Oral Sweet Solution to Prevent Pain During Neonatal Hip Examination

Oral Sweet Solution to Prevent Pain During Neonatal Hip Examination

This study evaluates the pain relieving effect of oral glucose during hip examinations on healthy, fullterm infants.

All healthy, fullterm infants undergoes a medical examination after birth where 21 different components are assessed. One of the components is the hip examination which appears to be painful. Since painful experiences early in life can cause longterm negative effects it is important to treat pain during painful procedures.

One hundred healthy, fullterm infants were randomized to either glucose or sterile water orally before the routine medical examination before discharge from the maternity ward.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy, fullterm infants that were undergoing a routine medical examination

Exclusion Criteria:

• Prematurity
• Parents inability to speak Swedish well enough to give consent
• Congenital malformations or other illnesses
• Any pain-relieving medicine administered in the previous 24 hours