Transcutaneous absorption of topically massaged oil in neonates.
OBJECTIVE
To study the transcutaneous absorption of traditionally massaged oil in newborns and to specifically compare the effects of (i) essential fatty acid (EFA) rich - safflower oil and (ii) saturated fat rich coconut oil, on fatty acid profiles of massaged babies.


METHODS
A short term randomised controlled study.


METHODS
Tertiary care NICU of a large teaching hospital and a research laboratory of a University complex.


METHODS
120 study babies were randomly assigned to three oil groups (i) safflower oil (n = 40) (ii) coconut oil (n = 40) and (iii) no oil controls (n = 40). In each group, babies were selected in three subsets as per their gestational ages viz (a) less than 34 weeks, (b) 34-37 weeks, (c) greater than 37 weeks. 5 mL of the designated oil was massaged four times a day for five days under controlled conditions of temperature and feeding. Pre and post oil massage samples of blood were analysed for triglycerides and fatty acid profiles using gas chromatography.


RESULTS
Post oil triglyceride values were significantly raised in both the oil groups and also in controls. However, the quantum of rise was significantly higher in oil groups as compared to controls. Fatty acid profiles (gas chromatography) showed significant rise in EFAs (linolenic acid and arachidonic acid) in safflower oil group and saturated fats in coconut oil group. Changes were more evident in term babies. There were no side effects associated with the massage.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that topically applied oil can be absorbed in neonates and is probably available for nutritional purposes. The fatty acid constituents of the oil can influence the changes in the fatty acid profiles of the massaged babies.
Solanki
Kriti
K
Department of Pediatrics, KEM Hospital, Pune 411 011, India.
Matnani
Manoj
M
Kale
Mrudula
M
Joshi
Kalpana
K
Bavdekar
Ashish
A
Bhave
Sheila
S
Pandit
Anand
A
D005227:Fatty Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D012450:Safflower Oil / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012869:Skin Absorption
D005227:Fatty Acids; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D010938:Plant Oils; D012450:Safflower Oil