EFFECT OF NESTING ON PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AMONG PRETERM INFANTS ADMITTED IN NICUS

Purpose: This study evaluated the effect of nesting on physiological parameters among preterm infants Design and Methods: This crossover clinical trial was performed at a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). 21 preterm infants who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. They were randomly assigned to two groups of nest and routine procedure .Physiological parameters such as Oxygen saturation ,body temperature ,heart rate and respiration were evaluated by using leads and probes connected to centralized monitor during each stages of sleep between inter epoch two feed were recorded and analyzed by using paired t-test Results: There was improvement in physiological parameters among preterm infants with nesting compared to routine care ,which was tested by paired t ?test .With regard to oxygen saturation, there was a significant increase in active sleep (p<0.05)and quiet sleep (p<0.005), heart rate was significantly decreased and maintained stable during quiet sleep (p<0.05) respiratory rate was decreased and maintained stable but statistically not significant(p>0.05)in all stages of sleep , There was increase in mean body temperature value in all stages of sleep ,statistical significance exhibited only in indeterminate sleep (p<0.05) . Conclusion: Use of nesting aids in comfort and helps to maintain stable physiological parameters . Thus using nesting for preterm infant is recommended to facilitate stability of physiological parameters in NICU.