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Review
. 2024 Jan;11(1):e2094.
doi: 10.1002/nop2.2094.

Effects of white noise on preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Qing Zhang  1 , Qiugui Huo  1 , Peizhen Chen  1 , Wenying Yao  2 , Zhihong Ni  2
Affiliations
Review

Effects of white noise on preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit: A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Qing Zhang et al. Nurs Open. 2024 Jan.

Abstract

Aim: To critically assess the effects of white noise on the pain level, weight gain and vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation) of preterm infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCTs).

Methods: Ten databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, SinoMed, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP and Wanfang Data) were systematically reviewed from inception to July 2022. Two reviewers evaluated the risk of bias separately using the Cochrane Collaboration criteria and extracted data using a predesigned information form.

Results: The meta-analysis included eight eligible RCTs. According to statistical analysis, white noise significantly affected the pain level, weight gain, heart rate, respiratory rate and oxygen saturation in preterm infants. Regardless of the outcome measurement timing, gestational age and birth weight of preterm infants, subgroup analysis demonstrated that white noise reduced the pain level, heart rate and respiratory rate and promoted weight gain in preterm infants in NICUs.

Conclusion: White noise is a practical and potentially useful therapy for premature neonates in NICUs. No Patient or Public Contribution.

Keywords: meta-analysis; preterm infant; randomised controlled trials; white noise.

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Conflict of interest statement

All authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
PRISMA flow diagram.
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Risk of bias assessment using the Cochrane tool: (a) overall trials, (b) individual trials.
FIGURE 3
FIGURE 3
Forest plots for the effects of white noise on pain.
FIGURE 4
FIGURE 4
Forest plots for the effects of white noise on weight gain.
FIGURE 5
FIGURE 5
Forest plots for the effects of white noise on heart rate.
FIGURE 6
FIGURE 6
Forest plots for the effects of white noise on respiratory rate.
FIGURE 7
FIGURE 7
Forest plots for the effects of white noise on oxygen saturation.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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