Effects of PIOMI on Oral Feeding of the Premature Infants

Effects of the Premature Infant Oral Motor Intervention on the Oral Feeding Skills of the Premature Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Randomized controlled clinical trial aimed at evaluating the effects of the "Premature infant oral motor intervention" method on the oral feeding skills of the premature infants.

Numerous evidences emerge from the literature review on the usefulness of the PIOMI method to improve food skills in the premature infant. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effects of the PIOMI method by adding the gustatory stimulation to the original protocol.

Inclusion Criteria:

• gestational age at birth between 25-33 weeks;
• clinical stability;
• possible presence of nasogastric or oro-gastric tube;
• non-invasive respiratory support (oxygen, high flows)

Exclusion Criteria:

• gestational age <25 weeks or> 33 weeks
• absence of clinical stability
• invasive respiratory support (CPAP)
• previous surgical interventions
• ongoing infections
• congenital and / or chromosomal diseases
• brain, metabolic, cardiac, gastrointestinal diseases
• presence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia