80 RESPIRATORY WATER LOSS AND OXYGEN CONSUMPTION IN FULLTERM NEWBORN INFANTS EXPOSED TO COOL AIR

Abstract

The response to an ambient air temperature (Tamb, °C) below the thermoneutral zone was studied in nine fullterm newborn infants. Respiratory water loss (RWL, mg/kg min), oxygen consumption (VO2, ml/kg min), carbon dioxide production (VCO2, ml/kg min), core (Tc, °C) and peripheral temperature (Tp, °C), and truncal (Qt, %) and peripheral (Qp, %) skin blood flow were continuously monitored during initial care at a Tamb within the thermoneutral zone (interval A) and after lowering Tamb, to below 27.5°C (interval B). Mean values for intervals A and B are given in the table. Values for Qp and Qt depict relative change in blood flow, with the mean value for interval A=100%. Newborn infants exposed to cool air react with an increase in respiratory water loss, oxygen consumption, carbon dioxide production and an decrease in peripheral skin blood flow and skin temperature before their core temperature is affected and without increased motor activity. RQ remains unchanged.