Comparison of Massage and Prone Position on Heart Rate and Blood Oxygen Saturation Level in Preterm Neonates Hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Oral Commissure Ulcer in an Extremely Preterm Infant: A Complication of Endotracheal Tube Fixation at Contralateral Oral Commissure During Lateral Positioning

Lip ulcers associated with endotracheal tube fixation are a known complication in adults, but their prevalence in neonates and preterm infants remains unclear. We report a case of a right oral commissure ulcer that developed during endotracheal tube fixation at the right oral commissure and left lateral decubitus positioning in an extremely preterm infant with unilateral pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE). A male infant was born at 24 weeks and four days of gestation, weighing 696 gm. He required mechanical ventilation for respiratory distress syndrome from birth. On day 66 of life, left lateral positioning and selective right main bronchial intubation were initiated to manage left-sided PIE. The endotracheal tube had initially been fixed at the center or left oral commissure, but on day 101 of life, it was switched to right oral commissure fixation. Eleven days later, an ulcer was observed at the right oral commissure. The ulcer was sutured under local anesthesia. The infant was extubated on day 122 of life and discharged on day 180 of life. The ulcer healed with minimal scarring. This case suggests that combining endotracheal tube fixation at the oral commissure with contralateral positioning may increase the risk of ulcer formation due to opposing forces from gravity and fixation, resulting in shear stress. Additionally, restricted positioning and continuous sedation may delay the early detection of ulcers. When using lateral positioning, we recommend avoiding contralateral oral commissure fixation of endotracheal tubes and securing the tube to the ipsilateral commissure or upper lip instead.

The Effects of a Three-Stair Positioning Pillow Used for Preterm Infants on Physiologic Parameters and Sleep-Wakefulness Status: Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

It is important to provide the necessary sleep for the growth of preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of 3-stair positioning pillows (TSPPs) developed for preterm infants with postnatal age 28 to 35 weeks on physiologic parameters and sleep-wakefulness status.

METHODS

This research was conducted as a randomized controlled experimental study. The CONSORT flowchart was used in the implementation of the randomized controlled trial. The preterm infants in the experimental group were placed in the prone position with TSPPs, whereas the preterm infants in the control group were followed in the routine prone position given in the neonatal intensive care unit. Preterm infants were followed for a total of 3 hours.

RESULTS

The sample of the study consisted of 60 preterm infants (experiment group = 30; control group = 30) who were hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit and met the selection criteria. Compared with the infants in the control group, the preterm infants in the experimental group were determined to have significantly lower heart rates, higher oxygen saturations, lower respiratory rates, longer sleep durations, and shorter wakefulness times (P < .001).

CONCLUSION

It was found that positioning preterm infants using TSPP had positive effects on physiological parameters (heart rate, oxygen saturation, and respiratory rate) and sleep-wakefulness status in favor of the experimental group.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

It is recommended to use a TSPP that supports the prone position to improve the physiologic parameters and sleep-wakefulness status of preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. Larger studies need to be conducted utilizing longer follow-up protocols. Examining the effectiveness of TSPPs with different positioning materials in preterm infants is needed.

Effects of massage therapy on preterm infants and their mothers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Background

Massage therapy for preterm newborns has received increasing attention in recent years due to its beneficial clinical outcomes. However, disagreements persist in different investigations.

Method

We performed a systematic literature search in the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Web Science, and CINAHL to retrieve randomized controlled trials of premature infants receiving massage therapy and its impact on maternal and infant outcomes. Outcomes were mother-infant attachment, oxygen saturation, motor funtion, reflex, temperature, and calorie intake. The tool developed by the Cochrane collaboration assessed risk bias. With a 95% confidence interval (CI), the integration's results were presented as the mean difference or standardized mean difference. The registration number was CRD42022337849.

Results

Of 940 records retrieved, 15 trials were included. Massage therapy increased oxygen saturation (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 2.00, 95% CI [1.17 to 2.83], P < 0.0001). Massage therapy can strengthen mother-infant attachment [SMD = 2.83, 95% CI (2.31 to 3.35), P < 0.00001]. Other outcomes, including motor activity, relaxation, caloric intake, and temperature, did not differ significantly.

Conclusion

Massage therapy can significantly improve oxygen saturation and strengthen maternal-infant attachment. However, prior to making a recommendation, additional research with a larger sample size and more rigorous design should be conducted due to the heterogeneity of studies in several outcomes.

Premature newborn positionings and physiologic parameters – a randomized clinical study

Abstract Introduction Multiple studies have shown the effects of prone (PP), supine (SP) and kangaroo (KP) positions on clinical and physiological outcomes in preterm newborns, but none compared these three types of positioning between them. Objective To investigate the influence of these positionings on heart rate, respiratory rate, peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) and alertness status in clinically stable preterm newborns (NBs) admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. Methods In a randomized clinical trial, clinically stable NBs with gestational ages from 30 to 37 weeks who were breathing spontaneously were allocated in three positioning groups: PP, SP and KP. Heart rate, breathing frequency, SpO2 and alertness status were evaluated immediately before and after 30 minutes of positioning. Results In all, 66 NBs were assessed (corrected age: 35.48 ± 1.94 weeks; weight: 1840.14 ± 361.09 g), (PP: n = 22; SP: n = 23; KP: n = 21). NBs in the PP group showed a significant improvement in peripheral SpO2 (97.18 ± 2.16 vs 95.47 ± 2.93 vs 95.57 ± 2.95, p = 0.03) compared with the SP and KP groups. Conclusion In clinically stable preterm NBs, the PP was associated with better peripheral oxygen saturation than the SP or KP. In addition, there was a reduction in heart rate within prone position group and in the KP group there was an increase in the number of NBs in the deep sleep classification.

Does the Head Position Affect Neonatal Lateral Ventricular Volume?

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether there are differences in the lateral ventricular volumes, measured by three-dimensional ultrasound (3D US) depending on the posture of the neonate (right and left lateral decubitus).

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective analysis of the lateral ventricular volumes of preterm neonates recruited from Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario (June 2018-November 2019). A total of 24 premature neonates were recruited. The first cohort of 18 unstable premature neonates were imaged with 3D US in their current sides providing 15 right-sided and 16 left-sided 3D US images. The neonates in the second cohort of six relatively stable infants were imaged after positioning in each lateral decubitus position for 30 minutes, resulting in 40 3D US images obtained from 20 posture change sessions. The images were segmented and the ventricle volumes in each lateral posture were compared with determine whether the posture of the head influenced the volume of the upper and lower ventricle.

RESULTS

For the first cohort who did not have their posture changed, the mean of the right and left ventricle volumes were 23.81 ± 15.51 and 21.61 ± 16.19 cm³, respectively, for the 15 images obtained in a right lateral posture and 13.96 ± 8.69 and 14.92 ± 8.77 cm³, respectively, for the 16 images obtained in the left lateral posture. Similarly, for the second cohort who had their posture changed, the mean of right and left ventricle volumes were 20.92 ± 17.3 and 32.74 ± 32.33 cm³, respectively, after 30 minutes in the right lateral posture, and 21.25 ± 18.4 and 32.65 ± 31.58 cm³, respectively, after 30 minutes in the left lateral posture. Our results failed to show a statistically significant difference in ventricular volumes dependence on posture.

CONCLUSION

Head positioned to any lateral side for 30 minutes does not have any effect on the lateral ventricular volumes of neonates.

KEY POINTS

· Three-dimensional cranial ultrasound can measure neonatal ventricle volume.. · Ventricle volume in each lateral ventricle may be affected by posture of the neonate.. · The 30 minutes in any lateral posture is not sufficient to create volume difference in lateral ventricles..

Avaliação do desenvolvimento motor e do efeito da intervenção fisioterapêutica em recém-nascidos cirúrgicos em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal

RESUMO O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a aplicabilidade do Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) em recém-nascidos (RN) cirúrgicos como ferramenta para avaliação do desempenho motor; e avaliar o benefício da fisioterapia. RN cirúrgicos, divididos em grupo sem fisioterapia motora (n=38) e com fisioterapia motora (n=38), foram avaliados pelo TIMP e reavaliados duas semanas depois. O grupo com fisioterapia realizou exercícios para estimulação sensório-motora uma vez ao dia, enquanto o grupo sem fisioterapia recebeu os cuidados habituais da Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal (UTIN). O diagnóstico cirúrgico predominante nos dois grupos foi de gastrosquise, seguido de hérnia diafragmática congênita. Na avaliação, não houve diferença no desempenho motor entre os grupos, classificados como “abaixo da média” para a idade, com escore-z=−1,28 (p=0,992). Na reavaliação, o grupo com fisioterapia apresentou melhor pontuação (p<0,001) e maior diferença de escore (p<0,001), com uma porcentagem maior de RN classificados como “dentro da média” em comparação ao grupo sem fisioterapia (44% e 2,6%, respectivamente); além de maior porcentagem de ganho de peso (p=0,038). Na reavaliação, verificou-se piora do desempenho motor em 10,5% do grupo sem fisioterapia (p<0,001), enquanto a melhora do desempenho motor foi observada em 81,6% do grupo com fisioterapia e em apenas 13,2% do grupo sem fisioterapia (p<0,001). Concluiu-se que o TIMP foi aplicado de forma segura e eficaz e necessita ser realizado por profissionais experientes na abordagem dessa população. A fisioterapia motora melhorou significativamente o desempenho motor, e, se iniciada precocemente, pode ser capaz de adequar o desenvolvimento motor desses RN, antes mesmo da alta hospitalar.

Evaluation of motor development and effect of physical therapy intervention in surgical neonates in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

ABSTRACT This study aimed to verify the applicability of the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP) in surgical neonates as a tool for evaluating motor performance and to evaluate the benefit of physical therapy. Surgical neonates, divided into group without physical therapy (n=38) and group with motor physical therapy (n=38), were evaluated by TIMP and reasssment two weeks later. The physical therapy group performed standardized exercises for motor sensory stimulation once a day, whereas the other group received the usual care from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. The predominant surgical diagnosis in both groups was gastroschisis, followed by congenital diaphragmatic hernia. In the initial evaluation, motor performance was equal between the groups, classified as “below average” for age, with z-score=−1.28 (p=0.992). In the reassessment, the physical therapy group presented better scores (p<0.001) and a higher difference in z-score (p<0.001), higher percentage of neonates classified as “within average” (44% in the physical therapy group and 2.6% in the no physical therapy group), as well as a higher weight gain percentage (p=0.038). We found a worsening of motor performance in 10.5% of the no physical therapy group (p<0.001) in the reassment. Motor performance improved in 81.6% of the physical therapy group and in only 13.2% of the no physical therapy group individuals (p<0.001). Conclusion: TIMP was safely and effectively applied to newborns; notably, the test must be performed by professionals experienced in care of neonates. Motor intervention was beneficial, significantly improving motor performance, and if applied early, it may adequate the motor development of these neonates, even before hospital discharge.

Whole body massage for newborns: A report on non-invasive methodology for neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome

BACKGROUND

Infants with in-utero exposure to opioids are at risk Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome (NOWS) and non-pharmacological methods of care, like swaddling, quiet ambient environment are routinely recommended but are not systematically studied. We hypothesized that opioid exposed infants can tolerate whole body massage while hospitalized.

METHODS

This is a prospective observational study (August 2017 to January 2019) and infants of mothers having a history of opioids use (OUD) were included. Infants received whole body massage for 30 minutes from birth till discharge home. Infants heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic (sBP) and diastolic blood pressure (dBP) were recorded prior to and at the end of massage session.

RESULTS

The pilot study enrolled 30 infants. The mean birth weight and gestational age were 38±1 weeks and 2868±523 grams, respectively. All massage sessions were well tolerated. There was marked decrease in HR, systolic and diastolic BP and RR, (p < 0.01) in all study infants post massage, more profound among infants with NOWS (p < 0.01) than without NOWS.

CONCLUSIONS

Whole body massage is very well tolerated by infants with in-utero opioid exposure. Infants with NOWS had marked decrease in their HR and BP from their baseline after massage.

Effect of Body Position on Cardiorespiratory Stabilization and Comfort in Preterm Infants on Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study is to investigate the effect of four body positions (supine, prone, left lateral, right lateral) on cardiorespiratory stabilization and comfort in preterm infants receiving Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (NCPAP).

DESIGN AND METHODS

In the study conducted as a randomized crossover design, the sample was composed of 20 preterm infants receiving NCPAP therapy. At each change of position, the baby was allowed to stabilize for 15 min, and heart rate and oxygen saturation values were recorded every 10 min for the next 60 min. The comfort levels of the infants in each position were evaluated at 30th and 60th minutes using the Premature Infant Comfort Scale.

RESULTS

At the end of the study, it was determined that there was no statistically significant difference between heart rate (p = .83), respiratory rate (p = .90) and oxygen saturation (p = .15) of the infants in terms of their positions. When the mean comfort scores of the preterm infants were compared in terms of position, it was found that there was a difference between the positions (p < .01). According to the scale evaluation, the highest comfort level of the infants was in the prone position, which was followed by right lateral, supine and left lateral positions.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Prone position was the most comfortable for preterm infants. However, comfort levels of preterm infants were also high enough in other positions so that no intervention is needed. In order to ensure comfort and cardiorespiratory stabilization, any of the four body positions can be chosen.