Pilot study demonstrates that salivary oxytocin can be measured unobtrusively in preterm infants.

ABSTRACT:

Aim

This study assessed the feasibility and obtrusiveness of measuring salivary oxytocin in preterm infants receiving Kangaroo care, because this is a period of maximal bonding or co-regulation. We also analysed possible influential determinants, including maternal oxytocin.

Methods

The saliva of preterm infants and their mothers was collected prior to, and during, Kangaroo care using cotton swabs and pooled into vials until sufficient volumes were obtained to measure oxytocin levels using a radioimmunoassay. The obtrusiveness of the infants' collections was measured with a Likert scale.

Results

Saliva was collected unobtrusively prior to, and during, 30 Kangaroo care sessions in 21 preterm infants. This resulted in three vials with sufficient volumes of before-Kangar

SUBMITTER: Kommers DR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5215538 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature