Abstract
To determine whether nonnutritive sucking (NNS) in preterm infants influences selected outcome variables. A systematic review, based on the Cochrane Collaboration format, of trials utilizing experimental or quasi-experimental designs in which NNS (by pacifier) was compared to no provision of NNS; related to naso/orogastric tube feedings, bottle feedings, or not associated with feeding. All infants born at < 37 weeks gestation. This review consisted of 19 studies; 13 were randomized controlled trials. Sample sizes ranged from 10 to 59 infants and totaled 518 infants. Weight gain, energy intake, heart rate, oxygen saturation, length of hospital stay, intestinal transit time, and postconceptional age at full oral feedings. NNS significantly decreased the length of hospital stay in preterm infants. The review did not reveal a consistent benefit of NNS with respect to other major clinical variables. No negative outcomes were reported in any of the studies.
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