The effect of kangaroo ward care in comparison with “intermediate intensive care” on the growth velocity in preterm infant with birth weight <1100 g: randomized control trial

Kangaroo mother care (KMC) reduces neonatal mortality, neonatal sepsis and improves growth outcome in preterm infants. In this study, we compared the efficacy of “baby care in kangaroo ward (KWC)” with “baby care in intermediate intensive care (IIC)” in stable preterm infants (birth weight <1100 g) for improving the growth velocity till term corrected age. One hundred and forty-one infants were randomized to KWC (n = 71) or IIC (n = 70) once the infant reached a weight of 1150 g. Infants in the KWC group were shifted to the KWC immediately after randomization and those in the IIC group were given care in the IIC till they attained a weight of 1250 g and then shifted to the KWC. The average weight gains as well as weight, length, and head circumference at term corrected age were comparable in both the groups. There was significant reduction in IIC stay post randomization and increase in weight gain before discharge in the KWC group. There was a significant increase in incidence of apnea in the IIC group.

Conclusion: Early KWC is equally efficacious as IIC in improving the growth outcomes of stable preterm (birth weight <1100 g) infants at term gestational age. Clinical trial registration: Clinical trial registry of India CTRI/2014/05/004625