RT Journal Article
T1 Effectiveness of Sucrose Versus Breast Milk as Non-Pharmacological Measures in the Management of Neonatal Pain: A Systematic Review
A1 Camacho Pernil, Marina
A1 Tirado Hernández, Pastora
A1 Rodríguez García, María
A1 Andrade Gómez, Elena
A1 Fagundo Rivera, Javier
A1 Fernández León, Pablo
AB Background: The neonatal period involves rapid physiological adaptation and high vulnerability to painful stimuli, especially in NICU-admitted infants. Neonates have the neurophysiological capacity for nociception, and repeated pain exposure may impair neurodevelopment. Non-pharmacological interventions, particularly oral sucrose and breast milk, are widely used as first-line analgesic strategies due to their safety and efficacy. However, heterogeneity in existing studies requires evidence synthesis. Methods: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted to assess the effectiveness of sucrose and breast milk in neonatal pain reduction. PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials published between 2019 and 2024. Studies involving neonates undergoing painful procedures and receiving sucrose, breast milk, or both were included. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently. Due to heterogeneity in interventions and outcomes, a narrative synthesis was conducted. Results: Thirteen randomized controlled trials were included. Both sucrose and breast milk consistently reduced neonatal pain scores and physiological indicators such as heart rate and oxygen saturation. Sucrose showed rapid, short-term analgesia mediated by endogenous opioid pathways, while breast milk provided additional sensory, nutritional, and emotional benefits that support mother–infant bonding. Multimodal approaches, including kangaroo care, non-nutritive sucking, and swaddling, enhanced analgesic effects. Heterogeneity in protocols and assessment tools limited comparability across studies. Conclusions: Sucrose and breast milk are safe and effective non-pharmacological interventions for neonatal pain management. Their incorporation into standardized multimodal protocols is recommended to optimize analgesia and promote humanized neonatal care. Further research is needed to standardize dosing and evaluate long-term outcomes.
PB MDPI
SN 2227-9067 (electrónico)
YR 2026
FD 2026
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10272/28389
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10272/28389
LA eng
NO Camacho-Pernil, M., Tirado-Hernández, P., Rodríguez-García, M., Andrade-Gómez, E., Fagundo-Rivera, J., & Fernández-León, P. (2026). Effectiveness of Sucrose Versus Breast Milk as Non-Pharmacological Measures in the Management of Neonatal Pain: A Systematic Review. Children, 13(5), 676. https://doi.org/10.3390/children13050676
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Huelva
RD 14 jul 2026