Comparison of Sucrose vs. Swaddling in Pain Management during Birth Dose of Hepatitis B Vaccine: A Randomized Control Trial

Objectives To evaluate the efficacy of pain management of 1 ml of 24% sucrose given orally compared to routine care given one minute before vaccination for reduction of pain. Methods This double-blind randomized controlled trial included term neonates visiting Pediatric OPD for immunization. Neonates were randomly assigned into two groups (Group A- Sucrose, Group B- Swaddling). Commercially available sucrose solution (StayHappi solution 24%) was given in a dose of 1 ml to the neonates. Video recording of the neonate’s facial expression was done during the procedure. Duration of cry, latency of onset of cry as well Modified Neonatal Facial Coding Score (MFCS) were the outcome variables. Results The mean (SD) of birth weight and gestational age was 2729 (321.6) g and 38.24 (0.84) d, respectively. Analysis showed significant difference in total MFCS across the groups ( P <0.001). Total MFCS was significantly lower in sucrose group [4.88 (1.07) vs. 7.17 (0.95)]. The duration of cry (in seconds) was also found to be significantly lower in sucrose group. Conclusions Administration of 1 ml 24% sucrose one minute prior to immunization is efficacious in pain management during injectable immunization.