Rev. Soc. Bras. Enferm. Ped.2011;11(1):17-24.
Variation in salivary cortisol level in preterm infant in response to a heel lance procedure for neonatal screening test while in kangaroo care
DOI: 10.31508/1676-3793201100003
Abstract
Objective:
To measure preterm salivary cortisol level before (baseline) and after heel lance (response) for neonatal screening test while in maternal kangaroo care.
Methods:
Non-controlled experimental pilot study with 15 preterm infants carried out in a neonatal unit at a university hospital in the city of Ribeirao Preto, state of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Results:
There was no alteration in preterm response salivary cortisol level in relation to baseline (p=0.638) level.
Conclusion:
Kangaroo position may have prevented the elevation of salivary cortisol levels in preterm infants who participated in this study.
Keywords: Kangaroo Care; Neonatal nursing; Pain; Premature infant; Salivary cortisol