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Kinesthetic stimulation for treating apnea in preterm infants
D A Osborn1, D J Henderson-Smart
1Department of Neonatal Medicine, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Missenden Rd, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, Australia, 2050. davido@peri.rpa.cs.nsw.gov.au
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|May 5, 2000
Summary
Kinesthetic stimulation does not significantly reduce apnea and bradycardia in preterm infants. Insufficient evidence supports its use, and it is less effective than theophylline for treating apnea of prematurity.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Apnea of prematurity is a common concern in preterm infants.
- Effective interventions are crucial for improving infant outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of kinesthetic stimulation in reducing apnea and bradycardia in preterm infants.
- To assess its impact on mechanical ventilation use and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of randomized and quasi-random trials comparing kinesthetic stimulation to placebo or no treatment.
- Data extraction and synthesis using standard Cochrane Collaboration methods.
- Evaluation of clinical apnea based on American Academy of Pediatrics definitions.
Main Results:
- None of the three included studies showed a clinically significant reduction (>50%) in apnea.
- One study indicated a reduction (>25%) in apnea and bradycardia with kinesthetic stimulation.
- No significant differences were observed in the need for respiratory support; adverse events were not reported.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence is insufficient to recommend kinesthetic stimulation for apnea of prematurity.
- Previous reviews suggest it is not effective for prevention or as effective as theophylline for treatment.