ASSOCIAÇÃO ENTRE MATURIDADE DA PELE AO NASCIMENTO E DESFECHOS CLÍNICOS EM RECÉM-NASCIDOS A TERMO

Abstract

Introduction: Skin maturity as assessed by reflectance measured through photometry, is an objective parameter associated with gestational age and neonatal development. This measure holds potential as a valuable tool for screening and delivering immediate clinical support. However, most studies on skin reflectance focus on preterm newborns, creating a gap in understanding its association with clinical outcomes in full-term neonates. Furthermore, it is not known whether skin reflectance is associated with the Apgar score, which is based on heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and color in the first minutes after birth, being one of the main indicators of vitality and risk of complications for newborns, including their development. Objective: To explore the relationship between skin reflectance in the first 48 hours of life and immediate neonatal clinical outcomes and maternal age. Methods: Cross-sectional exploratory study including 149 newborns with gestational age ≥37 weeks. The variables of interest were skin reflectance measured by the optoelectronic device Preemie-Test and immediate neonatal clinical outcomes, including gestational age, birth weight, Apgar scores (heart rate, respiration, muscle tone, reflex irritability, and skin color) at the 1st and 5th minutes, as well as maternal age. Pearson and Spearman correlation tests were applied. Results: A positive correlation was found between skin reflectance and gestational age (r = 0.2; p = 0.03) and between skin reflectance and the Apgar score at the 5th minute (r = 0.2; p = 0.05). No significant correlation was found between skin reflectance and birth weight (ρ = 0.1; p = 0.12), Apgar score at the 1st minute (r = 0.1; p = 0.19), or maternal age (r = 0.0; p = 0.25). Conclusion: Skin reflectance may be correlated with fetal maturation and neonatal extra-uterine adaptation at the 5th minute postpartum. The results also reinforce the importance of the 5th minute Apgar as a potential risk predictor for neurodevelopmental outcomes, as it reflects variables such as muscle tone, reflexes and respiratory pattern. On the other hand, birth weight, Apgar score at the 1st minute, and maternal age may be less directly associated with the optical properties of the skin in the early neonatal period.