SUCROSE likely reduces pain in newborns during venepuncture, according to a 2026 systematic review.
When given sucrose, the babies were found to probably experience less pain during and shortly after the procedure than those given nothing, water, or standard comfort measures.
Only a Small Amount of Sucrose is Needed
Newborns often undergo numerous painful procedures in hospital, which they can experience intensely due to their immature pain regulation. Pain, in newborns, can contribute to poor physical growth and affect brain development.
Researchers said that even small amounts of sugar have been shown to help with pain relief during standard procedures.
Mariana Bueno, University of Toronto, USA, said: “Newborn babies undergo frequent needle procedures in hospital without any pain relief or comforting measures, even though older children and adults rarely have these procedures done without pain care.
“The evidence shows that a small amount of sucrose given just before the procedure is a simple, fast, and effective way to reduce that pain.
“Our review helps clinicians use this evidence more confidently and consistently in practice.”
Sucrose Likely Reduced Pain Scores
A total of 29 randomised controlled trials were included in the review, accounting for more than 2,700 preterm and full-term neonates.
Sucrose probably reduces pain scores during and 30 seconds to 1 minute after needle insertion in newborns when compared with no intervention, water, or standard care, the review found.
Sucrose also seemed to reduce pain more than pacifiers. The evidence on the effect on pain relief of sucrose versus skin-to-skin care was limited. No studies reported on harmful side effects, such as gagging or apnoea.
Implications for Neonatal Care
Sucrose can be administered to a newborn orally, in very small amounts. Across studies, sucrose dosage and method of administration varied greatly.
Bueno continued: “What stood out to me when doing this review was the wide variation in how sucrose was given to newborns.”
The authors emphasised that the study’s findings can help inform clearer clinical guidelines, enabling more consistent practice in neonatal pain relief.
Reference
Bueno M et al. Sucrose analgesia for venepuncture in neonates. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2026;DOI:10.1002/14651858.CD015221.pub2.
Featured image: Jonás Torres on Adobe Stock
