The effect of nonnutritive sucking on transcutaneous oxygen tension in noncrying, preterm neonates.

The relationship between transcutaneous oxygen tension (tcpO_2:) and sucking opportunities in noncrying, preterm neonates was investigated. Twenty-six measurements of nonnutritive sucking and its relationship to tcpO₂ were collected on 11 neonates who were monitored continuously for tcpO₂. Of the 26, 10 sets of measurements were recorded on 6 neonates receiving assisted ventilation, and 16 were recorded on 4 neonates breathing room air. One neonate was measured one time on assisted ventilation and two times breathing room air. The design consisted of three 8-minute time periods: pretreatment, treatment (sucking opportunities). and posttreatment. There was a significant relationship between the pretreatment-treatment and treatment-posttreatment tcpO₂ levels (both at p < .01). These results suggest that sucking facilitates more adequate oxygenation in noncrying, preterm neonates.