Physiological Stability During Kangaroo Mother Care Among Very-Low-Birthweight Premature Infants, Supported by Non-Invasive Respiratory Support

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the changes in oxygenation and heart rate (HR) stability among very low birth weight (VLBW) premature infants supported by non-invasive ventilation (NIV) during kangaroo mother care (KMC). Methods: A prospective observational pilot study. 30-min SpO2 and HR histograms of VLBW infants supported with NIV were documented before, during, and after KMC. A validated classification system was used to classify each histogram as stable/unstable, based on the distribution of the histogram and the time spent in SpO2 ≤ 80%. Time spent in different SpO2 ranges was also calculated from the histogram. Results: Twenty-seven infants were included in the study (mean ± SD gestational age 27.6 ± 1.7, birth weight 1010 ± 237 g). Oxygenation stability and time spent in different SpO2 ranges before, during, and after KMC were comparable. Infants spent more time within the normal HR range of 120–160 bpm during KMC as compared to the period before. No clinically significant differences in min-max FiO2, number of apnea events, or body temperature were observed during the three study periods. Conclusion: During KMC among VLBW premature infants supported by NIV, oxygenation stability was maintained and HR stability improved. These findings should reassure care teams and parents regarding the safety of KMC among this population.