Efficacy and Safety of Kangaroo Mother Care in Preterm Infants in Korea

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the safety of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) and to analyze its medical and psychological effects. Methods: Forty five preterm infants, admitted to Gangnam Severance Hospital NICU from October 2012 to September 2013, were recruited. KMC was performed for 1 hour daily until the discharge by either mother or father. The medical effects in KMC group were compared with historical control group. Psychological effects in KMC group were made a comparison with the non-KMC group. Results: The mean gestational age was 31.3±3.5 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 1,080±250 g. KMC was started at the mean age of 18.3±8.4 days. No event of hypothermia, bradycardia, desaturation, or hypotension occurred. There was no event of death or sepsis. Four patients (9%) had apnea but recovered after the tactile stimulation. Duration of the hospitalization in KMC group was significantly shorter than control group (P=0.041). Spielberger’s anxiety scale decreased from 49.7 to 48.5. Muller’s maternal attachment inventory increased from 98.4 to 99.5. Reduction of the self-happiness score improved from 5% to 70%. The score for Spielberger’s anxiety scale tended to be lower in the KMC group than in the control group without statistically significant. Muller’s maternal attachment inventory score was significantly higher in the KMC group. Conclusion: KMC is a safe method to Korean preterm infants. Due to reduction of hospitalization and beneficial psychological effect, we believe that offering KMC to more preterm infants as a supplement therapy will be useful.