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Parent-Administered Oral Stimulation in Preterm Infants: A Randomized, Controlled, Open-Label Pilot Study
Marta Majoli1, Laura Costanza De Angelis1,2, Monica Panella3
1Department Mother and Child, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.
American Journal of Perinatology
|June 28, 2021
Summary
Parent-administered premature infant oral motor intervention (PIOMI) showed no difference in feeding transition time compared to professional-administered PIOMI. Parents reported high satisfaction, suggesting training parents for PIOMI is a viable option for preterm infant care.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatric feeding interventions
- Infant development
Background:
- Preterm infants often experience feeding difficulties.
- Oral motor intervention is crucial for establishing full oral feedings.
- Parental involvement in neonatal care is increasingly recognized as beneficial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of parent-administered versus professionally-administered premature infant oral motor intervention (PIOMI) on the transition time to full oral feedings.
- To assess parental satisfaction with performing PIOMI.
- To evaluate the impact of parent-administered PIOMI on infant outcomes such as weight gain and hospital stay.
Main Methods:
- A single-center, randomized, controlled, open-label pilot study.
- 39 infants born ≤32 weeks' gestation were randomized into two groups: parent-performed PIOMI and professionally performed PIOMI.
- Intervention involved daily oral stimulation for seven days between 31 and 32 weeks' postmenstrual age.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed in transition time to full oral feedings, weight gain, or length of hospital stay between parent-administered and professionally-administered PIOMI groups.
- No adverse events were reported during the study.
- Parental satisfaction was high, with active involvement enhancing parents' perception of their ability to care for their infant.
Conclusions:
- Parent-administered PIOMI is a safe and effective alternative to professional administration for preterm infants.
- Training parents to perform PIOMI can facilitate earlier transition to full oral feeding.
- Enhanced parental involvement through PIOMI may strengthen parent-infant bonding and improve parental confidence in infant care.
