Journal of developmental and behavioral pediatrics : JDBP
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J Dev Behav Pediatr · Aug 1997
Clinical TrialSwaddling after heel lance: age-specific effects on behavioral recovery in preterm infants.
We examined responses of preterm infants to swaddling after a heel lance. Fifteen preterm infants from two postconceptional age (PCA) groups (Group 1: n = 7, PCA < 31 wk; Group 2: n = 8, PCA > or = 31 wk) were observed for 30 minutes during blood sampling followed by routine care; blood sampling followed by swaddling; and no blood sampling and routine care. ⋯ Infants 31 weeks PCA or older exhibited protracted behavioral disturbance that was significantly reduced by the use of swaddling. We discuss the significance of these findings.