Apnea of prematurity is one of the most common complications in preterm infants hospitalized in neonatal intensive care units. This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of maternal odor exposure as a developmental care intervention on apnea frequency, physiological parameters, and growth outcomes in preterm infants. Sixty preterm infants were randomly assigned to either a maternal odor intervention group or a routine care control group. The intervention group received maternal odor using a cotton cloth carrying the mother's natural scent for five consecutive days. The primary outcome was the daily number of apnea episodes. Secondary outcomes included oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, weight, and head circumference.
Apnea of prematurity is a frequent complication of preterm birth and is associated with intermittent hypoxemia and adverse clinical outcomes. Developmental care interventions that provide familiar sensory stimulation may improve physiological stability in preterm infants. Maternal odor is a natural olfactory stimulus that may support autonomic regulation and respiratory stability through early sensory recognition. This single-center, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial evaluated the effectiveness of maternal odor exposure in preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit. Sixty eligible preterm infants were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either a maternal odor intervention group or a routine care control group. Maternal odor was provided using a cotton cloth impregnated with the mother's natural body odor, positioned approximately 10-15 cm from the infant's head for five consecutive days and replaced every 8 hours. The primary outcome was the daily frequency of apnea episodes. Secondary outcomes included oxygen saturation (SpO₂), heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, weight, and head circumference. Outcomes were compared between groups to determine whether maternal odor exposure improves respiratory stability and physiological regulation in preterm infants.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
60
Maternal odor exposure was provided using a cotton cloth carrying the mother's natural body odor. The cloth was placed approximately 10-15 cm from the infant's head during routine care for five consecutive days. The cloth was replaced every 8 hours to maintain the maternal odor.
Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine Hospital
Konya, Turkey (Türkiye)
Frequency of Apnea Episodes
Number of apnea episodes experienced by preterm infants during the 5-day study period. Apnea episodes were recorded prospectively using the Premature Observation Form.
Time frame: Daily for 5 consecutive days
Heart Rate
Heart rate (beasts per minute) recorded during the study period and compared between the intervention and control groups
Time frame: Measured four times daily for 5 consecutive days
Peripheral Oxygen Saturation
Peripheral Oxygen Saturation (%) measured repeatedly during the study period and compared between the maternal odor and control groups.
Time frame: Measured four times daily for 5 consecutive days
Respiratory Rate
Respiratory rate (breaths per minute) recorded repeatedly during the study period and compared between the maternal odor and control groups.
Time frame: Measured four times daily for 5 consecutive days
Body Temperature
Body temperature recorded repeatedly during the study period and compared between the maternal odor and control groups.
Time frame: Measured four times daily for 5 consecutive days
Weight Gain
Change in body weight (grams) from baseline to Day 5 and comparison between the maternal odor and control groups.
Time frame: Baseline and Day 5
Head Circumference Growth
Change in head cincumference (cm) from baseline to Day 5 and comparison between the maternal odor and control groups.
Time frame: Baseline and Day 5
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