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The Evaluation of Facial Muscles by Surface Electromyography in Very Preterm Infants
Oskar Komisarek1, Roksana Malak2, Jacek Kwiatkowski3
1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 85-821 Bydgoszcz, Poland.
Insights
Surface electromyography (sEMG) reveals that younger premature infants exhibit increased suprahyoid muscle tension, correlating with feeding difficulties. Early rehabilitation is recommended for neonates with abnormal muscle tone impacting swallowing.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Developmental Pediatrics
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- 40% of preterm infants experience feeding issues, a significant factor in neonatal mortality.
- Neonatal feeding disorders necessitate objective evaluation methods for effective therapy planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess suprahyoid muscle activity during feeding in premature infants using surface electromyography (sEMG).
- To correlate sEMG findings with gestational age, birth weight, and umbilical cord blood pH to identify risk factors for feeding problems.
- To establish sEMG as a diagnostic tool for the masticatory system in premature neonates.
Main Methods:
- Surface electromyography (sEMG) was employed to analyze muscle response and nerve electrical activity.
- Sixteen preterm neonates (gestational age < 32 weeks, birth weight < 1500g) with oral feeding difficulties were included.
- Measurements were compared against gestational age, birth weight, and umbilical blood pH.
Main Results:
- A negative correlation was observed between gestational age and suprahyoid muscle tension; younger infants had higher tension.
- A positive correlation existed between pH value and suprahyoid muscle tension.
- Lower pH values were associated with decreased suprahyoid muscle tension.
Conclusions:
- sEMG is a valuable diagnostic tool for evaluating the masticatory system in premature infants.
- Early therapeutic intervention is advised for premature infants with abnormal muscle tone affecting swallowing.
- Objective sEMG data can guide personalized feeding therapy for neonates.
Background:
It is reported that 40% of preterm infants have problems with eating. Neonatal feeding disorders may be one of the factors increasing neonatal mortality. The aim of our study was to evaluate the muscles involved in suckling and swallowing in premature newborns using surface electromyography (sEMG). We would like to objectively describe the tension of muscles engaged in feeding in order to properly plan the therapy. Another aim was to compare sEMG measurements to gestational age, birth weight, and umbilical blood pH to show which parameters put children at risk of feeding problems.
Methods:
Sixteen preterm neonates with gestational age less than 32 weeks, birth weight less than 1500 g, and oral feeding difficulties were analyzed for muscle response and electrical activity of nerves using sEMG (surface electromyography).
Results:
We found a negative correlation indicating that preterm infants with a younger gestational age had higher suprahyoid muscle tension, and a positive correlation was found between pH value and suprahyoid muscles. The lower the pH value, the lower the tension in the suprahyoid muscles.
Conclusions:
sEMG may be a helpful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of the masticatory system of premature infants. Due to the abnormal tone of the muscles responsible for swallowing, it is advisable to rehabilitate as early as possible.
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