Neonatal procedural pain – sucrose — RACP Paediatrics MCQ

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EasyEmergencyNeonatal procedural pain – sucroseRACP Paediatrics

A 34-week premature neonate requires a heel prick blood test. What non-pharmacological pain management strategy has the strongest evidence for procedural pain in neonates?

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Correct answer: E — Oral sucrose (neonate)

Oral sucrose (24% sucrose solution, 0.5-1 mL given 2 minutes before the procedure) is the most well-studied non-pharmacological analgesic for minor procedural pain in neonates. It activates endogenous opioid pathways. Combined with non-nutritive sucking and swaddling, it significantly reduces pain scores during heel pricks and venepuncture.

Reference: RCH Melbourne – 2023 – Neonatal Pain CPG; RACP Paediatric Curriculum – Neonatology