Effect of oral sugar solution for reducing pain in infants underwent diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT) im- munization: a randomized, double-blind controlled trial
Abstract
Background Infants are often subjected to painful procedures suchas diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DTP) immunization. Despite
its negative effects, pain in infants has not got enough attention.
Sweet oral solution has analgesic effect.
Objective To determine whether oral sugar solution can reduce
the duration of crying in infants who got DTP immunization.
Methods This was a randomized, double-blind controlled trial
performed at Growth and Development Clinic of Dr. Sardjito
General Hospital and two Primary Health Centers in Yogyakarta.
Study subjects were 4-6 month-old infants who got the 3 rd DTP
immunization. Subjects were randomly allocated to receive 2 ml
75% oral sugar solution (intervention group) or 2 ml drinking
water (placebo) just before the immunization. Crying was recorded
from just before the injection until 3 minutes after.
Results Eighty-six subjects were enrolled; 42 subjects received
sugar solution and 44 subjects received placebo. Sugar solution
reduced the median duration of first cry about 38 seconds or 32%
(P=0.03) and reduced the median duration of total crying about
35 seconds or 24% (P=0.02).
Conclusion Administration of 2 ml 75% oral sugar solution can
alleviate pain associated with DTP immunization as shown by
reduced duration of crying.
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Accepted 2016-09-05
Published 2008-02-29