Developmental care advantages in preterm infants management

Abstract

The study aims to compare the short-term outcomes of standard and developmental care in preterm infants. The study involved 197 infants with gestational age ˂32. Standard care (SC) group includes 14 newborns weighing ˂1000g (SC-1) and 105 children weighing ˃1000g (SC-2). Developmental care (DC) group – 78 infants (24–DC-1 and 54–DC-2). Late-onset sepsis was observed less often in DC-1 versus SC-1 (p = 0.039), feeding intolerance - less frequently in DC-2 (p˂0.001). Incidence of PVL was lower in DC-1 (p = 0.043) and severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in DC-2 (p = 0.029). Duration of ventilation, antibacterial therapy was shorter in DC subgroups (p˂0.05), duration of parenteral nutrition was shorter in DC-2 (p = 0.0378). The prevalence of severe growth failure was found in SC-2 (p = 0.012). Breastfeeding rates were higher in DC-1 (p = 0.030) and DC-2 (p = 0.058). Thus, developmental care improves early outcomes in preterm infants, reducing the incidence of severe morbidity, improving physical development, and supporting breastfeeding.