Autonomic nervous system maturation in preterm neonates: Correlation with gestational and postmenstrual age (ProMote).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) maturation is crucial for neonatal adaptation, but in preterm infants, this process is often delayed, leading to increased vulnerability. Heart rate variability (HRV) provides a non-invasive measure of ANS function, yet existing evidence is contradictory regarding how birth gestational age influences HRV development at comparable postmenstrual ages.

Objective

This study aims to investigate HRV metrics at 35-36 weeks postmenstrual age in preterm neonates with a wide range of birth gestational ages. We hypothesize that lower birth gestational age correlates with reduced HRV, indicating delayed ANS maturation and diminished parasympathetic tone.

Methods

We conducted a longitudinal cohort study of preterm neonates divided into two

SUBMITTER: Kokkinaki T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12768367 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature