To study the effect of Kangaroo Mother Care on pain response in preterm neonates and to determine the behavioral and physiological responses to painful stimuli in preterm neonates: a study from western Rajasthan

Aims: To study the effect of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) on pain response in preterm neonates and to determine the behavioral and physiological responses to painful stimuli in preterm neonates.

Materials and methods: This was a single-blind cross over study in which total 140 neonates were enrolled. Pain stimulus was given in the form of heel-lance before and after giving KMC and data were recorded.

Results: The effect of KMC on heart rate variability was statistically significant in preterm (30–34 wks) and very low birth weight (1.0–1.5?kg) neonates. The mean fall in SpO₂ from base line was less in KMC group as compared to without KMC group at 60?s (1.63% versus 2.22%) and 120?s (0.45% versus 2.22%). The mean duration of cry was less in the KMC group (15.05?s) as compared to without KMC group (24.82?s) and the difference was statistically significant (p?<?0.05). The mean duration of cry was reduced by 36% in KMC group as compared to the without KMC group. The effect of KMC on pain scores (premature infant pain profile (PIPP)) were significantly lower after heel-lance in KMC at 60?s (p?<?0.01).

Conclusion: KMC is a most physiological, non-pharmacological and easy intervention that involves parents: to manage procedural pain that can be implemented for physiological or behavioral stability in their premature infants.