Pilot Clinical Trial on Supportive Rehabilitation Care in Neonatal Intensive Unit. Influence of Ambient Noise on Premature Infants

Abstract

Purpose To investigate noise’s impact on Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to advance a trial on kangaroo and music therapy, considering noise as potential confounding factor. Methods Noise levels were monitored for 30 days, comparing 17 newborns in a noisy environment to 8 in a silent one. Measurements included weight, heart rate, saturation, Parenting Stress Index, General Movement Score (GM), and Hammersmith Neonatal Neurologic Examination (HNNE). Results Significant differences in noise levels were observed between a) silent and common room (p = 0.0006), b) silent or common room and cribs within (p < 0.0001), c) cribs in silent and common room (p < 0.0001). After 30 days, in both rooms, infants showed a significant increase in weight (p = 0.0120, p = 0.0296), heart rate (p = 0.0004, p = 0.0155), GM (p = 0.0001, p = 0.0003), and HNNE (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0014). Conclusion Despite significant associations between noise and the described changes, these alignments were consistent with expected growth variations. However, precautionary measures will be implemented during supportive care.