Neonatal Thermoregulation: Bed Surface Transfers

Altimier, Leslie; Warner, Barbara B.; Amlung, Stephanie; Kenner, Carole

doi:10.1891/0730-0832.18.4.35

Cited by 9 publications

(9 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…He was then transferred to the radiant warmer whilst examined by the senior house officer. Radiant warmers are useful in that they provide a heat source whilst allowing caregivers to observe and access the infant (Altimier et al, 1999). However, Loughead et al (1997) and Marshall (1997) identify that infants nursed on radiant warmers are increasingly affected by evaporative losses due to radiant heaters being unwalled, allowing exposure to draughts and uncontrolled humidity.…”

Section: Evaporationmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, Loughead et al (1997) and Marshall (1997) identify that infants nursed on radiant warmers are increasingly affected by evaporative losses due to radiant heaters being unwalled, allowing exposure to draughts and uncontrolled humidity. Infants are now becoming viable at younger gestational ages, which is increasingly questioning the appropriateness of radiant warmers in maintaining thermoregulation (Altimier et al, 1999). Adam spent approximately 15 min exposed to the radiant warmer whilst waiting for the transport incubator to become available.…”

Section: Evaporationmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Neonatal hypothermia

Ellis

2005

Journal of Neonatal Nursing

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Management of the thermal needs of the preterm infant at delivery through to admission to the neonatal unit remains a challenge to all health professionals involved in the care of the neonate. Despite advances in the understanding of methods of heat loss all to often neonates are subjected to becoming exposed to hypothermia. Hypothermia can have a significant effect on the infants health status which can lead to, decreased surfactant production, increased oxygen consumption and depletion of calorie reserves [Bailey, J., Rose, P., 2000. Temperature measurement in the preterm infant: a literature review. Journal of Neonatal Nursing 6 (1), 28e32]. Health professionals have a responsibility to be aware of and to ensure that the thermoregulatory needs of the infant are upheld in order to provide them with the best start possible. The article provides a detailed analysis of the importance of thermoregulation within the pre-term infant with particular reference to a case study identified within my practice as a neonatal nurse. Methods of heat loss are identified alongside positive changes to future practice.

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Section: Evaporationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Evaporationmentioning

confidence: 99%

Neonatal hypothermia

Ellis

2005

Journal of Neonatal Nursing

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“…As compensating mechanisms are limited in the neonate, environmental conditions may greatly influence body temperature. The risk of temperature loss is increased during manipulations, such as resuscitation, bathing, weighing, measuring or during transfer to a neonatal intensive-care unit [8,9,12]. Maintenance of a 'thermoneutral' environment is important not only to prevent the newborn infant from cold stress, but also to avoid overheating which has been reported to be associated with sudden infant death and severe hypoventilation [13,14].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Infrared Thermography in Newborns: The First Hour after Birth

Christidis

Zotter²,

Rosegger³

et al. 2002

Gynäkol Geburtshilfliche Rundsch

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Objective: It was the aim of this study to investigate the surface temperature in newborns within the first hour after delivery. Furthermore, the influence of different environmental conditions with regard to surface temperature was documented. Methods: Body surface temperature was recorded under several environmental conditions by use of infrared thermography. 42 newborns, all delivered at term and with weight appropriate for date, were investigated under controlled conditions. Results: The surface temperature immediately after birth shows a uniform picture of the whole body; however, it is significantly lower than the core temperature. Soon after birth, peripheral sites become cooler whereas a constant temperature is maintained at the trunk. Bathing in warm water again leads to a more even temperature profile. Radiant heaters and skin-to-skin contact with the mother are both effective methods to prevent heat loss in neonates. Conclusions: Infrared thermography is a simple and reliable tool for the measurement of skin temperature profiles in neonates. Without the need of direct skin contact, it may be helpful for optimizing environmental conditions at delivery suites and neonatal intensive-care units.

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“…10 The team moves its precious cargo 500 m from the delivery room to the NICU through a system of corridors and an underground tunnel. losses caused by the turbulent room or hallway currents as well as to minimize evaporative losses though transepidermal water skin-atmospheric gradients (Altimier et al, 1999). …”

Section: Point Of Care: Delivery Room To Nicu Transportmentioning

confidence: 99%