The Latest In Neonatal Care: A “Smart” Pacifier

Neonatal care is a challenging endeavor.

Scientists in collaboration with Washington State University (WSU) are attempting to create a device which aims to make this care marginally easier: a smart pacifier. The device is a wireless pacifier which can help monitor electrolyte levels in a newborn’s saliva. Using this information, the caregiver and healthcare providers can better understand the baby’s needs, and act accordingly.

The researchers published their findings in an article in Biosensors and Bioelectronics, entitled “Smart bioelectronic pacifier for real-time continuous monitoring of salivary electrolytes.” In the article, they discuss how traditional methods of monitoring a newborn’s electrolytes often entail blood draws, which can be invasive and painful. Hence, the scientists created “a smart, wireless, bioelectronic pacifier for salivary electrolyte monitoring of neonates, which can detect real-time continuous sodium and potassium levels without a blood draw.” In terms of the actual device, it utilizes “ion-selective sensors, flexible circuits, and microfluidic channels” to provide electrolyte monitoring.

Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, bicarbonate, magnesium, and calcium are crucial aspects of human physiology; even minute changes can disrupt metabolic balance and homeostasis. These levels can be routinely and easily monitored by running blood tests. However, a non-invasive way to ascertain these levels is novel.

This is certainly not the first time innovators have envisioned pacifiers as being health monitoring devices. Just a few years ago, Blue Maestro launched its own version of a Bluetooth connected smart pacifier, providing parents with temperature monitoring and even location tracking. Wearable technology has since come a long way.

However, as with any novel innovation, accuracy, safety, and efficacy have to be taken into consideration. One reason why blood draws are the gold standard for electrolyte monitoring is because of their accuracy and correlative predictive value. Although a “smart” pacifier does save a needle insertion, the creators still have a high bar to beat in terms of accuracy and patient safety, both of which are of critical importance.

Health monitoring devices in general have been revolutionary in terms of the value they can provide for patients. From cardiac monitoring to tracking blood glucose levels, wearable devices have changed healthcare compliance and have enabled patients to appreciate a much more detailed understanding of their own physiology. In fact, the market for digital patient monitoring devices is estimated to reach nearly $450 billion in market share by 2030, indicating the sheer demand and work that is being done in this industry.

Although smart pacifier technology is still in its infancy and will take more time to perfect, it is nonetheless a promising effort that may one day become a revolutionary staple in neonatal care.