OBJECTIVE: To review the available research evidence on the effects of nonnutritive sucking (NNS) in high-risk full-term and preterm infants in neonatal nurseries. DATA SOURCES: Electronic searches of MEDLINE (1976-2001) and CINAHL (1982-2001) databases, as well as the Cochrane Library. Reference lists of all relevant articles were also reviewed. STUDY SELECTION: Experimental and quasi-experimental studies that included hospitalized full-term and preterm infants, where NNS by pacifier was compared to no pacifier. DATA EXTRACTION: Results of studies were reviewed by two of the authors. DATA SYNTHESIS: As an intervention to promote behavioral outcomes and gastrointestinal function or feeding, there is little evidence to support the use of NNS in preterm and high-risk full-term infants. NNS has been linked to reduced length of hospital stay and improved pain management. CONCLUSIONS: Although harmful effects have not been specifically studied, NNS in preterm and high-risk full-term infants does not appear to have any short-term negative effects. No long-term data on the effects of NNS in high-risk full-term and preterm infants are presently available. Based on the results of this review, it would seem reasonable for nurses to utilize pacifiers for pain management in high-risk full-term and preterm infants.
OBJECTIVE: To review the available research evidence on the effects of nonnutritive sucking (NNS) in high-risk full-term and preterm infants in neonatal nurseries. DATA SOURCES: Electronic searches of MEDLINE (1976-2001) and CINAHL (1982-2001) databases, as well as the Cochrane Library. Reference lists of all relevant articles were also reviewed. STUDY SELECTION: Experimental and quasi-experimental studies that included hospitalized full-term and preterm infants, where NNS by pacifier was compared to no pacifier. DATA EXTRACTION: Results of studies were reviewed by two of the authors. DATA SYNTHESIS: As an intervention to promote behavioral outcomes and gastrointestinal function or feeding, there is little evidence to support the use of NNS in preterm and high-risk full-term infants. NNS has been linked to reduced length of hospital stay and improved pain management. CONCLUSIONS: Although harmful effects have not been specifically studied, NNS in preterm and high-risk full-term infants does not appear to have any short-term negative effects. No long-term data on the effects of NNS in high-risk full-term and preterm infants are presently available. Based on the results of this review, it would seem reasonable for nurses to utilize pacifiers for pain management in high-risk full-term and preterm infants.
Authors: Fathia A Elserafy; Saad A Alsaedi; Julita Louwrens; Bakr Bin Sadiq; Ali Y Mersal Journal: Ann Saudi Med Date: 2009 May-Jun Impact factor: 1.526
Authors: Jennie C I Tsao; Subhadra Evans; Marcia Meldrum; Tamara Altman; Lonnie K Zeltzer Journal: Evid Based Complement Alternat Med Date: 2007-11-06 Impact factor: 2.629