Effect of Delivery Room Ambient Temperature (DR-T) on Admission Temperature (IT) among Late Preterm Infants (LPI) Born at 34 to 36 Weeks Gestation

Abstract

Background: A large percentage of LPIs are hypothermic in NICU. Due to decreased subcutaneous tissue, LPIs are at increased risk for hypothermia in the Delivery and Operating Room (DR/OR). Hypothermia is cited as the primary reason for NICU admission in 5.2% of all LPIs and associated with prolonged Length of Stay (LOS).

Aims: To 1) determine relationship between DR-T and IT and 2) assess DR-T and intrapartum variables {DR-Resuscitation needs (DR-R), and abnormal maternal temperature > 38.0° F (AMT} interaction and effect on LOS.

Methods: DR-T was recorded for all NICU admissions from DR/OR as a practice plan for monitoring IT From January 2010 to November 2010. Data on all LPIs for DR-R, IT, maternal temperature and LOS collected. Univariate analysis between DR-T, IT and LOS were done.

Results: Total 538 NICU admissions, direct admissions from the DR/OR = 73%. LPIs =71(13%). The mean DR-T was 72.7° F. Mean IT: 36.3° C. Low IT (< 36.0° C), need for DR-R, and AMT seen in 33.8%, 56.3%, and 11.3% respectively. Correlation between DR-T and IT was not significant. DR-T did not affect IT or LOS. Among all intrapartum variables only AMT showed significant correlation to IT (P = 0.0299).

Conclusions: DR temperature didn't affect IT or LOS among LPIs when maintained at a mean temperature of 72.7° F ± 1.92. Presence of AMT significantly influences IT independent of DR-T. Prewarming the DR for preventing hypothermia need further evaluation among LPIs and need to consider AMT as a significant confounding variable.

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