Preventing Infection with topical emollient oil massage

Preterm infants are highly susceptible to infections, which results in marked morbidity and mortality. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis that analyzed the effectiveness of topical emollient oil application in preventing infections among preterm infants found

• inclusion of 11 articles that met eligibility criteria in the final analysis. 
• 21% reduced risk of Infection in infants who received massages with emollient oils 
• lower likelihood of acquiring an infection by preterm babies after receiving topical emollient oil massages with coconut oil (administered twice a day for more than 2 weeks) compared with their non-massaged counterparts.

These findings supports the role of topical emollient oil application in preventing Infections in preterm neonates. 

Getaneh FB, Asmare A, Abayneh B, et al. Infection in preterm infants receiving topical emollient oil massage: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials. BMJ Paediatr Open. 2024 Jul 10;8(1):e002364. doi: 10.1136/bmjpo-2023-002364.