Effects of Acupressure on Physiological Indicators, Oxygen Demand and Length of Hospital Stay in Premature Infants With Pulmonary Infiltration

Effects of Acupressure on Physiological Indicators, Oxygen Demand and Length of Hospital Stay in Premature Infants With Pulmonary Infiltration

In 2020, 11.6% of newborns are delivered prematurely in Taiwan. Excessive sputum is a common symptom of respiratory complications in premature infants. Effective methods for reducing sputum secretion in premature infants need to be urgently explored.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Newborn ≤32 weeks of gestational age
• X-ray reporting pulmonary infiltration requiring suctioning
• Treated with O2 nasal cannula or High-flow nasal cannula

Exclusion Criteria:

• Congenital pulmonary structural abnormalities
• Muscular weakness
• Heart disease, excluding Patent Ductus Arteriosus(PDA) and Atrial Septal Defect (ASD)
• Abnormal bleeding conditions
• Chest tube placement
• Compromised skin integrity at the acupressure sites