Comparing the effects of minimal handling protocols on the physiological parameters of preterm infants receiving exogenous surfactant therapy.
BACKGROUND
The practice of minimal handling is recommended for preterm infants (PTIs). However, few studies have investigated the effects of this practice among these infants or the time needed to ensure greater physiological stability, especially after exogenous surfactant treatments.


OBJECTIVE
The current study compared the effects of two protocols of minimal handling on the physiological variables of PTIs after surfactant therapy.


METHODS
An exploratory prospective observational study was performed with 40 PTIs weighing less than 1,500 g. The infants were divided into two groups and monitored for 72 hours. One group received the standard minimal handling procedure during the first 12 hours after surfactant therapy; the other group (i.e., the modified group) received minimal handling within 72 hours after surfactant therapy. Infant heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation, body temperature, and the adverse events associated with changes to these variables were monitored every 10 minutes.


RESULTS
Significant between-group differences were not found with regard to the occurrence of the adverse events associated with physiological changes (p>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The practice of minimal handling among very low birth weight infants did not alter their physiological stability when performed either 12 or 72 hours after surfactant therapy.
Physical therapeutic, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Laura A
LA
Cabral
Physical Therapy Department, School of Physical Education, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
Marcelo
M
Velloso
D002985:Clinical Protocols; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D013997:Time Factors
D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants