Osteopathic Treatment for Preterm Infants
Author Information
Author(s): Pizzolorusso Gianfranco, Turi Patrizia, Barlafante Gina, Cerritelli Francesco, Renzetti Cinzia, Cozzolino Vincenzo, D'Orazio Marianna, Fusilli Paola, Carinci Fabrizio, D'Incecco Carmine
Primary Institution: EBOM - European Institute for Evidence Based Osteopathic Medicine
Hypothesis
Does osteopathic manipulative treatment improve gastrointestinal function and reduce length of stay in preterm infants?
Conclusion
Osteopathic manipulative treatment may reduce gastrointestinal symptoms and length of stay in the NICU for preterm infants.
Supporting Evidence
- Osteopathic treatment was associated with a 55% reduction in gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Infants receiving osteopathic care had a significantly lower risk of excessive length of stay.
- Baseline characteristics were evenly distributed except for oral feeding ability at admission.
Takeaway
This study found that special body treatments can help sick babies feel better and go home faster.
Methodology
A prospective study comparing 162 preterm infants receiving osteopathic treatment to 188 receiving standard care.
Potential Biases
Treatment allocation was based on convenience, which may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study was not randomized, had a small sample size, and was conducted in a single NICU.
Participant Demographics
Preterm infants admitted to a NICU, with a mean gestational age and birth weight not specified.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Confidence Interval
0.22;0.09-0.51
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website