The first, second and third injections were administered at 2 minutes, 5 minutes, and 7 minutes after the solutions were given.

Experience of pain the investigators. van To assess the babies used a validated composite pain scale that measures crying. body movement. van gelaatsuitdrukking. behavior. and sleep. The scale goes from 0 to 5, with higher scores representing greater pain. Pain was assessed immediately after each injection, and at 9 minutes.

Scores ranged from 1.19 to 3.80 immediately after each injection in the group given the sugar solution, versus 3.02 to 4.81 in the group given water. At the 9minute assessment, mean scores were 0.59 and 2.75, respectively.

"Although sucrose did not eliminate pain at any point in time," Hatfield and her associates write, "other pain reduction or comforting measures (acetaminophen, distraction, holding, feeding, etc) used in conjunction with sucrose administration could provide additional comfort for infants."

SOURCE: Pediatrics, February 2008.

Copyright © 2008 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Redistribution of Reuters content. van Republication or including by framing or similar means. is without the expressly prior prohibited written consent of Reuters. Van for any errors van Reuters shall not be taken liable content or for any actions. or delays in the in reliance thereon. Logo are gedeponeerd handelsmerken and trademarks of the Reuters van Reuters and the Reuters sphere group of companies around the world.