Abstract

Background: Kangaroo mother care is a standardized protocol-based care for preterm and low birth weight infants. The core feature is early positioning of the infant, prone and upright on the mother or father’s chest to maximize skin to skin proximity. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is a safe and effective method of caring for low birth weight infants and is promoted for its potential to improve newborn survival. The aim of this study was to investigate serum nitric oxide (NO) in stable preterm infants before and after 60 min kangaroo position & to find out a relation between serum NO and neonatal temperature during that position. Results: showed a statistically significant increase in body temperature, peripheral oxygen saturation and mean arterial blood pressure immediately after 60 min of KMC compared to the results before this maneuver. There was significant increase in NO immediately after 60 minutes KMC. Conclusion: Kangaroo position could increase body temperature through NO dependent mechanisms. KMC is effective in improving all vital signs especially Temperature in preterm infants avoiding the harmful consequences of hypothermia in those infants.

Authors and Affiliations