Glucose supply as a way to reduce procedural pain in newborns. Review of research results

Abstract

Immediately after birth, most newborns undergo a number of medical procedures to assess how the body functions. Some of these procedures are invasive and involve breaking the continuity of the baby's tissues, leading to pain and discomfort. Confirmation of pain sensation by newborns is relatively one of the newer scientific discoveries - this fact was not acceptable until the end of the 1980s. Therefore, analgesia was used very rarely during all medical procedures. Nowadays, medical personnel are aware that the youngest patients also feel pain and should be knowledgeable about its prevention and treatment. The aim of the study is to analyze the available studies on glucose supply as a way to reduce procedural pain in newborns. The non-systematic review of the literature was carried out according to the following keywords: pain, glucose, newborn, prevention, recommendations. Analyzes carried out in neonatal departments and a literature review have shown that pain prevention and treatment still pose many problems, as there are no clear guidelines as to how and methods to administer the therapy. Oral glucose is the most common pain reliever used in neonates during medical interventions. Its mechanism of action remains unclear, but it is believed to have a calming effect and reduce behavioral indicators of pain. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the administration of three doses of sucrose appropriate to the gestational age of the newborn, but there is concern about the long-term use of this preventive measure, especially in premature babies, who are at greater risk of hyperglycemia and disturbances in the development of the nervous system.