518 Role of Oral Sucrose in Reducing Pain to Orogastric Tube Insertion in Preterm Neonates

Abstract

Background and aims: The practice of orogastric tube insertion has become quite popular in NICU's over the years. The present study was undertaken with an aim of assesing the pain associated with orogastric tube insertion across gestational age subgroups and the effect of oral sucrose on decreasing this pain. Methods: A double blind randomised controlled trial was carried out with predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.A total of 120 babies (60 in each limb) were randomised 2 minutes prior to the procedure and administered orally either a sterile solution of 24% sucrose or double distilled water according to the randomisation codes. The procedure involved putting an 6 Fr Orogastric tube (OGT). The whole procedure was video recorded and a non invasive vital signs monitor was also connected. The pain response to OGT insertion was measured by calculating the Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) Scores. Results were analysed using SPSS version 17. Mean and SD were calculated. Chi square test and unpaired and paired student's t test were used. Results: There was no significant difference between the baseline characteristics of the 2 study groups. In neonates > 32 weeks of gestation a significant measurable painful response to OGT insertion was seen whereas this was absent in the group 32 weeks of gestation, orogastric tube insertion is associated with measurable pain perception. Prior 24% oral sucrose transiently alleviates this pain.