title: Intrapartum synthetic oxytocin reduce the expression of primitive reflexes associated with breastfeeding.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Several synthetic peptide manipulations during the time surrounding birth can alter the specific neurohormonal status in the newborn brain. This study is aimed at assessing whether intrapartum oxytocin administration has any effect on primitive neonatal reflexes and determining whether such an effect is dose-dependent.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cohort prospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital. Mother-infant dyads who received intrapartum oxytocin (n=53) were compared with mother-infant dyads who did not receive intrapartum oxytocin (n=45). Primitive neonatal reflexes (endogenous, antigravity, motor, and rhythmic reflexes) were quantified by analyzing videotaped breastfeeding sessions in a biological nurturing position. Two observers blind to the group assignment and the oxytocin dose analyzed the videotapes and assesed the newborn's state of consciousness according to the Brazelton scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The release of all rhythmic reflexes (p=0.01), the antigravity reflex (p=0.04), and total primitive neonatal reflexes (p=0.02) in the group exposed to oxytocin was lower than in the group not exposed to oxytocin. No correlations were observed between the dose of oxytocin administered and the percentage of primitive neonatal reflexes released (r=0.03; p=0.82).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Intrapartum oxytocin administration might inhibit the expression of several primitive neonatal reflexes associated with breastfeeding. This correlation does not seem to be dose-dependent.
authors.affiliation: 1 Department of Pediatrics-Neonatology, Hospital Universitario Puerta de Hierro-Majadahonda , Madrid, Spain .
authors.forename: Miguel A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Marín Gabriel
authors.forename: Ibone
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Olza Fernández
authors.forename: Ana M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Malalana Martínez
authors.forename: Carmen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: González Armengod
authors.forename: Valeria
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Costarelli
authors.forename: Isabel
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Millán Santos
authors.forename: Aurora
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Fernández-Cañadas Morillo
authors.forename: Pilar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Pérez Riveiro
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: López Sánchez
authors.forename: Lourdes
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: García Murillo
mesh_terms: D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000523:psychology; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018730:Infant Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D060127:Kangaroo-Mother Care Method / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D008297:Male; D010121:Oxytocin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013391:Sucking Behavior / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D014741:Video Recording
chemical_list: D010121:Oxytocin