Avaliação da resposta termal do recém-nascido pré-termo submetido à estimulação tátil e cinestésica no ambiente não termocontrolado

Abstract

Tactile and kinesthetic stimulation (TKS) is considered a low-cost, easy-to-apply, non invasive and non-pharmacological tool that assists in the care and evolution of premature newborns who need to remain hospitalized in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). However, there are few studies that address the benefits of TKS outside a thermally controlled environment such as the NICU. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the thermal response of preterm newborns (PTNB) submitted to the application of TKS in a non-thermocontrolled environment. Experimental clinical research, cross-sectional, including PTNB's with gestational age between 32 and 36 weeks, hospitalized in rooming-in, minimum weight of 1,300g, clinical progression to hospital discharge and whose guardians’ accepted participation in the research. The non-inclusion criteria consisted of clinical situations that prevented or hindered the application of TKS. To collect information relevant to the research, analysis of medical records and data recorded in a form prepared by the researcher was used. The research consisted of two pilot protocols and a definitive protocol. In the definitive protocol, image capture was performed with the forehead as the region of interest, a standard distance of 80cm and TKS lasting 15 minutes with handling divided between 10 minutes of tactile stimulation and 5 minutes of kinesthetic stimulation. Room, frontal and axillary temperatures were measured before and after TKS application. The Brazelton Scale was used in order to analyze the behavior of neonates during the TKS. Sample of 86 PTNB's, 40 belonging to the definitive protocol and with percentages of 72.5% of late preterms and 92.5% of low weight. The ambient temperature was maintained with a non-significant variation of +_ 1°C. Axillary and frontal temperature also without significant variations in the comparison between before and after TKS. It is possible to apply TKS in PTNB's in a non-thermocontrolled environment. The handling and time protocol used in this research is suggested as safe.