Table 1 Baseline characteristics of infants when randomised to sucrose or water*
Sucrose n = 26Water n = 25p Value
Weight at time of randomisation (kg)1.70 (0.38)1.68 (0.35)
Postnatal age (days)23 (12)27 (17)
Baseline Prechtl score, median (range)4 (1–5)2 (1–4)0.065
Baseline heart rate (bpm)170 (19)158 (19)0.036
Baseline oxygen saturation (%)97.5 (3)97.4 (3)

  • *Values expressed as mean (SD) unless stated.