2024, Vol. 6, Issue 2, Part A

Background: Preterm birth is a global epidemic that is the second leading cause of death for children under five years. Experiencing painful procedures is an inevitable part of medical care for premature neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.

Aim of the study: The current study aims to evaluate the effect of oral glucose administration on pain intensity among preterm neonates during heel lancing.

Research design: A quasi-experimental research design was utilized to achieve the aim of this study. Sample: A purposive sample of eighty preterm neonates divided into two equal groups (40 preterm neonates for oral glucose 25% and control groups) was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit in Minia University Hospital for Obstetric and Pediatric.

Data collection tools: Two tools were used to collect data; the first tool was a structured interviewing questionnaire that includes part I, bio-demographic characteristics of preterm neonates, and part II, Baseline vital signs and oxygen saturation parameters, and the second tool was neonatal infant pain scale.

Results: The mean gestational age for oral glucose 25% administration and control groups were 33.7±1.6 vs. 34.1±1.8 weeks, respectively; more than half of studied preterm neonates were male. A significant decrease in the total mean score of neonatal infant pain scale in the oral glucose 25% administration group than in the control group (1.37±1.27, 4.5±1.27 from 7, respectively).

Conclusion: Oral glucose 25% administration is effective in pain reduction for preterm neonates during heel lancing.

Recommendation: Establish guidelines for pain assessment scales and pain management of neonates at the neonatal intensive care unit.