Pediatrics & Therapeutics
Open Access
ISSN: 2161-0665
+44 1478 350008
ISSN: 2161-0665
+44 1478 350008
Aarti Rathore, KC Aggarwal and Harish Chellani
Safdarjung Hospital, India
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: Pediatr Ther
Statement of the problem: Thermoregulation is a critical aspect of new born care. The close association of hypothermia with increased morbidity and mortality has been well documented. It is associated with increased morbidity from infection, abnormal coagulation, post-delivery acidosis, delayed adjustment from fetal to newborn circulation. Methodology: A Cross-sectional study over a period of 18 months was carried out at the NICU unit at Safdarjung hospital. All deliveries are attended by Obstetrician, nursing personnel and a resident Paediatric doctor posted in the labor room or Operation theatre. The thermoregulation guidelines are followed which involves the use of multiple modalities divided into three phases: Pre-delivery preparation, resuscitation and NICU admission. Neonateā??s axillary temperature was measured using a digital thermometer at admission, by placing the bulb of thermometer against the roof of the dry axilla, free from moisture. Baby's arm was held close to the body to keep a thermometer in place and temperature recorded when thermometer beeped. Results: Incidence of hypothermia at admission to NICU was found to be -27%. The results are indicative of progressively increasing hypothermia with a decrease in birth weight. Similar results were seen with decreasing gestation. Conclusion: Incidence of hypothermia at admission to NICU-27%.The results are indicative of progressively increasing hypothermia with a decrease in birth weight and decreasing gestation and obtained results are statistically significant. Hypothermia was seen more commonly in babies born by caesarian and assisted vaginal deliveries compared to vaginal deliveries. Presence of malformation did not turn out to be a risk factor for hypothermia. Majority of the times pre-warmed linen was used to transfer baby from Labour Room or OT to NICU, but no difference in the incidence of hypothermia was observed.
Aarti Rathore is a third year post graduate student in Paediatrics in Vardhman Mahavir medical college and Safdarjung Hospital.
E-mail: rtrathore5@gmail.com