compared with infants in the control and 25 % sucrose solution groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: Sucrose solution reduces infant distress and is safe and clinically useful even for 16–19-month-old infants.