Abstract Objective To describe the beginning, duration, location and who makes skin-to-skin contact in Brazilian neonatal units. Methods This is a descriptive, longitudinal multicenter study, carried out from May 2018 to March 2020, in five reference neonatal units for Kangaroo Mother Care in Brazil, which included newborns weighing up to 1,800 grams. Maternal and newborn characteristics were collected from medical records and interviews. Skin-to-skin contact was recorded on cards attached to the bed, filled in by the team and fathers. Analysis occurred through descriptive statistics. Results We included 405 newborns, 51.4% male, median gestational age of 31.4 weeks and birth weight of 1,412 grams. Regarding skin-to-skin contact time, the median daily contact frequency was 1.5 times (IQR: 1.2 - 2.4), the time/day was 147 min/day (IQR: 106.7 - 263.0) and the first contact at five days of life (IQR:4.0-8.0). The longest contact time/day was performed by mothers, with a median of 137.8 minutes per day (IQR:95.6-232.1), and the second stage of kangaroo Mother Care, kangaroo Intermediate Care Unit, was the place where contact was performed for the longest time, with a median of 184.4 minutes per day (IQR:124.7-455.4). Conclusion In the units assessed, skin-to-skin contact is practiced intermittently, a few times a day, predominantly by mothers and with longer exposure time in the second stage. It is necessary to seek ways that allow more encounters between mother/father-child and that gives conditions of greater permanence of fathers in the hospital.

Resumen Objetivo Describir el inicio, duración, lugar y quién realiza el contacto piel con piel en unidades neonatales brasileñas. Métodos Estudio multicéntrico descriptivo, longitudinal, realizado de mayo de 2018 a marzo de 2020, en cinco unidades neonatales de referencia del Método Canguro en Brasil, que incluyó recién nacidos de hasta 1800 g de peso. Las características maternas y de los recién nacidos fueron recopiladas en historias clínicas y entrevistas. La práctica del contacto piel con piel fue registrada en tarjetas anexadas a la cama, completadas por el equipo y por los padres. El análisis se realizó mediante estadística descriptiva. Resultados Se incluyeron 405 recién nacidos, 51,4 % de sexo masculino, mediana de 31,4 semanas de edad gestacional y de 1412 g de peso al nacer. Con relación al tiempo de realización del contacto piel con piel, la mediana de la frecuencia del contacto diario fue 1,5 veces (IIQ: 1,2 - 2,4), el tiempo/día fue de 147 min/día (IIQ: 106,7 - 263,0) y la realización del primer contacto a los cinco días de vida (IIQ:4,0-8,0). El mayor tiempo de contacto/día fue realizado por las madres, con una mediana de 137,8 min/día (IIQ:95,6-232,1) y la segunda etapa del Método Canguro, la Unidad de Cuidados Intermedios Canguro, fue el lugar donde se realizó el contacto por mayor tiempo, con una mediana de 184,4 min/día (IIQ:124,7-455,4). Conclusión En las unidades analizadas, el contacto piel con piel se practica de forma intermitente, pocas veces por día, predominantemente por las madres y con mayor tiempo de exposición en la segunda etapa. Es necesario buscar medios que permitan más encuentros entre madre/padre-hijo y que ofrezcan condiciones de mayor permanencia de los progenitores en el hospital.

Resumo Objetivo Descrever o início, duração, local e quem realiza o contato pele a pele em unidades neonatais brasileiras. Métodos Estudo multicêntrico descritivo, longitudinal, realizado de maio de 2018 a março de 2020, em cinco unidades neonatais referência para o Método Canguru no Brasil, que incluiu recém-nascidos com peso até 1800g. As características maternas e dos recém-nascidos foram coletadas em prontuários e entrevistas. A prática do contato pele a pele era registrada em cartões anexados ao leito, preenchidos pela equipe e pelos pais. A análise ocorreu por meio de estatística descritiva. Resultados Foram incluídos 405 recém-nascidos, 51,4% do sexo masculino, mediana de idade gestacional de 31,4 semanas e de peso ao nascimento de 1.412g. Em relação ao tempo de realização do contato pele a pele, a mediana da frequência do contato diário foi de 1,5 vezes (IIQ: 1,2 - 2,4), o tempo/dia de 147 min/dia (IIQ: 106,7 - 263,0) e a realização do primeiro contato aos cinco dias de vida (IIQ:4,0-8,0). O maior tempo de contato/dia foi realizado pelas mães, com mediana de 137,8 min/dia (IIQ:95,6-232,1) e a segunda etapa do Método Canguru, Unidade de Cuidados Intermediários Canguru, foi o local onde se realizou por maior tempo o contato, com mediana de 184,4 min/dia (IIQ:124,7-455,4). Conclusão Nas unidades avaliadas, o contato pele a pele é praticado de forma intermitente, poucas vezes por dia, predominantemente pelas mães e com maior tempo de exposição na segunda etapa. É necessário buscar meios que possibilitem mais encontros entre mãe/pai-filho e que dê condições de maior permanência dos genitores no hospital.

Abstract Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Kangaroo Position (KP) in microcirculation (MC) of the flexor muscles of preterm newborns. Method: A controlled clinical trial was conducted in the city of Recife, Brazil, with 26 preterm children randomized in the Kangaroo Group (13) and in the Control Group (13). Assessments of blood flow, temperature, and tissue oxygen saturation (SO2) were made at two different times and in the biceps brachii muscle and hamstrings muscle group: before the KP and after 24 h of KP. In the Control Group, the registrations were performed at the times corresponding to those of the Kangaroo Group. The mean values among the times were analyzed by paired t-test for repeated measures. The clinical trial was recorded in Clinical Trials (NCT03611088). Results: In the Kangaroo Group there was an increase in tissue temperature and blood flow at the time evaluation periods (p < 0.05). In the control group, there was no statistical difference between the recording moments hamstring muscles group, but in the biceps brachii, there was a reduction in mean blood flow (p = 0.023). Conclusion: In conclusion, the KP has effects on the microcirculation of the flexor muscles of preterm newborns.

ABSTRACT OBJETIVE To understand the role of exposure to skin-to-skin contact and its minimum duration in determining exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge in infants weighing up to 1,800g at birth. METHODS A multicenter cohort study was carried out in five Brazilian neonatal units. Infants weighing ≤ 1,800g at birth were eligible. Skin-to-skin contact time was recorded by the health care team and parents on an individual chart. Maternal and infant data was obtained from maternal questionnaires and medical records. The Classification Tree, a machine learning method, was used for data analysis; the tree growth algorithm, using statistical tests, partitions the dataset into mutually exclusive subsets that best describe the response variable and calculates appropriate cut-off points for continuous variables, thus generating an efficient explanatory model for the outcome under study. RESULTS A total of 388 infants participated in the study, with a median of 31.6 (IQR = 29–31.8) weeks of gestation age and birth weight of 1,429g (IQR = 1,202–1,610). The exclusive breastfeeding rate at discharge was 61.6%. For infant’s weighting between 1,125g and 1,655g, exposed to skin-to-skin contact was strongly associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Moreover, infants who made an average > 149.6 min/day of skin-to-skin contact had higher chances in this outcome (74% versus 46%). In this group, those who received a severity score (SNAPPE-II) equal to zero increased their chances of breastfeeding (83% versus 63%). CONCLUSION Skin-to-skin contact proved to be of great relevance in maintaining exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge for preterm infants weighing 1,125g–1,655g at birth, especially in those with lower severity scores.

ABSTRACT OBJETIVE To understand the role of exposure to skin-to-skin contact and its minimum duration in determining exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge in infants weighing up to 1,800g at birth. METHODS A multicenter cohort study was carried out in five Brazilian neonatal units. Infants weighing ≤ 1,800g at birth were eligible. Skin-to-skin contact time was recorded by the health care team and parents on an individual chart. Maternal and infant data was obtained from maternal questionnaires and medical records. The Classification Tree, a machine learning method, was used for data analysis; the tree growth algorithm, using statistical tests, partitions the dataset into mutually exclusive subsets that best describe the response variable and calculates appropriate cut-off points for continuous variables, thus generating an efficient explanatory model for the outcome under study. RESULTS A total of 388 infants participated in the study, with a median of 31.6 (IQR = 29–31.8) weeks of gestation age and birth weight of 1,429g (IQR = 1,202–1,610). The exclusive breastfeeding rate at discharge was 61.6%. For infant’s weighting between 1,125g and 1,655g, exposed to skin-to-skin contact was strongly associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Moreover, infants who made an average > 149.6 min/day of skin-to-skin contact had higher chances in this outcome (74% versus 46%). In this group, those who received a severity score (SNAPPE-II) equal to zero increased their chances of breastfeeding (83% versus 63%). CONCLUSION Skin-to-skin contact proved to be of great relevance in maintaining exclusive breastfeeding at hospital discharge for preterm infants weighing 1,125g–1,655g at birth, especially in those with lower severity scores.

Resumo Objetivo: Verificar a influência de curto prazo da Posição Canguru (PC) sobre a atividade eletromiográfica de recém-nascidos prematuros. Método: Foi feito um estudo clínico em um setor da Unidade do Método Mãe Canguru (cuidado secundário e terciário) na cidade de Recife, com 44 neonatos prematuros randomizados em grupos de Intervenção (n = 21) e Controle (n = 23). A Posição Canguru foi feita por meio de uma faixa que apoia o recém-nascido de bruços contra o tórax do adulto, na posição vertical e vestido com poucas peças de roupa, mantém o contato pele a pele com a mãe. Foi usada a Eletromiografia Superficial para investigar a atividade muscular dos bíceps braquiais e músculos isquitobiais. A randomização dos grupos foi feita com o software R (versão 3.3.1)®. Os registros da eletromiografia foram feitos em três momentos: antes da PC e após uma e duas horas da Posição Canguru. No Grupo de Controle, os registros foram feitos nos momentos correspondentes àqueles do Grupo do Método Mãe Canguru. Os valores médios da atividade eletromiográfica entre esses momentos foram analisados pela análise de variância (Anova) de medidas repetidas e por um teste de Kruskal-Wallis. O ensaio clínico foi registrado no Clinical Trials (NCT02849665 – 28/07/2016). Resultados: No Grupo do Método Mãe Canguru (n = 21), houve variação dos valores da atividade eletromiográfica entre os três momentos de registro de atividade dos bíceps braquiais e dos músculos isquitobiais. No Grupo de Controle (n = 23), não houve diferença estatística entre os momentos de registro. Conclusões: A PC aumenta a atividade eletromiográfica de curto prazo dos músculos bíceps braquiais e isquitobiais.

Abstract Objective: To verify the short-term influence of the kangaroo position (KP) on the electromyography activity of preterm newborns. Method: A clinical study was conducted in a kangaroo unit sector (secondary and tertiary care) in the city of Recife, Brazil, with 44 preterm infants randomized to intervention (n = 21) and control (n = 23) groups. The KP was performed through a band that supports the newborn against the adult's thorax, in a prone and vertical position, and infants were dressed with few pieces of clothes, thus keeping skin-to-skin contact with the mother. Surface electromyography was used to investigate the muscle activity of the biceps brachii and hamstrings. The randomization of the groups was performed by the program R® (v. 3.3.1). The electromyography registrations were made at three different times: before the KP and after one and two hours of KP. In the control group, the registrations were performed at the times corresponding to those of the intervention group. The mean values of the electromyography activity among the times were analyzed by ANOVA for repeated measures and the Kruskal–Wallis test. The clinical trial was recorded in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02849665 - 07/28/2016). Results: In the intervention group (n = 21), there was a variation of the electromyography activity values between the three recording moments for both the biceps brachii and hamstrings. In the control group (n = 23), there was no statistical difference between the recording moments for both. Conclusions: The KP increases the short-term electromyographic activity of the biceps brachii and hamstrings.

Resumo Objetivo: Caracterizar o frênulo lingual de recém-nascidos a termo, utilizando dois protocolos diferentes e verificar a relação do frênulo lingual com o aleitamento materno. Método: A amostra não probabilística foi constituída por 449 binômios mãe/bebê. Para a avaliação anatomofuncional do frênulo, utilizou-se o protocolo de avaliação do frênulo lingual para bebês “Teste da Linguinha” e o Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool. A mamada foi avaliada com o protocolo proposto pelo UNICEF. Foram criados escores (bom, regular, ruim) para avaliar cada aspecto da mamada a ser observada. Os resultados foram analisados através de estatísticas descritivas e inferenciais e testes de associação (Qui-quadrado de Pearson e Exato de Fisher). Resultados: O estudo mostrou que 14 bebês apresentaram alteração de frênulo lingual, nos quais três com dificuldade durante a sucção, necessitando de frenotomia na primeira semana de vida e 11 sem dificuldades durante a amamentação. Quanto à avaliação da mamada, 410 binômios mãe/bebê apresentaram o escore bom, 36 regular e 3 ruim. Houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre o protocolo “Teste da Linguinha” e amamentação (p = 0,028) e entre o protocolo Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool e amamentação (p = 0,028). Conclusão: Alterações no frênulo lingual estão associadas a interferências na qualidade da amamentação, sendo importante a avaliação do frênulo lingual em recém-nascidos.

Abstract Objective: To characterize the lingual frenulum of full-term newborns using two different protocols and to assess the association of the lingual frenulum with breastfeeding. Methods: This non-probabilistic sample consisted of 449 mother/baby binomials. For the anatomo-functional evaluation of the frenulum, the Neonatal Tongue Screening Test and the Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool were used for the evaluation of the lingual frenulum. Breastfeeding was evaluated using the protocol proposed by UNICEF. Scores were created (good, fair, poor) to evaluate every aspect of the breastfeeding to be observed. The results were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics and association tests (Pearson's chi-squared and Fisher's exact test). Results: The study showed that 14 babies had a lingual frenulum alteration, of whom three had difficulties during suction, requiring frenotomy in the first week of life, whereas 11 had no difficulties during breastfeeding. Regarding the breastfeeding evaluation, 410 mother/baby binomials had good, 36 regular, and three had bad scores. There was a statistically significant association between the tongue-tie test protocol and breastfeeding (p = 0.028) and between the Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool protocol and breastfeeding (p = 0.028). Conclusion: Alterations in the lingual frenulum are associated with interferences in the quality of breastfeeding and thus, evaluation of the lingual frenulum in newborns is important.

OBJETIVOS: Comparar, por meio do Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP), o desenvolvimento motor de lactentes nascidos pré-termo que estavam com idade gestacional corrigida de 38 a 40 semanas com o de recém-nascidos a termo. MÉTODOS: Estudo de desenho transversal em que se comparou o desempenho motor de lactentes pré-termo (grupo RNPT), com idade gestacional no parto de 28 a 33 semanas, avaliados na idade equivalente ao termo, com o de recém-nascidos a termo (grupo RNT), avaliados em até 48 horas de vida, por meio do TIMP. A coleta dos dados foi realizada no período de dezembro de 2008 a abril de 2009, num hospital de referência para assistência a prematuros na cidade de Recife, PE, Brasil. A amostra foi constituída de 92 lactentes, 46 para cada grupo. O teste foi aplicado na idade de 38 a 40 semanas de idade gestacional (corrigida, no caso dos lactentes nascidos pré-termo). RESULTADOS:Dos 46 lactentes pré-termo avaliados, 26,1% foram classificados como atípicos, enquanto 100% dos recém-nascidos a termo foram classificados como típicos (p<0,001). Além disso, houve diferença significativa na média do escore bruto do teste nos dois grupos, sendo a média do grupo RNPT menor (p<0,001). CONCLUSÕES: A prematuridade parece estar associada a prejuízo no desenvolvimento motor, avaliado pelo TIMP.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the motor development of preterm infants whose gestational age had been corrected to 38-40 weeks with full term newborns using the Test of Infant Motor Performance (TIMP). METHODS: The cross-sectional study compared preterm infants (PT group), with a gestational age at birth of 28-33 weeks, at an equivalent age to full term newborns (FT group), who were assessed up to 48 hours after birth. The assessments were performed between December 2008 and April 2009 in a hospital nationally recognized for premature infant care in the city of Recife, PE, Brazil. The sample consisted of 92 infants, 46 in each group. The test was administered at age 38-40 weeks (or equivalent age in the PT group). RESULTS: In the 46 preterm infants studied, 26.1% were classified as atypical, while in the FT group 100% were classified as typical (p<0.001). Moreover, there was a significant difference in average raw TIMP score between the two groups, with the PT group being lower (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: According to TIMP performance, prematurity seems to be associated with impaired motor development.

A amamentação representa uma das principais intervenções na redução da morbimortalidade infantil, processo privilegiado à subjetivação, desenvolvimento infantil e prevenção de perturbações no vínculo mãe-filho, quando bem vivenciada pela díade. O estudo analisou a psicodinâmica envolvida no desmame precoce e no desmame tardio, baseado na interação de duas díades mãe-criança com desnutrição grave primária, com bebês entre seis e 15 meses de idade, internadas num hospital escola. Foi utilizado o método qualitativo referenciado na psicanálise, com entrevistas semi-estruturadas e observações. O desmame precoce pareceu associado à dificuldade de construção da maternidade e vínculo; o desmame tardio refletiu o excesso psicoafetivo materno/dificuldade na entrada do pai.

Breastfeeding is one of the main interventions in reducing child morbimortality, a privileged process to subjectivation, to child development and to prevention of disturbances in child-mother bond, when it is well experienced by the dyad. The study analyzed the psychodynamics involved in early weaning and late weaning, based on the interaction of two mother-child dyads with severe malnutrition, involving babies aged six and 15 months, hospitalized in a teaching institution. Qualitative methods based on psychoanalysis were used, with semi-structured interviews and observations. Early weaning seemed related to difficulties constructing motherhood and bonding; late weaning appeared to reflect an excess of maternal affection or difficulty in accepting the father figure.

OBJETIVO: Analisar as posturas adotadas pelos prematuros em decúbito ventral (DV) e lateral (DL) no Método Mãe-Canguru, relacionando-as com o desenvolvimento neuromotor precoce da criança. MÉTODOS: Uma amostra de 80 bebês prematuros, nascidos no Instituto Materno-Infantil de Pernambuco e que permaneceram na Unidade Mãe-Canguru no período de julho a outubro de 2004, foi dividida em dois grupos. Um grupo de 40 bebês foi posicionado em DV, e o outro, também de 40 bebês, em DL. Ambas as amostras foram homogêneas entre si. Os bebês foram avaliados no dia da admissão na Unidade Mãe-Canguru e no dia da alta, através de uma avaliação biomecânica do posicionamento no canguru e do exame neurocomportamental de Dubowitz. A análise estatística dos resultados foi realizada pelo programa Epi-Info versão 6.04; o intervalo de confiança foi de 95%, sendo p significante quando apresentava valor inferior a 0,05. RESULTADOS: Os resultados da pesquisa demonstram que as amostram foram homogêneas entre si e que os bebês em DL assumiram uma postura de maior flexão, associada a um maior enrolamento do tronco. Além disso, esses bebês apresentaram evolução em 13 dos 16 itens avaliados no exame de Dubowitz, enquanto o grupo DV apresentou evolução em 5 dos 16 itens avaliados. CONCLUSÃO: Observou-se que a posição em DL trouxe maiores benefícios com relação ao desenvolvimento neuromotor precoce dos bebês que compuseram a amostra. Porém, a realização de novos estudos de acompanhamento a longo prazo é importante.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between prone and lateral positioning of preterm infants in Kangaroo Mother Care and early neuromotor development. METHODS: Eighty preterm infants born at Instituto Materno-Infantil de Pernambuco, Brazil, admitted to the Kangaroo Mother Care Unit between July and October 2004 were divided into two groups. Forty infants was placed in prone position (PP), while the remaining 40 children were kept in lateral decubitus (LD). On admission and at discharge from the Kangaroo Mother Care Unit, all infants underwent a biomechanical and a neurobehavioral assessment (Dubowitz exam). Statistical analyses were performed using Epi-Info 6.4, with calculation of 95% confidence intervals and significance established at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The groups were homogeneous prior to the intervention. Infants placed in LD showed a more flexed posture, and also adopted a more twisted trunk posture. The LD group improved in 13 out of 16 items assessed by the Dubowitz exam, while the group assigned to PP improved in only five items. CONCLUSION: Placement of infants in LD had a favorable impact on early neuromotor development in our sample. However, additional longitudinal studies are needed to better clarify this relationship.