Comparing methods for weight gain in premature infants

INTERVENTION: Infants were randomized with a random number table, to a Kangaroo Mother Care Group, Vimala Massage Group, or a Mixed Group (MG) with both manoeuvres and weight gain monitored daily for 10 days. They were compared to a historical control group (HC) of 21 newborns who received usual nursery care and none of the interventions in a previous study. The study groups are as follows: 1. Kangaroo mother care 2. Vimala massage 3. Both (kangaroo mother care and Vimala massage) Infant’s weight, head circumference and caloric intake will be recorded daily between 8 and 9:00 AM during the 10 days of the study. The weight will be monitored by means of a Seca digital scale model 3741321009 and the head circumference will be measured with a flexible millimeter tape. All infants will receive breast milk supplemented by formula (preNAN Nestlé ® 0.8 cal/ml). The incubators in use are ISSOLETE model C‐86 brand Nafarrete. Descriptive statistics and percentages for weight, gestational age, head circumference, type of food and caloric intake will be presented. Student t‐tests, X2 and ANOVA will be used to compare groups, and repeated measures ANOVA or Kruskal Wallis test for the comparison of the trends over 10 days. Two‐sided p‐values <0.05 will be considered statistically significant. The NCSS version 97 statistical program will be used for all calculations. CONDITION: Weight gain in premature infants ; Pregnancy and Childbirth PRIMARY OUTCOME: The infant’s weight measured using a Seca digital scale daily between 8:00 and 9:00 AM during the 10 days of the study SECONDARY OUTCOME: Hospital stay measured using patient medical notes in days from birth to hospital discharge INCLUSION CRITERIA: We included neonates with a corrected gestational age of 30 to 35 weeks (according to the Ballard scale), who were clinically stable (required no supplemental oxygen or any additional intervention, other than nutrition and incubator) and receiving orogastric tube feeding.