| Learning Objective #1: Explore changes in preterm infant Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (BNBAS) outcomes from 40 to 44 weeks PCA | |||
| Learning Objective #2: Understand the relationship between the BNBAS and feeding behaviors in preterm infants at term |
Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between the Brazelton Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale (BNBAS) and feeding behaviors in preterm infants at 40 and 44 weeks post-conceptional age (PCA). Design: A prospective, correlative designed was used to assess neurobehavioral status and feeding behaviors at 40 and 44 weeks PCA. Population: 101 preterm infants with a mean gestational age of 30.4 ± 2.5 weeks (range 24-34 weeks GA) from two urban academic medical centers. Concepts: Developmental framework to ascertain the influence of neurobehavioral maturaton and feeding behaviors on each other over time. Mehtods: A five minute feeding assessment was completed immediately following the BNBAS. Sucking variables included #sucks, #bursts, #sucks/burst(S/B), intersuck width (ISW),suck width (SW) interburst width, rate, and mean maximum pressure (Pmax). Results: The Orientation(p.00), Motor(p.00), Range of States (p.001), Autonomic Regulation (p.01), and Reflexes (p.00) clusters were significantly more mature at 44 weeks PCA as compared to 40 weeks. Infants that were extremely early born (EEB)(n=24) had a significantly larger change in BNBAS scores over time as compared to the more mature preterm infants (n=77). At 40 and 44 weeks PCA, Pmax, ISW, SW, and #S/B, were significantly effected the BNBAS cluster scores. Likewise, BNBAS cluster scores were significantly effected by ISW (p.03) and Pmax (p.02). Conclusions: Significant neurobehavioral maturation takes place between 40 and 44 weeks PCA in preterm infants, with the the greatest changes for the most preterm infants. In addition, these findings highlight the inter-relationship between neurobehavioral maturation and feeding behaviors. Implications: The outcome of this study has implications for clinical care decisions in the NICU and follow-up settings.
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Back to 14th International Nursing Research Congress
Sigma Theta Tau International
10-12 July 2003