Premature Infants In Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Research Articles

Paternal Role Adaptation in Premature Infants in NICU: A Descriptive Qualitative Study

Aims and objectives: This study aimed to explore the adaptation experiences of first-time fathers of preterm infants after experiencing the trauma of preterm birth. Background: Becoming a father is a significant life event that can bring about profound changes in a man's identity and lifestyle. However, there is currently a lack of research on the adaptation experiences of fathers of preterm infants.Design: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted. Methods: Thirteen fathers of preterm infants were recruited from June 2022 to April 2023 at Chongqing Children's Hospital in China. Participants were all first-time parents, and their infants had received treatment in neonatal intensive care units. Deep semi-structured interviews, guided by a questionnaire, were conducted to collect data. Inductive content analysis was used to analyze the data. Reporting followed COREQ guidelines. Results: The data analysis generated 28 themes, including 9 subordinate themes and 3 superordinate themes. The superordinate themes were "Role preparation", "Post-traumatic adjustment", and "Growth adaptation". Conclusion:Fathers of premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) face unique challenges during their child's hospitalization and in the initial three months following discharge. The father's ability to navigate these challenges and embrace the complex aspects of fatherhood signifies his adaptation to the role. Relevance to clinical practice: Healthcare providers should assess the role adaptability of fathers of preterm infants and provide timely and effective interventions to support parental emotional well-being and parenting behavior.

The Effect of Gentle Touch on Cardiorespiratory Indices and Pain Behaviors Related to Venipuncture and Blood Sampling in Preterm Infants Under Intensive Care.

Infants undergo extremely painful procedures in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), which if left uncontrolled may cause complications. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate gentle touch effect on cardiorespiratory indices and pain behaviors related to venipuncture and blood sampling in preterm infants. A quasi-experimental study was undertaken in gentle touch and control groups in three stages. The population included premature infants in NICU of Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan, Iran. Using convenience sampling, 52 infants were randomly selected and assigned to two groups (n = 26). Gentle touch technique and measurement of cardiorespiratory indices were performed 5 minutes before, during, and 5 minutes after procedure, and routine care was provided for control group. Neonatal pain and cardiorespiratory indices were assessed using the Neonatal Infant Pain Scale (NIPS) and an intensive care monitor. Data was analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA, independent t-test, and Chi-square test in SPSS software. The independent t-test revealed a significant difference between mean pain score of the infants in two groups during the procedures (t50 = -3.32, p = 0.002), but no significant different was between groups before and after the procedure (p > 0.05). However, the cardiorespiratory indices were not significantly different before, during, and after the procedure (p > 0.05). The results suggest that gentle touch reduced the infants' pain during venipuncture and blood sampling. Thus, it is recommended this method be applied to mitigate pain in premature infants.

Effects of Family Participatory Nursing on Clinical Outcomes of Premature Infants in NICU and Families' Psychological Status.

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of family participatory nursing on the clinical outcomes of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and their families' psychological status. Total of 150 premature infants were admitted to the NICU of our hospital from December 2019 to December 2021, and their families were selected by convenience sampling method and divided into control group (n = 78, from December 2019 to December 2020) and observation group (n = 72, from January 2020 to December 2021) according to the admission time. The infants in the control group were given routine nursing, while those in the observation group received family participatory nursing. In the observation group, the length of stay and duration of oxygen therapy were shorter, the weight gain speed was higher, and the incidence rate of nosocomial infection was lower than those in control groups (P < 0.05). The time of reaching full gastrointestinal feeding was earlier, the daily milk intake and exclusive breastfeeding rate were higher, and the feeding intolerance rate was lower in observation group than those in control group (P < 0.05). Observation group exhibited significantly higher body weight, Z-value of body weight, NBNA score at 7 d after hospitalization, 15-month mental development index (MDI), and psychomotor development index (PDI) scores than control group (P < 0.05). In addition, the families' somatization, depression and anxiety factor scores, and total score of SCL-90 in the observation group were lower than those in the control group, while each dimension score and total score of MPOC-20 were higher than those in control groups (P < 0.05). Family participatory nursing is of great significance in ameliorating the clinical outcomes of premature infants in the NICU, which can shorten the length of stay, improve feeding conditions, facilitate infant growth and development, and enhance their families' psychological status and nursing satisfaction.

Comparison of Effects of Mothers' and Mozart's Lullabies on Physiological Responses, Feeding Volume, and Body Weight of Premature Infants in NICU.

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to compare the effects of mothers' and Mozart's lullabies on physiological parameters, feeding volume, and body weight of premature infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).MethodsThis study used a non-equivalent control group, non-synchronized design as a quasi-experimental study. Two intervention groups (recorded mother's lullaby and Mozart's lullaby) and a control group were formed from a total of 65 premature infants: a mother's lullaby group of 22 infants, a Mozart's lullaby group of 22 infants, and a control group of 21 infants not provided with any lullabies. Their physiological parameters included heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and O2 saturation. The infants' feeding volume and body weight were measured as indicators related to the growth of premature infants. The mother's and Mozart's lullabies were played on a speaker in an incubator for 15 min for 7 consecutive days per group.ResultsThere were significant differences in the mean difference before and after intervention in neonatal heart rate (χ2 = 45.03, P < 0.001), systolic pressure (F = 43.29, P < 0.001), diastolic pressure (χ2 = 33.01, P < 0.001), respiratory rate (F = 76.06, P < 0.001), and O2 saturation (χ2 = 40.82, P < 0.001) between the three groups. The mean differences of both mother's and Mozart's lullaby groups were significantly higher than those of the routine care group in all physiological parameters, and those of the mother's lullaby group was significantly higher when compared with the Mozart's lullaby group. In repeated-measures ANOVA, there was a significant interaction between time and group in feeding volume (F = 2.46, P = 0.041). However, body weight did not significantly differ in an interaction between time and group (F = 1.75, P = 0.151).ConclusionThis study showed beneficial effects of mother's lullaby and Mozart's lullaby on physiological parameters. Especially, the mother's lullaby was found to significantly improve all physiological parameters and feeding volume of premature infants in the NICU compared to Mozart's lullaby group. Therefore, we recommend the regular integration of the mother's lullaby into supportive care of premature infants in the NICU, as this intervention highlights the need for mothers to participate in their care.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: KCT0004842 (https://cris.nih.go.kr).

Non-Pharmacological Measures in Control of Pain and Stress in Critical Preterm Newborn: Systematic Review Protocol and Network Meta-analysis

Background: Preterm Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) undergo many procedures that cause pain and stress, which require the use of large amounts of analgesics and sedatives. Drugs, although important, can have adverse effects, are not always available, due to their high cost, and can increase the length of stay at the NICU. As a result, the adoption of non-pharmacological measures to control stress has increased in this population, despite little evidence of their efficacy. The main objective of this study will be to identify which non-pharmacological measures are more effective to control pain and stress in preterm infants.Methods: Systematic review and network meta-analysis protocol of clinical trials searched in MedLine databases via PubMed, Latin American and Caribbean Literature in Health Sciences (LILACS), Excerpta Medica dataBASE (Embase), The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Descriptors to be used: premature, pain management, therapeutic touch, facilitated folding, sucking behavior, kangaroo method, analgesics, sedatives, pain, stress, weight gain, facial expression, crying, sleep, and wakefulness. The detailed study protocol was registered in the International Prospective Registry of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO - CRD42020196891).Discussion: Elimination of pain in premature infants in NICU may be difficult, but it should be a daily goal, as well as the stabilization of other clinical variables. Non-pharmacological measures can be helpful to reduce the amount and intensity of pain. Knowledge of the efficacy of non-pharmacological measures to control pain and stress in NICU premature infants is essential. It may reduce complications, the length of stay at the NICU and minimize the use of analgesics.

Mothers’ voices and white noise on premature infants’ physiological reactions in a neonatal intensive care unit: A multi-arm randomized controlled trial

BackgroundA few positive effects of mothers’ voice on physiological outcomes have been studied and limited studies have focused on the level of cortisol. In addition, white noise has recently been found to be beneficial for human sleep, but studies in premature infants were limited and no study has compared the effects of mothers’ voice and white noise on premature infants. ObjectiveTo examine the effects of mothers’ voice and white noise on sleep-wake patterns, salivary cortisol levels, weight gain, heart rate, and oxygen saturation of premature infants in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). MethodsThis was a three-group randomized controlled trial. A total of 103 medically stable premature infants in incubators were recruited from the NICU of a women's and children's hospital in China between March and December 2017 and were randomized into three groups: the mothers’ voice group (n = 34), the white noise group (n = 34), and the routine care group (n = 35). Mothers’ voice, white noise, and no voice were provided to the three groups for 20 min at a time, three times a day for four consecutive days. The sound levels of the mothers’ voice and white noise were controlled between 50 and 55 dB. Sleep-wake patterns, salivary cortisol level, and weight were measured at pre-test and post-test whereas heart rate and oxygen saturation were measured every five-minute at 11am, 2pm, 5pm for four-consecutive days. ResultsA group difference was found only in weight gain (p = 0.003), with weight gain in the white noise group being significantly higher than the mothers’ voice group (Z=-3.447, p = 0.001). Significant declines in total sleep time and sleep efficiency and increases in wake time after sleep onset and average awakening time were only found in the routine-care group between the pre-test and post-test (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in the salivary cortisol levels, heart rates, and oxygen saturation levels among the three groups (p>0.05). A significant increase in oxygen saturation during the 20-min intervention was found in white noise group. Non-significant decreases in the heart rate during the 20-min intervention and salivary cortisol levels at post test were noted in all the three groups. ConclusionWhite noise is more useful for encouraging weight gain in preterm infants compared with mothers’ voices. White noise might be introduced for use in the care of premature infants in NICUs, and more high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these findings.Trial Registration No: ChiCTR-INR-17012755.

Current Situation and Influencing Factors of Preterm Infants Breastfeeding in Jingzhou 3A Hospital

Background: Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for premature infants and a “good medicine” for disease treatment. However, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding of premature infants in China still needs to be improved at present, and the factors affecting breastfeeding are different in different places. Objective: To investigate the current status and influencing factors of preterm infants breastfeeding in Jingzhou 3A hospitals. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to collect breastfeeding information of premature infants in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from May to August in 2019 in Jingzhou 3A Hospital, and 152 premature infants’ related information were collected. A questionnaire survey was conducted among the mothers who failed to breastfeed. Results: The rate of exclusive breastfeeding among premature infants in NICU was 9.87%. The rates of first breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding at discharge were 13.16% and 32.89% respectively. Not producing enough milk and knowing the right way to pump breast milk contributed a lot to the failure of exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: More attention should be paid to the health education and management to improve the rate of breastfeeding in NICU.

Research progress of family integrated care in the nursing of premature infants in NICU

This paper reviews the concept, connotation, main content, important significance and evaluation indexes of family integrated care model, and explores the possibilities of family integrated care model for premature infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) , which provided the evidence for carrying out family integrated care model in the neonatal wards in China. Key words: Review; Infants, premature; Family integrated care; Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Perceived Needs of Parents of Premature Infants in NICU.

To investigate the needs of parents of premature infants hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and explore associated factors. This study includes a convenience sample of 198 parents of premature infants hospitalized in a NICU in Chenzhou, Hunan province, China. Parents completed a study-specific questionnaire and the Chinese version of Critical Care Family Need Inventory (CCFNI). Analysis was conducted by multiple linear regression. Parents rated 30 of 45 items on the Chinese version of the CCFNI as important or very important. Items on the assurance, information, and proximity subscales were perceived as the most important, while items on the comfort subscale were the least important. Gender of parents and experience of visiting a NICU were significantly associated with the total needs of the parents. These insights should be used to inform clinical practice in the NICU.

Research on influencing factors of breastfeeding for premature infants in NICU

Objective To explore the influencing factors of breastfeeding for premature infants in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods Totally 100 premature infants hospitalized in NICU were evaluated by the general information questionnaire, parents′ perception uncertainty scale-family (PPUS-FM), self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) and self-rating depression scale (SDS). The variables may influence breastfeeding were collected. Results Premature infants in NICU were divided into the pure breastfeeding group (49 cases) and the non-breastfeeding group (51 cases). Through the comparison, we found that the differences in gestational age, birth weight, mother′s maternity leave time, whether mothers have the breastfeeding plan, whether they know the importance of breastfeeding for premature infants, whether they accept the guidance and help of breastfeeding, whether they have confidence in breastfeeding, lover′s attitude to breastfeeding, nipple condition, the time of milking in 30 minutes after child birth and milking time within 24 h, anxiety score, depression score and uncertainty in illness (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that: uncertainty in illness (OR=1.083, P=0.044), depression (OR=1.059, P=0.023), lover′s attitude to breastfeeding (OR=0.099, P=0.022), accept assistance and guidance of breastfeeding (OR=0.055, P=0.038) and milking in 30 minutes after child birth (OR=0.020, P=0.007) were important influencing factors of breastfeeding for premature infants in NICU. Conclusions The uncertainty in illness, depression, lover′s attitude to breastfeeding, accept assistance and guidance of breastfeeding, and began milking in 30 minutes may affect the breastfeeding in premature infants. Nurses should take timely risk assessment and interventions to effectively improve infant′s breastfeeding measures, and promote the health of maternals and children. Key words: Intensive care unit; Infant, premature; Breastfeeding; Influencing factor

Prevalence of viruses in stool of premature neonates at a neonatal intensive care unit

Premature neonates represent a population highly vulnerable to infection. This study aims to profile viral colonisation of gut and the associated clinical manifestations among premature neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Australia. In a cohort of 75 premature neonates born at less than 32 weeks gestation, who were followed for 4 weeks following admission to a NICU in Sydney, Australia, multiplex polymerase chain reaction assays were used to determine viral presence in stool, and clinical data were examined. Overall, viral RNA or DNA was detected in 24/419 (5.7%) of specimens, including norovirus genogroup 2 (1.9%), enterovirus (1.2%), herpes simplex virus-2 (1.2%), cytomegalovirus (0.7%), Epstein-Barr virus (0.5%) and rotavirus (0.2%). Viral infection was detected in 13/75 (17%) of premature neonates at some time point, including five (7%) neonates shedding more than one type of virus in stool. A higher rate of infection was observed among premature neonates with intrauterine growth restriction (56%) compared with those infants born appropriate for gestational age (12%. P = 0.006). The overall viral detection rate in stool of 5.7% (affecting 17% of neonates) indicates viral infections are an important health risk for premature infants in NICU.