Preventing Heat Loss in Infants <29 Weeks' Gestation

Abstract

Please read the following vignette and watch the video clip (Fig 1). Now, stop reading and watch the video. Figure 1. Click here to view video. A 27-5/7 week gestation infant is delivered via cesarean delivery to a mother with severe preeclampsia. Immediately after birth, the infant is vigorous and crying. Which of the following interventions are most effective at preventing heat loss in infants <29 weeks’ gestation? 1. Dry the infant with a warm towel 2. Increase the temperature of the delivery room to 26°C 3. Place the infant under a preheated radiant warmer 4. Place the infant on a portable warming pad 5. Swaddle the infant in a warm blanket 6. Wrap the infant in a polyethylene plastic 1. a, b, c, d, e, f 2. a, b, c, d, e 3. a, b, c, d, f 4. b, c, d, e, f 5. b, c, d, f Evidence supports the efficacy of plastic bags or plastic wrapping (food-grade, heat-resistant plastic), in addition to the routine radiant heat, in significantly improving the admission temperature of premature infants of <28 weeks’ gestational age, when compared with standard care (drying with a towel under a radiant heat …