Kangaroo Mother Care and neonatal outcomes: A meta analysis
Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) originated in South America as a low cost alternative to incubators for low birth weight (LBW) infants. The key feature of KMC is early, continuous, and prolonged skin to skin contact between LBW newborn and mother. Ideally, KMC also includes exclusive breastfeeding; early hospital discharge; and close follow up at home. A recent systematic review and meta analysis examined the association between KMC and neonatal outcomes. A total of 124 studies met inclusion criteria, of which half were randomized controlled trials and the others observational. Results were resoundingly positive. Among LBW newborns, KMC (compared to conventional care) was associated with a 36% reduction in mortality (RR 0.64; 95% CI 0.46 to 0.89) KMC also significantly decreased risk of neonatal sepsis (RR 0.53; 95% CI 0.34 to 0.83) hypothermia (RR 0.22; 95% CI 0.12 to 0.41) hypoglycemia (RR 0.12; 95% CI 0.05 to 0.32) hospital re admission (RR 0.42; 95% CI 0.23 to 0.76) and increased exclusive breastfeeding (RR =1.50; 95% CI 1.26 to1.78) Not surprisingly, the authors concluded; "interventions to scale up KMC implementation are warranted" Scabies control with ivermectin
Journal of paediatrics and child health