Browsing by Author "Jones, Thomas Ryan"

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    Wrap and cap: prevention of admission hypothermia in very low birth weight infants in a resource restricted hospital: a pilot study.
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-11) Jones, Thomas Ryan; Kali, Gugu; Van Wyk, Lizelle; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Paediatrics and Child Health.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Background: Neonatal hypothermia is both common, and a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. The objective of this pilot study was to determine if a new “wrap and cap” protocol would be able to ensure normothermia (36.5◦C-37.5◦C) in VLBW infants upon admission. Materials and methods: This was a prospective cohort study involving the introduction of a “wrap and cap” protocol for post-delivery thermoregulatory care in VLBW infants born in a tertiary centre in the Western Cape, South Africa. The “wrap and cap” protocol involved the use of plastic bags and woollen hats. Axillary temperatures were recorded post-resuscitation, on admission to the admission ward, and at 1 hour of age. Ambient delivery and admission room temperatures were recorded for each infant. The prevalence of admission hypothermia was calculated as well as risk factors for admission hypothermia. Results: A total of 53 VLBW infants were enrolled. The “wrap and cap” protocol was unable to prevent admission hypothermia with all infants being hypothermic on admission, and 83% of infants remaining hypothermic at 1 hour of age. Important contributing factors included the use of antenatal corticosteroids (OR = 3.45; p = 0.023), low delivery room temperatures (OR = 4.0; p = 0.065), and male sex (OR = 3.75; p = 0.080). Conclusion: Admission hypothermia in the VLBW infants remains highly prevalent. The Wrap and Cap protocol was unable to increase admission normothermia due to low delivery room temperatures and faulty equipment.