Effect of Continuous versus Intermittent Kangaroo Mother Care on Weight Gain and Duration of Hospital Stay among Low-Birth-Weight Admitted at a Level II NICU: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Background. The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) exceeds total bed capacity. Decreasing admissions to the NICU would prevent overcrowding of patients, improve patient care, reduce hospital stay, and reduce predisposition to hospital-acquired infections.

Objective. To determine the effect of continuous versus intermittent Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) on weight gain and duration of hospital stay among low birth weight (LBW) neonates weighing 1,800 - 2,220 grams.

Methods. Forty-six (46) stable LBW were randomized to either continuous (?12 hours in the maternity ward) or intermittent (?6 hours in the NICU step-down unit) KMC groups. Daily weight and weekly length, head and chest circumference until discharge, and duration of hospital stay were measured. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U-test and Fisher's exact test.

Results. Infants in continuous KMC had an average weight gain of 50 grams/day (p=0.509) and had an average duration of hospital stay of 3 days (p=0.218). Results were not statistically different from intermittent KMC.

Conclusion. There was no evidence to show that weight gain and duration of hospital stay among infants in continuous KMC were significantly different from those in the intermittent KMC group.