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Effects of Gustatory and Olfactory Stimulation on Feeding Outcomes in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and

Xia Li1, Xuemei Guo, Xingli Wan

  • 1Department of Neonatology Nursing, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu , China (Mss Li and Guo, Dr Wan, and Ms Hu); and Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China (Mss Li and Guo, Dr Wan, and Ms Hu).

Advances in Neonatal Care : Official Journal of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses
|August 14, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Olfactory and gustatory stimulation can shorten the time to full oral feeds for preterm infants. More research is needed to confirm these feeding outcome benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal nutrition and sensory development
  • Clinical trial methodology in pediatrics

Background:

  • Limited research exists on sensory stimulation for premature infants.
  • Reported outcomes for olfactory and gustatory stimulation in preterm infants show variability.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of olfactory and gustatory stimulation on feeding outcomes in preterm infants.
  • Synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials on sensory interventions.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search across four major databases (CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL) up to May 2024.
  • Inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs.
  • Independent data extraction by two reviewers.

Main Results:

  • Eleven RCTs and quasi-RCTs involving 1009 preterm infants were analyzed.
  • Meta-analysis indicated a significant reduction in time to full oral feeds (MD: -2.52 days, P = .0003).
  • No significant differences were observed for other feeding outcomes, growth parameters, or hospitalization duration.

Conclusions:

  • Olfactory and gustatory stimulation may accelerate the transition to full oral feeding in preterm infants.
  • Further large-scale, multicenter studies are required to definitively establish effectiveness.
  • Evidence supports further investigation into sensory-based feeding interventions for neonates.
Abstract

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