Tactile stimulation during neonatal transition and its effect on vital parameters in neonates during neonatal transition

Abstract

Aim: This study analysed tactile stimulation during neonatal transition and resuscitation in preterm and term neonates born by Caesarean delivery. It examined the frequency, location and body region, duration and possible effects of stimulation on heart rate and arterial oxygen saturation (SpO₂ ).

Methods: Two independent investigators analysed video recordings of tactile stimulation on term and preterm neonates during neonatal transition from January 2012 to December 2014. They were recorded during a prospective observational study and randomised controlled trial at a tertiary centre, the Medical University of Graz, Austria. SpO₂ and heart rate were continuously recorded. Data on the frequency, body region and duration of stimulation were collected. To investigate the possible effects of stimulation, SpO₂ and heart rate were compared before and after stimulation.

Results: Term infants received tactile stimulation more than once, and it tended to start later, last longer and be applied in more locations than in preterm infants. Only preterm infants showed a significant increase in SpO₂ after stimulation and heart rates did not show any significant changes in either group.

Conclusion: Tactile stimulation was applied in different ways to preterm and term infants during neonatal transition and SpO₂ showed a significant increase in preterm infants.

Keywords: Neonatal resuscitation; Neonatal transition; Preterm infants; Tactile stimulation; Term infants.