Skin-to-Skin Contact and Diaphragm Electrical Activity in Preterm Infants During Noninvasive Pressure Control

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Respiratory Physiology
• Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

• Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) is a standard NICU intervention proven to reduce mortality and morbidity in premature infants.
• The impact of SSC on diaphragmatic electrical activity (Edi) in infants receiving noninvasive pressure control (NIV-PC) ventilation is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of SSC on Edi and vital signs in preterm infants managed with NIV-PC.
• To determine if SSC influences respiratory effort and stability in this vulnerable population.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, observational, crossover study design was employed in a level III NICU.
• Data were collected from preterm infants on NIV-PC during three periods: before, during, and after SSC.
• Analysis focused on 30-minute intervals of stable physiological data.

Main Results:

• Twenty-one SSC sessions were conducted on 14 preterm infants.
• No statistically significant differences were found in diaphragmatic electrical activity (Edi) peak or minimum values during SSC compared to pre- and post-SSC periods.
• Respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, heart rate, and apnea incidence remained stable during SSC.

Conclusions:

• Skin-to-skin contact is a safe intervention for preterm infants receiving noninvasive pressure control ventilation.
• SSC does not worsen the clinical condition of preterm infants on NIV-PC.
• Further research with diverse patient groups is recommended to confirm these findings.