Co-regulation and Interaction in the NICU
Preterm infants are exposed to multiple stressors each day, posing a risk of toxic stress that can impact their developing brains during a critical period of sensitivity. Elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol can impede neuronal connectivity and communication, thereby increasing the likelihood of cognitive imp
| Condition(s) | Preterm |
|---|---|
| Status | Recruiting |
| Study type | Observational |
| Summary | Preterm infants are exposed to multiple stressors each day, posing a risk of toxic stress that can impact their developing brains during a critical period of sensitivity. Elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol can impede neuronal connectivity and communication, thereby increasing the likelihood of cognitive impairment and behavioural problems. Synchronized social-emotional mother-infant interaction holds promise in buffering stress reactivity and mitigating long-term stress effects. Our previous research has shown that preterm infants exhibit higher baseline saliva cortisol levels than full-term infants, along with blunted cortisol reactivity to stressors, irregular cortisol circadian rhythms, and delayed cortisol co-regulation between mother and infant. Another potential stress ma |
| Who can participate | Inclusion Criteria: * Swedish- or English-speaking parents aged over 18, born in Europe, and their infants born between gestational weeks 30+0 and 34+6. Exclusion Criteria: * Parents with conditions or taking medications affecting the hormone system. Additionally, infants with major malformations or complex care needs that impede interaction possibilities are excluded. |
| Ages | 2 Days |
| Sex | All |
| Accepts healthy volunteers | Yes |
| Lead sponsor | Linkoeping University |
| Locations | Linköping, Sweden |
| Start date | 2025-01-07 |
| NCT ID | NCT06753435 |
| Official listing | https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06753435 |