Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Preterm infants (PTIs) are prone to respiratory failure or other diseases due to immature organ development and poor immunological function. Herein, the effects of Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) on the immunological and pulmonary functions of PTIs during breastfeeding were investigated in this study. METHODS: The study recruited 86 delivery women and their PTIs with preterm pregnancy outcomes, consisting of 46 cases receiving breastfeeding plus KMC intervention (KMC group) and 40 cases receiving breastfeeding plus routine care (control group). The time of first lactation, time of first breastfeeding, and duration of first breastfeeding were observed in both cohorts. The breastfeeding status was assessed using the LATCH system. Maternal psychological status was evaluated by the breastfeeding self-efficacy scale (BSES) and self-rating anxiety/depression scale (SAS/SDS). The growth and development of PTIs were recorded, and the levels of postalbumin (PA), transferrin (TRF), plasma albumin (ALB), immunoglobulin (Ig) A, IgG, IgM, and complement C3 and C4 were measured. The tidal volume (VT), tidal volume per kilogram (VT/kg), minute volume (MV), and minute volume per kilogram (MV/kg) were detected using a pulmonary function tester. RESULTS: The KMC group presented shorter time of first lactation and first breastfeeding than the control group, with longer duration of first breastfeeding (P < 0.05). After intervention, the BSES scores of delivery women were increased, while the SAS and SDS scores were decreased, with more notable improvements in the KMC group (P < 0.05). The levels of PA, TRF, ALB, IgA, IgG, VT, and MV were elevated in PTIs in both groups, with more evident increase in the KMC group than in the control group (P < 0.05). A better growth of PTIs was found in the KMC group than the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated that KMC intervention during breastfeeding could benefit PTIs specifically regarding their immunological and pulmonary functions.