Use of the Pala-nate device in the prevention of palatal grooves in premature, intubated infants.

OBJECTIVE: Previous studies demonstrated that the use of a custom-made intraoral acrylic appliance, known as a palatal stabilizing device, prevents palatal groove formation and reduces the frequency rate of accidental extubations in premature, intubated babies. In this study, we compared the effectiveness of a prefabricated palatal device with an acrylic custom-made palatal stabilizing device. Specifically, we compared the stability, fit, and retention of these two devices. DESIGN: Randomized comparative study. SETTING: Clincal trial. PATIENTS: A total of 70 medically stable, premature, intubated babies. INTERVENTIONS: A total of 70 medically stable, premature, intubated babies randomly received Pala-nate (experimental group, n = 34) or palatal stabilizing device (control group, n = 36). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Differences among birth weight, gestational age, and period of intubation of the two groups were statistically nonsignificant at p