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Predictors and outcomes of the Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment Scale (NOMAS) performance: a systematic review

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Abstract

The NOMAS is by far the most used tool to screen early oral-motor skills in newborns. Here we provide an updated review of scientific literature on the use of the Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment Scale (NOMAS) to screen early oral-motor skills in newborns. An integrative review has been carried out consistent with PRISMA guidelines and standardized qualitative appraisal. Data abstracting and synthesis were executed by two independent co-authors who solved disagreement in conference. Twenty records have been included and reviewed. The efficacy of the NOMAS in screening and identifying precocious oral-motor skills received inconsistent support. Moderate validity and low reliability emerged. Moreover, despite the NOMAS’ adequately screen efficient and inefficient feeders, limited evidence emerged for predictive value of NOMAS score on feeding and psychomotor developmental trajectories during the first 2 years of age.

Conclusion: The present review highlights benefits and limitations of the NOMAS. Future research is needed to develop observational and clinically-relevant tools to better identify newborns which are at lower- and higher-risk of developing less-than-optimal feeding behaviors and to guide with greater precision the diagnostic and therapeutic journey of these newborns.

What is Known:

• The assessment of oral-motor skills in newborns and infants is critical for early intervention

• The NOMAS is the most adopted tool to assess oral-motor skills in newborns and infants

What is New:

• The ability of the NOMAS to target newborn at risk for feeding disorders is confirmed

• Nonetheless, the capacity to predict long-term developmental outcomes is limited

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Abbreviations

BPD:

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia

NOMAS:

Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment Scale

PRISMA:

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

SGA:

small for gestational age

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Acknowledgements

We are grateful to the colleagues of the Neuropsychiatry and Neuro-rehabilitation Unit and of the 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant for their daily support in clinical and research activities.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neuropsychiatry and Neurorehabilitation Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, via Don Luigi Monza 20, 23842, Bosisio Parini, (LC), Italy

    Laura Longoni, Anna Cavallini, Daniela Sacchi & Renato Borgatti

  2. 0-3 Center for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute IRCCS Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, (LC), Italy

    Livio Provenzi & Giunia Scotto di Minico

Authors
  1. Laura Longoni
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  2. Livio Provenzi
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  3. Anna Cavallini
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  4. Daniela Sacchi
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  5. Giunia Scotto di Minico
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  6. Renato Borgatti
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Contributions

Author LL performed literature search, Author AC and author DS provided clinical supervision, LP wrote the first manuscript draft, GSDM provided thorough revision of the final draft, and RB conceived the study. All authors approved the final manuscript for submission.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Renato Borgatti.

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The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

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Not applicable.

Additional information

Communicated by Mario Bianchetti

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Cite this article

Longoni, L., Provenzi, L., Cavallini, A. et al. Predictors and outcomes of the Neonatal Oral Motor Assessment Scale (NOMAS) performance: a systematic review. Eur J Pediatr 177, 665–673 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-018-3130-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00431-018-3130-1

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