Effect of Kangaroo Care on Cardiopulmonary Events in Neonates in the NICU
Abstract
Introduction: Infants in the NICU often suffer from physiologic stress related to bradycardia, apneic spells, and oxygen desaturations. This review analyzes the effect of KC on the frequency of cardiopulmonary events.
Methods: Databases utilized include PubMed, Google Scholar, and CINAHL. These papers were selected based on their publication in the last ten years, and focus on examining effects of skin-to-skin care on the NICU infant as measured by the infant’s physiological stability.
Results: All three studies showed that infants in the treatment groups had a significantly decrease in bradycardic events compared to control group. Two studies found that infants in the treatment group had significantly fewer oxygen desaturations while being held skin-to-skin versus the time they spent in the warmer.
Discussion: The studies used high fidelity of intervention, and two of the three used randomized controlled trails designs. The small sample size of the studies was a weakness and warrants further research.
Conclusion: Nurses should develop policies for increased encouragement for kangaroo care for preterm infants in NICUs.