Topical Emollient Oil Application for Weight Gain in Preterm Newborns

Understanding interventions to improve survival outcomes in preterm infants is important for informing programs and policies. A recent study investigated the impact of topical emollient oil application on the weight of preterm infants by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). It observed:

• Inclusion of 18 studies involving 1454 preterm neonates in the final analysis. 
• Data from 14 studies showed a difference in mean weight gain in preterm neonates. 
• A significant difference in mean weight gain of 52.15 grams, albeit with high heterogeneity. 
• Preterm infants who received massages three times daily with either sunflower oil or coconut oil exhibited greater mean differences in weight gain. 
• The significant contribution of the type of emollient oil, duration of therapy, and frequency of application to the observed heterogeneity. 
• The pooled mean weight difference of 78.57 grams. 
• Adverse events reported in nine studies, with only two mentioning occurrences of rash and accidental slippage.

The available evidence indicates that applying topical emollient oil in preterm neonates may effectively promote weight gain with a moderate-to-high level of certainty. Hence, local policymakers and health planners should prioritize the routine use of emollient oils in newborn care to promote optimal growth and development in preterm infants.

Getaneh FB, Mohammed A, Belete AG, et al. Effect of topical emollient oil application on weight of preterm newborns: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLOS ONE. 2024;19(5):e0302969. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0302969