Researchers at Monash University (Melbourne, Australia) evaluated whether skin to skin care (SSC) in very preterm infants on non-invasive respiratory support improves indices of cardiorespiratory wellbeing compared to incubator care. They found that SSC enhances cardiorespiratory stability and reduces hypoxemic episodes in preterm infants. Regular use of SSC has the potential to improve health outcomes for this vulnerable group.
Background and Aims
Preterm infants, due to their underdeveloped respiratory systems, are at a heightened risk of intermittent hypoxemia, desaturation events, and bradycardia. These conditions can negatively impact their clinical outcomes. While some studies suggest that skin-to-skin care (SSC), where infants are held close to a caregiver’s skin, may improve cardiorespiratory stability, the evidence remains inconclusive.
Methods
This prospective quasi-experimental study observed 50 preterm infants. Continuous high-resolution pulse oximetry was used to record their oxygen levels and heart rate for one hour in an incubator, followed by one hour during SSC.
Results
The infants had an average gestational age of 28.4 weeks and an average birth weight of 1137 grams.
Key findings of the study include:
- Oxygen Saturation: Desaturations of ≥5% were significantly reduced during SSC, with fewer events observed compared to incubator care.
- Variability in Oxygen Levels: Oxygen variability significantly decreased during SSC along with faster resaturation and lower desaturation rates compared to incubator care
- Time Below 90% Oxygen saturation: Time spent with oxygen saturation below 90% was reduced during SSC .
- Heart Rate Stability: Although the mean heart rate was similar across both conditions, fluctuations in heart rate (a rise of >8 beats per minute) were fewer during SSC.
- Bradycardia: None of the infants experienced bradycardia during SSC, while 14% had bradycardias in the incubator.
SurePulse:
SurePulse recognises the importance of SSC in improving health outcomes; Our vision is a world where baby-centred innovation transforms neonatal outcomes.
Wireless monitoring of the baby is believed likely to increase rates of SSC by making it easy for staff to facilitate SSC and to improve the quality and duration of SSC delivered, and to improve the mother-infant bonding experience with consequent parental benefits and positive health outcomes for the baby. (Bonner et al, 2017).
The SurePulse VS is SurePulse’s first device approved in the US, UK and EU for clinical use, and comprises a thermo-protective single-use cap that provides clinical teams with wireless, continuous, accurate and timely heart rate information.
References
Sehgal A., Nixon G. & Yeomans E., ( 2024). Skin to skin care reduces intermittent hypoxemia, stabilizing respiratory physiology in preterm infants. European Academy of Paediatric Societies poster, October 2024.