Impact of Kangaroo Care on Premature Infants' Circadian Rhythm, Growth, Physiological Stability, and Maternal Milk
Fatma Ertürk1, Sibel Küçükoğlu
1Author Affiliations: Department of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Konya City Hospital, Konya, Turkey (Ertürk); Faculty of Nursing, Department of Pediatric Nursing, Selçuk University, Konya, Turkey (Küçükoğlu).
Insights
Kangaroo care (KC) helps premature infants develop circadian rhythms and regulates hormones. This study investigates KC
Area of Science:
- Neonatal development
- Pediatric endocrinology
- Circadian biology
Background:
- Kangaroo care (KC) is recognized for its role in establishing circadian rhythms and hormone profiles in premature infants.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for optimizing neonatal intensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of regular kangaroo care (KC) on circadian rhythm, growth, and physiological parameters in premature infants.
- To evaluate changes in human milk cortisol and melatonin levels as secondary outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A parallel-group, single-blind, randomized controlled trial involving 56 premature infants.
- The experimental group received KC for 1 hour, twice daily, for 3 days; the control group received routine incubator care.
- Circadian rhythms were monitored, and human milk samples were analyzed for cortisol and melatonin.
Main Results:
- This study is expected to provide the first integrated assessment of circadian rhythm development in NICU infants.
- It will link KC, noninvasive neurophysiological measures, and human milk hormones to assess growth and physiological stability.
- Evidence will be generated on whether KC supports circadian rhythm maturation in premature infants.
Conclusions:
- This research will guide clinicians on the effects of KC on circadian rhythm, growth, and hormone levels in premature infants.
- Findings will inform the optimal administration of KC during daytime and nighttime intervals.
- The study provides a foundation for future research into KC's benefits for neonatal development.
Background:
Kangaroo care (KC) is considered to be an effective intervention in establishing circadian rhythms and human milk hormone profiles in premature infants.
Purpose:
This study protocol has 2 main objectives: to assess the effects of regular KC on circadian rhythm, growth, and physiological parameters in premature infants, and to evaluate human milk cortisol and melatonin levels as secondary outcomes.
Methods:
This trial is a parallel-group, single-blind, randomized controlled experimental study. Sample of the study will consist of 56 premature infants. The experimental group (n = 28) will receive KC for 1 hour, twice daily, during designated day and night intervals over 3 consecutive days. The control group (n = 28) will receive routine incubator/cot care. The daytime and nighttime circadian rhythms of both groups will be monitored. Human milk samples will be collected from both groups to determine cortisol and melatonin levels in human milk.
Results:
Protocol results are expected to advance knowledge by providing the first integrated assessment of circadian rhythm development in neonatal intensive care unit infants using noninvasive neurophysiological measures and human milk cortisol and melatonin. By linking these indicators to KC and assessing growth and physiological stability, the study will provide evidence on whether KC supports circadian rhythm maturation.
Implications For Practice And Research:
Research will guide clinicians in evaluating the effects of kangaroo care administered during daytime and nighttime intervals for 3 consecutive days on circadian rhythm, growth, physiological parameters, and human milk cortisol and melatonin levels, while also providing a foundation for future research.
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