New research identifies sucrose as a safe and effective pain management option for hospitalized infants

University of Toronto research confirms sucrose reduces pain in hospitalized infants during venepuncture, protecting against long-term neurological impacts.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 5, 2026, 9:55 AM EST

Source: The information in this article was sourced from University of Toronto

Clinical review validates sucrose for procedural pain

Mariana Bueno, an Assistant Professor at the Lawrence Bloomberg Faculty of Nursing, has led a global review investigating sucrose as a primary pain management tool for infants undergoing venepuncture. The findings, published as a Cochrane review, indicate that sucrose is both a safe and effective analgesic for babies in hospital settings, particularly when compared to receiving no treatment. The research suggests that the pain relieving effects are further enhanced when infants are provided with a pacifier in addition to the sucrose solution, offering a practical method for clinicians to provide comfort during necessary medical interventions.

Long term neurological risks of untreated pain

The study emphasizes that procedural pain in infants is frequently under managed across all economic regions. Repeated exposure to acute pain during early life can lead to significant structural changes in the somatosensory system, affecting how the brain processes external stimuli over the long term. These neurological shifts can have a negative impact on overall growth and development. Infants who require extended hospital stays are at the highest risk, as they are subjected to frequent blood tests and intravenous insertions that cause repetitive physical stress without adequate relief.

Implementation barriers in neonatal intensive care

Despite the evidence supporting its use, sucrose administration is not yet a universal standard in clinical practice. Researchers noted that neonatal intensive care units are fast paced environments where clinicians may bypass pain management for procedures perceived as quick. Some practitioners operate under the misconception that infants will not remember the pain, while others face logistical challenges such as a lack of readily available doses. Bueno noted that while sucrose is easy to administer on a baby's tongue two minutes before a procedure, there remains a significant gap in intentional clinical application.