Abstract

 

lie assessed the changes in serum cortisol concentrations, a stress-related biochemical marker, in response to music in preterm infants Sine stable infants (median gestational age 31 weeks, median postnatal age 14 days) were included in the study. The infants were clinically stable and the music was played in neonatal care unit between two feeding /teriods for approximately three hours in the late afternoon. Blood samples were obtained 15 minutes after completion of the first and second feedings to determine serum cortisol levels. Each infant constituted its own control on the next day. Cortisol concentrations showed consistently increased values after music sessions (median dijference 211 nmol/L. p 0.025. Wilcoxon matched ¡Hiirs). Our study confirmed the idea that "it is ¡xtssible to detect an objective hormonal changes following a su/i/wsedly 'non-therapeutic' intervention in preterm infants", and contrary to common opinion, suggested that playing music in neonatal care unit may not be pleasurable. [Journal of Turgut Özal Medical Center l(4):2~2-2~4.19941

Key Words: Music, preterm infant, cortisol