Reducing Hypothermia in Preterm Infants Following Delivery
- 1 April 2014
- journal article
- Published by American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in Pediatrics
- Vol. 133 (4), e1055-e1062
- https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2013-2544
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Moderate hypothermia (temperature METHODS: A multidisciplinary practice plan was implemented to determine in premature infants n = 66), during phasing in (n = 102), and at full implementation (n = 193). RESULTS: Infant axillary temperature in the delivery room (DR) increased from 36.1°C ± 0.6°C to 36.2°C ± 0.6°C to 36.6°C ± 0.6°C (P < .001), and admitting temperature increased from 36.0°C ± 0.8°C to 36.3°C ± 0.6°C to 36.7°C ± 0.5°C at baseline, phasing in, and full implementation, respectively (P < .001). The number of infants with temperature P < .001), and intubation at 24 hours decreased from 39% to 17.6% (P = .005). There was no increase in the number of infants with a temperature >37.5°C over time. The use of occlusive wrap, mattress, and cap increased from 33% to 88% at baseline versus full implementation. Control charts showed significant improvement in DR ambient temperature at baseline versus full implementation. CONCLUSIONS: The practice plan was associated with a significant increase in DR and admitting axillary infant temperatures and a corresponding decrease in the number of infants with moderate hypothermia. There was an associated reduction in intubation at 24 hours. These positive findings reflect increased compliance with the practice plan.Keywords
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