Effect of Structured Oromotor Stimulation by Mothers of Preterm Neonates (≤ 32 Weeks) on Time to Reach Full Katori...

To compare the time taken to reach full Katori spoon (KS) feeds in preterm neonates (≤ 32 wk) receiving structured oromotor stimulation (OMS) vs. standard care. Secondary objectives included evaluating feeding performance, hospital duration, weight gain, and attainment of partial and complete breastfeeding in both groups.

This open-label, randomised control trial was conducted in a tertiary-level NICU in India. Eligible preterm neonates, with a gestational age of 28⁺⁰ to 32⁺⁶ wk, were randomly allocated to either intervention or standard care groups once they accepted 100 mL/kg of orogastric feeds. In intervention group, mothers were trained to administer OMS for 2 min, three times daily, until they achieved full KS feeds.

Of the 84 enrolled neonates, 79 were included in the final analysis. The median time to attain full KS feeds was 20 d (IQR: 14-26) in the OMS group, compared to 20 d (IQR: 13-37) in the control group (p = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.44-1.13). In 28-29 wk stratum, neonates in OMS group transitioned to full KS feeds earlier (27.5 vs. 35 d), although this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.29). Secondary outcomes, such as feeding proficiency, efficiency, volume transfer, duration of hospital stay and attainment of breastfeeding were not significantly different between the two groups.

OMS done by the mother didn't result in early attainment of oral feeds in preterm neonates. However, the benefits of OMS seen in < 30 wk neonates need to be explored further with high-quality and adequately powered studies.