Pilot study shows skin-to-skin care with parents improves heart rate variability in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit

Background Skin-to-skin care in the newborn intensive unit typically lasts for short periods of time and enhances breastfeeding, attachment, parental self-esteem. Heart rate variability (HRV) increases with gestational age is a measure maturation parasympathetic vs. sympathetic autonomic nervous system activity. HRV measurements may be useful capturing changes regulation response to skin-to-skin care. Objective To analyze effects on preterm infants receiving respiratory support. We hypothesized that would result more mature pattern Methods In this prospective crossover study, <30 weeks' gestation 1–6 weeks postnatal had recorded 30 min before, during, after sessions. characteristics analyzed included standard deviation normal-to-normal interval (SDNN), root mean squared successive differences intervals (RMSSD), decelerations (SDDec). Results 10 between 25 5/7–29 6/7 7–41 days completed 22 sessions while support (positive pressure ventilation or nasal cannula oxygen). Two measures (SDNN RMSSD) were significantly decreased by end sessions, compared pre-session values. SDNN from median 10.44 ms before session 6.70 being placed back bed ( p < 0.05), RMSSD decreasing 6.80 4.32 held at 0.05). Discussion parent resulted support, suggesting physiologic benefit infant. No adverse events seen during any session.