Tactile versus olfactory stimulation on neonatal behavior in premature infants with apnea

Background: Apnea of prematurity (AOP) is one of the most common diagnoses in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), likely secondary to a “physiologic” immaturity of respiratory control that may be exacerbated by neonatal disease. It may be associated with bradycardia, cyanosis, brain damage, neuro developmental complications, and even death. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of tactile and olfactory stimulation on neonatal behavior of premature infants with apnea. Methods: Randomized control trial design utilizing a sample of 30neonates (16 girls and 14 boys) born at 30 to 36 weeks gestational age with apnea of prematurity with mean± standard deviation 33.40 ±1.50 weeks for tactile group and 34.00 ±1.41 weeks for olfactory group. Heart rate and oxygen saturation were measured at birth and at the fifth day postnatal, Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale was used to assess neonatal reflexes. Results: Data analysis revealed that there were statistically significant difference when comparing pre and post values (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Tactile and olfactory stimulations are two effective methods for improving neonatal behavior with tactile is more advantageous. These results provide an objective information in formulation of effective strategies for selection of appropriate neonatal apnea treatments.