The Evaluation of Facial Muscles by Surface Electromyography in Very Preterm Infants

Background: It is reported that 40% of preterm infants have problems with eating. Neonatal feeding disorders may be one of the factors increasing neonatal mortality. The aim of our study was to evaluate the muscles involved in suckling and swallowing in premature newborns using surface electromyography (sEMG). We would like to objectively describe the tension of muscles engaged in feeding in order to properly plan the therapy. Another aim was to compare sEMG measurements to gestational age, birth weight, and umbilical blood pH to show which parameters put children at risk of feeding problems. Methods: Sixteen preterm neonates with gestational age less than 32 weeks, birth weight less than 1500 g, and oral feeding difficulties were analyzed for muscle response and electrical activity of nerves using sEMG (surface electromyography). Results: We found a negative correlation indicating that preterm infants with a younger gestational age had higher suprahyoid muscle tension, and a positive correlation was found between pH value and suprahyoid muscles. The lower the pH value, the lower the tension in the suprahyoid muscles. Conclusions: sEMG may be a helpful diagnostic tool in the evaluation of the masticatory system of premature infants. Due to the abnormal tone of the muscles responsible for swallowing, it is advisable to rehabilitate as early as possible.

Automated summary

This study used surface electromyography to analyze the involvement of muscles in sucking and swallowing in premature infants and studied their relationship with gestational age, birth weight, and umbilical blood pH. The results showed that premature infants with younger gestational age had higher suprahyoid muscle tension, and there was a positive correlation between pH value and suprahyoid muscles. Therefore, sEMG may be a useful diagnostic tool in evaluating the masticatory system of premature infants.