Kangaroo position: Immediate effects on the physiological variables of preterm and low birth weight newborns

Authors

  • Érica Cesário Defilipo Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF)
  • Paula Silva de Carvalho Chagas Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF)
  • Caroline Chaves Lessa Nogueira Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF)
  • Geisiane Pereira Ananias Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF)
  • Andrea Januário da Silva Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora (UFJF)

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1590/1980-5918.030.S01.AO21

Abstract

Introduction: The Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) method is a significant neonatal alternative that ensures better quality humanized care for preterm and low birth weight newborns. Objective: To analyze the immediate physiological effects of the kangaroo position in critically ill newborns. Methods: Open clinical trial with parallel interventions, involving preterm (up to 28 days old) low or very low birth weight newborns (minimum weight of 1,250 grams) of both sexes, that were clinically stable and undergoing enteral nutrition. The degree of respiratory distress was assessed and quantified using the Silverman-Anderson scoring system. Heart rate and peripheral oxygen saturation were collected using a pulse oximeter. Respiratory rate was determined by auscultation for one minute. The newborns were submitted to the kangaroo position once only, for 90 minutes.  Results: Participants were 30 newborns, 56.7% of which were girls. Comparison of the variables before and after application of the kangaroo position using the Wilcoxon test showed a statistically significant reduction in respiratory rate (p = 0.02) and Silverman-Anderson score (p < 0.01). The remaining variables showed no significant differences: heart rate (p = 0.21), peripheral oxygen saturation (p = 0.26) and axillary temperature (p = 0.12). Conclusion: There was a decline in the respiratory rate and Silverman-Anderson score after application of the kangaroo position, while peripheral oxygen saturation, axillary temperature and heart rate remained stable.

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Published

2017-11-30

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Original Article

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