Early Exposure to OMT Prevents Long LOS

The application of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) in preterm infants has been demonstrated to be effective in reducing length of stay (LOS). The scope of the present study is to investigate the association between earlier exposure to OMT and reduction of LOS in premature infants

Inclusion Criteria:

• preterm infants born at age between 29 and 37 weeks
• osteopathic treatment performed < 14 days after birth
• preterms born in the same hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

• Gestational age < 29 weeks
• Gestational age > 37 weeks
• First OMT performed after 14 days from birth
• genetic disorders
• congenital disorders
• cardiovascular abnormalities
• proven or suspected necrotized enterocolitis with or without gastrointestinal perforation proven or suspected abdominal obstruction
• pre/post surgery patients
• pneumoperitoneum
• atelectasis
• Newborn from an HIV seropositive/drug addicted mother
• respiratory disorders
• transferred to/from other hospital
• admitted for preterminal comfort care (defined as neither intubation nor cardio-respiratory resuscitation)