Effect of early kangaroo mother care on time to full feeds in preterm infants - A prospective cohort study

Background: Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is known to reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity. In preterm neonates, KMC is usually initiated only after stabilization. Aims: We aimed to assess if early initiation of KMC starting within the first week of life is safe, and reduces the time to full feeds (TFF) in preterm neonates. Study design: Prospective cohort study. Subjects: Preterm neonates (Gestation <= 34 weeks, Birth weight <= 1250 g). This was studied in two epochs, (epoch 1) which was before early KMC vs. epoch 2 which was after implementation of early KMC even if they needed respiratory support, with umbilical/central lines in situ. Outcome: The primary outcome of the study was time to establish full feeds (TFF) of 150 ml/kg/day. Results: The neonatal demographic characteristics were comparable between epoch 1 and epoch 2 except for lower gestational age, higher surfactant, and any respiratory support in epoch 2. On univariate analysis, early KMC significantly reduced TFF (12.5 vs. 9 days, P < 0.001). Feed intolerance, duration of parenteral nutrition were significantly reduced, and discharge weight Z score improved significantly in epoch 2. On multivariate regression analysis early KMC, exclusive mother's own milk feeding and blood culture-positive late-onset sepsis were important predictors of TFF. Early KMC was safe and well-tolerated. Conclusion: Early KMC was safe and associated with reduced TFF and other nutritional benefits in moderately ill preterm neonates.