Electrical Grounding Improves Vagal Tone in Preterm Infants

Authors: Passi R, Doheny KK, Gordin Y, Hinssen H, Palmer C

Year: 2017 Jun 10

Category: Neonatology

Journal: Neonatology

Institution: Neonatology

DOI: 10.1159/000475744

URL: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28601861

Abstract

Overview

Preterm infants are particularly susceptible to stress and developing severe conditions such as necrotizing enterocolitis. These conditions can be exacerbated by low vagal tone (VT), a critical measure linked to the autonomic nervous system's balance.

Environmental Context

  • The study investigates the impact of electrical fields in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) due to various operational equipment. These fields affect the skin potential in preterm infants.

Objective

The primary aim is to explore whether an electrical connection to ground (grounding) could diminish skin potential and thereby enhance VT in preterm infants.

Methods

  • Magnetic flux density was meticulously measured around incubators.
  • A patch electrode and wire extended to a ground outlet were used for electrical grounding.
  • Measurements of skin potential and heart rate variability were taken from 26 and 20 infants, respectively, before, during, and after grounding.

Findings

  • Initial measurements showed skin voltage significantly reduced by about 95% post-grounding.
  • An increase in VT by 67% was observed with grounding, linking lower skin potential to higher VT.
  • Post-grounding, VT levels returned to baseline, indicating a temporary effect.

Conclusion

Electrical grounding in NICUs can improve VT by reducing the electrical interference, potentially lowering risks of neonatal morbidity and improving infants' resilience to stress.

neonatal intensive care unit electromagnetic fields vagal tone preterm infants electrical grounding heart rate variability neonatal morbidity
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