Comparison of Two Different Skin-to-skin Contact Techniques: Sustained Diagonal Flexion vs. Traditional

Launched by ERASME UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL · Nov 22, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is comparing two different ways of holding preterm babies skin-to-skin, which is when a baby is placed on a parent's chest. The study is looking at the "sustained diagonal flexion" method, a newer technique, against the traditional method recommended by the World Health Organization. The goal is to see which method allows for more time spent in skin-to-skin contact, which is important for the health and bonding of premature infants.

To participate, infants must be born between 27 and 34 weeks of pregnancy and be between 24 hours and 4 days old when the study starts. Parents need to agree to join the study, and at least one parent should be able to speak French well. Unfortunately, infants with serious health issues or those who are triplets cannot participate. If you choose to take part, you’ll be helping researchers learn about the best ways to support the health of premature babies while also getting the chance to hold your little one in a way that may benefit them.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Premature infant born between 27 and 34 weeks of gestational age
• • Aged between 24 hours and maximum 4 days at the beginning of the study
• • Approval from the neonatologist in charge of the patient to participate in the study
• • Informed consent of the parents to participate in the study
• • At least one of the two parents must have a good knowledge of French.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Infant with severe secondary neurological or medical conditions, e.g., neurological deficits due to vascular hemorrhage (grade III or IV)
• • Infant or parent who requires or has required surgery during their neonatal stay
• • Triplets
• • Parent who suffers from a physical disability or severe psychological illness, a psychosocial situation that does not allow skin-to-skin care
• • Infant with an arterial line