Randomized Controlled Trial of Kangaroo Care: Cardiorespiratory and Thermal Effects on Healthy Preterm Infants

Abstract

Mean cardiorespiratory and temperature outcomes remained within clinically acceptable ranges during KC. Apnea, bradycardia, and periodic breathing were absent during KC. Regular breathing increased for infants receiving KC compared to infants receiving standard NICU care.

Early interventions involving parents to improve neurodevelopmental outcomes of premature infants: a meta-analysis

“…This search retrieved four kangaroo care studies. [38][39][40][41] One trial was presented at the 2005 meeting of the American Pediatric Society and was included in abstract form, which has not been published in full. 42 Of the 72 articles retrieved, only 25 trials reported our primary outcome of interest and were included in this review.…”

The Effects of Kangaroo Care on Maternal Self-esteem and Premature Infants' Physiological Stability

“…Usually premature infants can save their energy and maintain an optimal body temperature through contact with their mother's warm skin during KC. Ludington-Hoe et al (2004) conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the cardiorespiratory and thermal effects of KC on healthy preterm infants, and found that mean cardiorespiratory and temperature outcomes remained within clinically acceptable ranges, and apnea, bradycardia, and periodic breathing were absent during KC. In another RCT, Chwo et al (2002) found that KC infants had higher mean tympanic temperatures and more quiet sleep than control infants.…”

“…A more recent study which compared the physiologic effects on preterm infants (n=24) of a 3-hour continuous kangaroo hold versus standard care reported comparable physiologic stability between pre-and post-interventions (Ludington-Hoe et al, 2004). In her review of KC researches, Smith (2007) reported the positive effect…”

The development of potentially better practices to support the neurodevelopment of infants in the NICU

“…211 However, extensive evidence has established its safety for use in premature infants as an intervention that promotes neurobehavioral development, [212][213][214][215] with recommendations for implementation in physiologically stable newborns or greater than 33 weeks gestation. 216 A systematic review has demonstrated a decrease in clinical morbidity and improved weight gain, although criticisms of study design still do not allow for a recommendation for implementation. 212 Kangaroo care/skin to skin contact improves newborn state organization, and perceptual-cognitive and motor development.…”

“…212 Kangaroo care/skin to skin contact improves newborn state organization, and perceptual-cognitive and motor development. 214,[217][218][219] It may improve physiologic stability, 216,[220][221][222] with lower infant activity level and diminished signs of discomfort, pain or stress, although salivary cortisol as a marker of stress suggested variable infant stress response. [222][223][224] Infants demonstrate more mature sleep patterns with decreased periods of arousal and longer periods of QS and less AS, 214,217,218,222,225 and significantly decreased periods of arousal during QS There have been conflicting reports of improved weight gain and decreased length of stay 226 as well as no demonstrable difference.…”