Effects of Maternal and Paternal Kangaroo Care on Oxygen Consumption and Other Physiologic Measures in Preterm Infants. 19

The aim of our study was to compare effects of mater- nal and paternal kangaroo care in VLBW infants. Methods: 12 VLBW infants with GA 28-34 wks, BW 560-1450g and postnatal age 7-48d were studied before, during and after maternal and paternal kangaroo care. Skin and rectal temperatures heart and respiration rates, arterial oxygen saturation, oxygen consumption(VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2) (indirect calorimetry, Deltatrac II) and behavioral states were compared. Results: Skin temperature increased significantly (p< 0.05) during maternal and paternal kangaroo care. None of the other parameters changed during kangaroo care. Conclusion: Maternal and paternal kangaroo care show similar physiologic effects. Kangaroo holding is not associated with heat loss or increased oxygen consumption. Paternal kangaroo care should be promoted in additional to maternal kangaroo care. (mean±SD)Table

Table 1