A pilot study on the biochemical effects of repeated administration of 24% oral sucrose vs. 30% oral dextrose on urinary markers of adenosine triphosphate degradation

Objectives Premature neonates often receive oral sucrose or dextrose before tissue-damaging procedures (TDPs). Previous work showed that a single dose of sucrose, but not dextrose, increased cellular energy utilization and ATP degradation. This pilot study probes the effects of repeated administration of sucrose or dextrose on energy metabolism. Methods Urinary markers of ATP metabolism (hypoxanthine, xanthine, uric acid) are measured in premature neonates randomized to receive: (a) standard of care, (b) 0.2 ml 24% oral sucrose, or (c) 0.2 ml 30% oral dextrose, before every painful procedure on days-of-life 3-7. Results Standard of care is associated with highest xanthine/creatinine and uric acid/creatinine, likely because of fewer pain treatments. Benefits of repeated oral sucrose are unclear. Neonates receiving oral dextrose had lower xanthine/creatinine and uric acid/creatinine. Conclusions Repeated treatments of neonatal procedural pain with 30% oral dextrose are less energetically demanding. Larger clinical studies are needed for comparison with sucrose treatments.

Automated summary

This study investigated the effects of repeated administration of sucrose or dextrose on energy metabolism in premature neonates. The results showed that the impact of repeated oral sucrose on energy metabolism is unclear, while neonates receiving oral dextrose had lower levels of certain urinary markers. Larger clinical studies are needed for further comparison between sucrose and dextrose treatments.