Frequent Standardized Oral Care Using Human Milk to Prevent Oral Dysbiosis and Improve Health Outcomes in Premature Infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

What this Trial Is About

Premature very low birth weight (VLBW) infants face risks from infrequent and inconsistent oral care, which may lead to complications like oral dysbiosis. While frequent standardized oral care has shown benefits in critically ill adults, no guidelines exist for VLBW infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This research aims to study the effect of such care on reducing oral dysbiosis and improving health outcomes in these vulnerable infants. The study compares three groups receiving standardized oral care: one group will have oral care every 3-4 hours using human milk (donor or breast milk), the second group will have oral care every 3-4 hours using sterile water, and the third group will have oral care every 12 hours using sterile water. Oral care involves cleaning the oral cavity with sponge-tipped swabs saturated with human milk or sterile water and suctioning secretions as needed. This care will be provided over a 4-week period following birth. Participants will be monitored for oral microbiome dysbiosis during the first 28 days. Researchers will also track occurrences of ventilator-associated pneumonia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and the number of days requiring respiratory support up to 60 days. The study involves detailed oral assessments and respiratory evaluations to understand the impact of oral care frequency and method. Participation lasts for the first 4 to 8 weeks after birth, including safety monitoring and health outcome measurements.

Frequent Standardized Oral Care Using Human Milk in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit