Prophylactic sucrose via the tahneek technique and its effect on neonatal hypoglycemia randomized control trial.
Jubara Alallah, Farzeen Mohtisham, Abrar Ahmed et al.
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In 30 seconds
This single-centre, open-label randomised controlled trial assessed whether tahneek with date paste reduced hypoglycemia in high-risk newborns. It included 324 neonates: 162 received a single dose of date paste, providing glucose equivalent to 200 mg/kg, one hour after birth, and 162 received routine feeds. Hypoglycemia occurred in 11.7% versus 14.11% (p = .51), respectively, with no significant difference. NICU admissions for hypoglycemia also did not differ significantly (0.12% vs 0.18%, p = .69). The authors concluded that tahneek did not reduce either outcome; exclusive breastfeeding showed a slight preference in the intervention group.
Key findings
- Hypoglycemia incidence was 11.7% with tahneek and 14.11% with routine feeds (p = .51).
- NICU admissions for hypoglycemia were 0.12% versus 0.18% (p = .69), with no significant difference.
- Exclusive breastfeeding showed a slight preference in the intervention group.
Why it matters
Neonatal hypoglycemia is a concern in newborns at risk, and this trial tested a culturally established, noninvasive approach against routine feeding. The findings do not show a reduction in hypoglycemia or related NICU admissions, helping clarify that this intervention should not be assumed to prevent these outcomes. The reported breastfeeding difference may be of interest but is not quantified in the abstract.
What to keep in mind
The trial was single-centre and open-label; the abstract does not report follow-up beyond the monitored neonatal outcomes.