Effects of Gustatory and Olfactory Stimulation on Feeding Outcomes in Preterm Infants

Background:Few primary studies have examined the impact of olfactory and gustatory stimulation on premature infants, and variability exists in reported outcomes.Purpose:To explore the effects of olfactory and gustatory stimulation on feeding outcomes in preterm infants.Data Sources:A literature search was conducted in 4 databases (CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase, CINAHL) from the inception of the databases to May 2024.Study Selection:Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or quasi-RCTs to explore the effects of olfactory and gustatory stimulation on feeding outcomes in preterm infants were included.Data Extraction:Two reviewers independently extracted data from the included studies and completed the form designed for data extraction.Results:Eleven RCTs and quasi-RCTs comprising 1009 preterm infants were included. Meta-analysis found that olfactory and gustatory stimulation significantly shortened the time to reach full oral feeds (days) (mean difference [MD]: -2.52, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -3.88 to -1.16, P = .0003), while they had no significant differences in time to achieve full enteral feeds (days), postmenstrual age (PMA) at the removal of the nasogastric tube (weeks), weight at discharge (grams), weight gain (grams), head circumference at discharge (cm), length at discharge (cm), total duration of parenteral nutrition (days), necrotizing enterocolitis, hospitalization duration (days), PMA at discharge (weeks).Implications for Practice and Research:Large sample, multicenter studies are needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of olfactory and gustatory stimulation on feeding outcomes in preterm infants.