The efficacy of oral sucrose for relieving lumbar puncture pain in neonates: a randomised clinical trial

BMJ Paediatrics Open 2026 Open access

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Authors: Alireza Jashni Motlagh, Sina Mashayekhipour, Mahsa Khoshnam rad, Niloofar Khoshnam Rad
DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2026-004563
Cited by: 1
References: 17

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the analgesic efficacy and physiological effects of oral sucrose during lumbar puncture (LP) in term neonates. STUDY DESIGN: This double-blind, randomised trial enrolled 60 full-term neonates undergoing LP. Participants were randomly given 2 mL of 25% oral sucrose or sterile water 2 min before the procedure. The primary outcome was pain score change from baseline via the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS). Secondary outcomes included changes in heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and oxygen saturation (SpO₂). Measurements were taken at baseline, 1 min, and 3 min post-LP. RESULTS: The sucrose group showed significantly smaller changes in NIPS scores at 1 min (1.0 vs 5.0, p

Fields of Study & Subjects

Pediatric Pain Management Techniques Anesthesia and Pain Management Neonatal Respiratory Health Research

Publication details

Journal / source
BMJ Paediatrics Open
Publisher
BMJ
Volume
10
Issue
1
Pages
e004563–e004563
Publication date
1 May 2026
Language
EN