Wrap and cap: prevention of admission hypothermia in very low birth weight infants in a resource restricted hospital: a pilot study.
Date
2023-11
Authors
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
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.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
Description
Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2023.