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Non-nutritive sucking in sick preterm infants.
1Department of Paediatrics, University of Göteborg, The Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, SU/Ostra, SE-416 85, Gothenburg, Sweden. mia.hafstrom@pediat.gu.se
Early Human Development
|April 20, 2001
Summary
Non-nutritive sucking (NNS) patterns in preterm infants are influenced by maturation and risk factors. Impaired NNS may indicate later developmental issues in premature infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal development
- Infant neurodevelopment
Background:
- Non-nutritive sucking (NNS) is a fundamental behavior in newborns, representing early fetal muscular activity.
- Understanding NNS patterns is crucial for assessing infant development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the non-nutritive sucking pattern in prematurely born infants with conditions linked to immaturity.
- To compare NNS patterns between preterm infants with and without risk factors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a specialized computer-based system to analyze and quantify NNS patterns.
- Analyzed 206 observations from 51 clinically stable preterm infants (26-35 weeks gestational age).
- Compared findings with 58 healthy preterm infants.
Main Results:
- A rhythmic NNS pattern was observed in all infants from 26 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA).
- Maturation (PMA) was a key predictor in healthy infants, but its influence diminished in those with risk factors.
- Sucking activity and frequency increased with PMA and weight; variability decreased.
- Infants developing sequelae showed fewer bursts, slower frequency, and greater variability.
Conclusions:
- The NNS rhythm generator, primarily influenced by maturation in healthy preterm infants, is affected by risk factors and predicts later sequelae.
- Quantifying NNS patterns in preterm infants can be a valuable tool for their future evaluation.