SWADDLING AFTER HEEL LANCE - AGE-SPECIFIC EFFECTS ON BEHAVIORAL RECOVERY IN PRETERM INFANTS

We examined responses of preterm infants to swaddling after a heel lan ce. Fifteen preterm infants from two postconceptional age (PCA) groups (Group 1: n = 7, PCA < 31 wk; Group 2: n = 8, PCA greater than or equ al to 31 wk) were observed for 30 minutes during blood sampling follow ed by routine care; blood sampling followed by swaddling; and no blood sampling and routine care. In both groups, blood sampling resulted in concurrent increases in heart rate and state of arousal, in negative facial displays, and in reductions in blood oxygen-saturation. After t he blood was drawn, infants less than 31 weeks PCA exhibited an immedi ate and spontaneous return to behavioral patterns similar to those obs erved during the no-blood-sample condition, regardless of treatment co ndition. Infants 31 weeks PCA or older exhibited protracted behavioral disturbance that was significantly reduced by the use of swaddling. W e discuss the significance of these findings.