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Sensorized pacifier to evaluate non-nutritive sucking in newborns.
Angela Grassi1, Francesca Cecchi1, Giada Sgherri2
1The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy.
Medical Engineering & Physics
|February 3, 2016
Summary
We created a new pacifier device to objectively measure non-nutritive sucking (NNS) in newborns. This tool helps assess neural development and monitor feeding skills in premature infants.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Neonatal Development
- Pediatric Medicine
Background:
- Non-nutritive sucking (NNS) is a spontaneous newborn action.
- NNS patterns can predict neural system development.
- NNS can be used to train oral feeding skills in preterm infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a device for objective measurement of NNS.
- To analyze the functional aspects of NNS suction and expression phases.
- To identify parameters indicative of NNS ability.
Main Methods:
- Embedded two miniaturized digital pressure sensors into a commercial pacifier.
- Acquired sensor signals simultaneously using the Inter-Integrated circuit (I²C) interface.
- Traced a complete pressure profile of sucking patterns.
Main Results:
- Experimental tests with nine newborns confirmed the sensorized pacifier's adequacy.
- The device effectively measures NNS burst-pause patterns.
- Identified parameters related to suction/expression rhythmicity indicate NNS ability.
Conclusions:
- The developed sensorized pacifier provides objective NNS measurement.
- This device can explore diagnostic data within NNS patterns.
- It offers a tool for monitoring the sucking skills of premature infants.
