Comparision of effect of cerebral blood flow in preterm neonates during kmc given by father vs mother - a cross over randomized study

Skin-to-skin care, also known as Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), is a highly regarded and extensively studied intervention for preterm neonates, involving the prone, upright positioning of the neonate in direct skin-to-skin contact on the maternal chest. KMC is associated with numerous health benefits for both the mother and the infant, including reductions in morbidity and mortality, enhanced breastfeeding success, increased weight gain, and improved mother-infant bonding [1,2]. Additionally, KMC has been shown to influence the development of neural connections, contributing to long-term cognitive benefits such as brain maturation, increased brain complexity, and better sleep organization. While the majority of research on KMC has concentrated on its effects on cardio respiratory parameters, the impact on cerebral hemodynamics remains less explored. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) is a critical component of cerebral hemodynamics and has been previously investigated in asphyxiated and preterm infants. However, no study has yet been performed on the response of cerebral blood flow (CBF) in preterm infants during KMC given by father and mother separately [3-6].

The assessment of CBF and cerebral hemodynamics can be effectively conducted using pulsed Doppler ultrasound techniques [7-9]. Spectral Doppler analysis and color flow mapping are widely utilized in the evaluation of cerebral hemodynamic changes in premature neonates, offering enhanced visualization of cerebral vessels and accurate quantification of blood flow variations over time [8].

This study aims to elucidate the differential effects of KMC provided by mothers and fathers on cerebral hemodynamic indices, specifically targeting the middle cerebral artery, alongside vital parameters in stable preterm infants.