The Effect of Oral Colostrum Application on the Condition of the Mouth and Incidence of Late-Onset Sepsis Among Premature Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
- 2024-08-27
- Advances in neonatal care : official journal of the National Association of Neonatal Nurses 24(5)
- Leila Barizeh
- Mahnaz Jabraeili
- Mohammad Bagher Hoseini
- Mahni Rahkar Farshi
- Julie-Anne Martyn
- Deependra Kaji Thapa
- Michelle Cleary
- PubMed: 39141690
- DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000001194
Study Design
- Type
- Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
- Population
- 70 newborn premature infants
- Methods
- randomized controlled trial, randomly allocated to colostrum or sterile water groups, Mouth Care Assessment Tool used to evaluate oral condition for 5 days after oral colostrum application, incidence of LOS measured using clinical and laboratory indicators from 72 hours after birth until discharge
- Duration
- from 72 hours after birth until discharge
Background
Premature infants have higher risks of infection due to their underdeveloped immune systems and changes to the oral cavity's normal flora colonization.Purpose
To assess the effect of oral colostrum application on the condition of the mouth and the incidence of late-onset sepsis (LOS) among premature infants.Methods
In this randomized controlled trial, 70 newborn premature infants were randomly allocated to colostrum or sterile water groups. The Mouth Care Assessment Tool was used to evaluate the condition of the mouth for 5 days after oral colostrum application. The incidence of LOS was measured using clinical and laboratory indicators from 72 hours after birth until discharge.Results
The condition of the mouth was significantly different on days 4 and 5, demonstrating that the colostrum group had less need for oral care ( P < .001) compared to the control group. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in clinical symptoms and laboratory values related to LOS ( P > .05).Implications for practice
Oral colostrum application can benefit oral mucosal health and reduce the need for oral care among premature infants. It is also safe alternative oral care for premature infants who cannot breastfeed during the first few days of life. Future research should include infants of different gestational ages and mechanically ventilated infants to assess the effect of oral colostrum application on serum immune factors.Research Insights
There was no significant difference between the 2 groups in clinical symptoms and laboratory values related to LOS ( P > .05).
- Effect
- Neutral
- Effect size
- Small
The condition of the mouth was significantly different on days 4 and 5, demonstrating that the colostrum group had less need for oral care ( P < .001) compared to the control group.
- Effect
- Beneficial
- Effect size
- Moderate