In a randomized controlled trial, conducted in Mayo Hospital Lahore, from January till June 2018. Infantswith birth weight between 1.5 and 2.5 Kgs or preterm neonates born between 28 and 37 completed weeks of gestation were included in the study. Overall, 140 neonates with genetic syndrome, infection or with a history of admission in NICU due to any reason, were excluded. Neonates were randomly divided into two groups A and B. Mothers of neonates in group A were advised massage with sunflower oil; neonates in group B received massage without any emollient. Babies were closely followed up and their weight and length were measured at two months of age.

The findings showed that the mean increase in weight was 489.84 ± 297.48 grams among group A neonates and 373.43 ± 276.31 grams in group B neonates. While the mean increase in length was 6.5 ± 1.1 cm, in group A and 4.8 ± 1.3 cm in group-B.

It was inferred that massage with emollient therapy leads to significantly more increase in weight and length compared to massage alone, among preterm and low birth weight neonates. Hence, emollient therapy is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for increasing weight and length in low birth weight and preterm neonates. 

Source: Journal of College of Physicians and Surgeons – Pakistan. 2021 Mar;31(3):298-301. doi: 10.29271/jcpsp.2021.03.298.