Background: Neonates are subjected to frequent painful procedures. Neonates can perceive pain which can affect neurodevelopmental outcome. It is necessary to assess and manage pain during various procedures.

Objective: To compare the effect of oral 25% dextrose and placebo in reducing neonatal pain after venepuncture.

Methods: A randomised control study was done in a tertiary care hospital. Neonates were randomised into a placebo group using sterile water and intervention group using 25% dextrose. Two ml of test solution was administered to neonate two minutes before the procedure. Neonatal pain response was assessed at 0 – 30 sec, 1 -1½ min, 3 – 3½ min, 5 -5½ min after venepuncture using PIPP score. Cry time after venepuncture was recorded.

Results: Mean PIPP scores at 0 – 30 sec, 1 -1½ min, 3 – 3½ min, 5 -5½ min after venepuncture were 11.475, 10.125, 9.125, 7.575 in placebo group;  8.55, 7.225, 6.0, 4.5 in 25% dextrose group respectively. Mean cry time was 105.65 sec in placebo group and 60.85 sec in 25% dextrose group.

Conclusion: Oral 25% dextrose significantly reduced neonatal pain compared to placebo after venepuncture.

Keywords: 25% dextrose, PIPP, Venepuncture.

Abbreviations: 25% D - 25% dextrose, PIPP – Premature Infant Pain Profile, sec – seconds, min – minutes.

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Abinaya .S

Postgraduate, Department of Paediatrics,

Rajah Muthiah Medical College and Hospital, Chidambaram, Tamilnadu