Abstract
Background: Not all LBW infants require admission to the SCBU. Hypothermia (< 36.5C) in premature infants may necessitate admission to SCBU. This interferes with mother-infant bonding and breastfeeding. LBW infants are particularly at risk of hypothermia because of larger surface-area-toweight ratio, reduced subcutaneous fat and impaired metabolic compensation. This study examines the incidence of hypothermia in moderately low birth weight (LBW) infants.
Aims: To document the incidence of hypothermia on admission in moderately LBW infants between 1800 - 2500 grams admitted to the Neonatal Unit of the Rotunda Hospital between 2002 and 2009 and compare it to the hypothermia rate in larger babies.
Methods: Retrospective review of moderately LBW infants admitted to the SCBU in the Rotunda with birth weights >1800g and < 2500g. Patients were identified using the unit database; further information obtained from chart review where necessary. All infants had temperature recorded on admission.
Results: 340 infants fulfilled the weight criteria. 44% of these were hypothermic on admission: 27% had mild hypothermia (36-36.4°C); 17% had moderate hypothermia (32-35.9°C). No patients had severe hypothermia. The lowest recorded temperature was 34° C. Overall rate of hypothermia in this group: 44% versus 32.4% in infants >2.5kg.
Conclusion: A significant number (44%) of LBW infants weighing 1.8 to 2.5kg admitted to the SCBU had mild to moderate hypothermia. The rate of hypothermia in larger infants (>2.5kg) was 32%. This indicates the need for improving practices to prevent hypothermia in the delivery room and during transfer of LBW infants.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Jaleel, S., Mcdermott, C. & Mccallion, N. 961 Incidence of Hypothermia in Low Birth Weight Infants Admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Between 2002 and 2009. Pediatr Res 68 (Suppl 1), 479–480 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00961
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00961
