Sucrose for analgesia in newborn infants undergoing painful procedures

Cochrane review of 74 RCTs (n>7,000 neonates). Oral sucrose (0.012-0.12 g per dose, typically 0.2-0.5 mL of 24% solution) significantly reduces behavioural pain response to heel lance, venipuncture and immunization in newborns. Mean PIPP/NFCS reductions of 1-2 points; effect amplified by non-nutritive sucking. Safety profile favourable; effect smaller in very preterm. Cornerstone of NICU non-pharmacological pain protocols.