Kangaroo–mother care method and neurobehavior of preterm infants

Abstract

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of kangaroo–mother care (KMC) in preterm (PT) neurobehavior between 36 and 41weeks post-conceptual age (PCA). MethodA prospective cohort of 61 preterm infants with gestational age (GA) of 28–32w evaluated by the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Network Neurobehavioral Scale (NNNS), with 36–41w PCA. Infants with clinical instability were excluded. They were analyzed in 2 groups: — Kangaroo (KAN): KMC for 7 or more days; Conventional (CON): did not receive KMC. Scores of the 13 NNNS variables were compared between groups and the effect of KMC in the scores of the variables of NNNS were evaluated by multiple linear regression, controlling for confounders. ResultsThe KAN groups (n=24) and CON (n=37) were similar regarding main demographic and clinical maternal and neonatal characteristics. Mean GA was 30.3w; and birth weight was 1170g for both groups. PT of KAN group were admitted in KMC with PCA of 35.8w (38.5days of life) and remained with this care for 14.3days. The NNNS was applied 13days after the start of KMC. PT submitted to KMC showed higher quality of movements (KAN: 4.98±0.53 vs CON: 4.53±0.47; p=0.001) and lower scores on Signs of stress and abstinence (KAN: 0.03±0.03 vs CON: 0.05±0.03; p=0.001). Controlling for confounders, the KMC was associated with higher scores on the variables Attention, Quality of movements, and lower scores on Asymmetry and Signs of stress and abstinence. ConclusionPT submitted to the KMC, compared to those non-submitted, have better neurobehavior performance between 36 and 41weeks of post-conceptual age.