Neonatal Hypothermia Research Articles

Association of Admission Temperature and Outcome among Neonates with Sepsis in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of mortality in the neonatal period, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Temperature at admission may provide valuable prognostic information for managing critically ill neonates. Objective: This study aimed to determine the association between admission temperature and outcomes in neonates with sepsis, including mortality rates, length of hospital stay, and the requirement for intensive interventions. Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2022 to February 2023 in the Department of Paediatrics, Combined Military Hospital, Kharian. A total of 170 neonates diagnosed with sepsis were enrolled using non-probability, consecutive sampling. Informed, written consent was obtained from parents or guardians. Temperature was recorded at admission using a mercury thermometer in the axilla. Hypothermia was defined as a body temperature <36.5°C, hyperthermia as >37.5°C, and normothermia as 36.5-37.5°C. Blood and urine samples were collected for culture. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. Quantitative variables were expressed as mean ± standard deviation or median with interquartile range, and qualitative variables as frequencies and percentages. Comparisons were made using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact test, ANOVA, and independent samples t-test, with a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. Results: Of the 170 neonates, 94 (55.3%) were male and 76 (44.7%) were female. Hypothermia was present in 50 (29.4%) neonates, normothermia in 35 (20.6%), and hyperthermia in 85 (50.0%). Blood culture positivity was highest in hyperthermic neonates (61.2%), followed by hypothermic (36.0%) and normothermic (17.1%) neonates (p < 0.001). The mean length of hospital stay was 13.1 ± 4.1 days for hyperthermic neonates, 9.1 ± 2.3 days for hypothermic, and 6.3 ± 2.9 days for normothermic neonates (p < 0.001). Mortality rates were 31.8% for hyperthermic neonates, 14.0% for hypothermic, and 5.7% for normothermic (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Admission temperature in neonates with sepsis is significantly associated with clinical outcomes. Hyperthermic neonates have higher mortality rates, increased blood culture positivity, and longer hospital stays compared to normothermic and hypothermic neonates. Measuring body temperature at admission can aid in risk stratification and management decisions.

Implementation of early essential neonatal care for newborns delivered by cesarean section in Jiaxing: a single-center prospective randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAs an essential part of Early Essential Newborn Care, 90 minutes of mother-infant skin-to-skin contact is significant in improving maternal and infant outcomes. However, due to human resource constraints and the consideration of maternal and infant safety, it is difficult to achieve continuous uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact for at least 90 minutes during and after cesarean delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the continuous uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact for at least 90 minutes during and after cesarean section for exclusive breastfeeding rate during hospitalization and maternal and infant health indicators during and after cesarean delivery.MethodsThis is a single-center, prospective randomized controlled trial conducted in one tertiary care hospital in China. We selected 280 cases of elective cesarean delivery in a tertiary maternal and child specialty hospital in Zhejiang Province from September 2018 to August 2022, which were randomly divided into two groups: in the conventional group, doulas performed at least 30 minutes for early continuous SSC within 10–30 minutes during and after cesarean delivery. In the EENC group, with immediate continuous SSC within 5–10 minutes of neonatal delivery until surgery is completed and continued SSC after returning to the ward. Exclusive breastfeeding rate during hospitalization and maternal and infant health indicators were compared between the groups.ResultsA total of 258 cases were analyzed. Compared with the control group, the EENC group had earlier first breastfeeding initiation (13.7 ± 3.6 vs 62.8 ± 6.5 minutes, P < 0.001), longer duration of first breastfeeding (42.6 ± 9.0 vs 17.9 ± 7.5 minutes, P < 0.001), earlier onset of lactogenesis II (73.7 ± 3.6 vs 82.5 ± 7.4 hours, P < 0.001), higher breastfeeding self-efficacy score (128.6 ± 8.9 vs 104.4 ± 8.5, P < 0.001), higher Exclusive breastfeeding rate during hospitalization (88% vs 81%, P = 0.018), higher maternal satisfaction scores (18.9 ± 1.1 vs 14.0 ± 2.7, P < 0.001). Meanwhile the EENC group showed lower incidence of neonatal hypothermia (0% vs 4.6%, P = 0.014), lower neonatal hypoglycemia (0% vs 5.4%, P = 0.007) and less cumulative blood loss within 24 hours postpartum (254.2 ± 43.6 vs 282.8 ± 63.8 ml, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe implementation of EENC up to 90 minutes by caesarean doula company nurses is feasible and beneficial to maternal and infant health.Trial RegistrationChiCTR1800018195(2018-09-04).

Enhancing Nurse's Knowledge- A Programme on Prevention of Neonatal Hypothermia

Introduction: Newborns are less efficient in regulating their body temperature due to poor their heat-regulating mechanisms. Thermal stability of the neonate is crucial, and awareness of the significance of a warm environment has resulted in better care of the neonate. Objective: The study aimed to determine the efficacy of a structured teaching programme regarding the prevention of neonatal hypothermia among nurses. Material and Methods: A pre-experimental, (one-group pre-test and post-test) research design was conducted in the Government Multispeciality Hospital, Chandigarh, India. Sixty nurses were chosen through the non-probability purposive sampling technique. The instrument employed for the study includes demographic variables and a self-structured knowledge questionnaire. Results: The pre-test degree of knowledge regarding the prevention of neonatal hypothermia among 60 nurses shows that 58.3% had fair knowledge and 41.7% had good knowledge. The post-test knowledge scores showed that out % of 60 nurses, 75% possessed very good knowledge, while 25% had good knowledge. The comparison of both tests' knowledge scores using the Wilcoxon rank test resulted in a p-value = &lt;0.001, which indicates that the result is highly significant. Furthermore, the chi-square test was applied to find out whether or not there was a statistical association between the knowledge scores and their demographic variables. It was determined that the p-value for both the knowledge scores was found to be greater than 0.05 which is insignificant. Hence, there is no association found between both sets of knowledge scores with their demographic variables. Conclusion: The structured teaching programme culminated in enhancing knowledge among nurses regarding preventing neonatal hypothermia.

Incidence and risk factors of neonatal hypothermia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hypothermia poses a threat to the health and lives of newborns. Therefore, it is essential to identify the factors that influence neonatal hypothermia and provide targeted intervention suggestions for clinical practice to reduce its occurrence. We conducted a literature search to identify factors influencing neonatal hypothermia and performed a meta-analysis to determine the prevalence of neonatal hypothermia and its associated factors. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) was used to assess the quality of cohort and case-control studies, while the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) was used to evaluate the quality of cross-sectional studies. Eighteen studies involving 44 532 newborns from 13 countries were included. The incidence of neonatal hypothermia was 52.5% (95% CI: 0.37, 0.68). Factors such as no skin-to-skin contact, prematurity, low birth weight, delayed breastfeeding, asphyxiation and resuscitation after birth, low APGAR score, not wearing a cap, and caesarean section were found to affect neonatal hypothermia. Multiple factors influence neonatal hypothermia, and clinicians can utilise these factors to develop targeted intervention measures to prevent and reduce the incidence of neonatal hypothermia.

Feasibility and acceptability of a novel biomedical device to prevent neonatal hypothermia and augment Kangaroo Mother Care in Kenya: Qualitative analysis of focus group discussions and key Informant Interviews.

Hypothermia is a leading newborn complication, especially among premature and/or low birth weight infants. Within low/middle-income countries where incubators and radiant warmers are often in short supply, leading to gaps in the thermal care chain, neonatal hypothermia underlies high rates of newborn morbidity and mortality. Kangaroo Mother Care/Skin-to-skin care is an effective method for prevention of hypothermia in premature and low birthweight babies but can be very burdensome for families and healthcare providers. Our international multidisciplinary team has developed a prototype for a wearable biomedical device ("NeoWarm") to provide continuous thermal care and augment kangaroo mother care practices in low-resource settings. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of NeoWarm and to obtain user design feedback for an early prototype from among adult end-users in Western Kenya. We performed key informant interviews (n = 17) among healthcare providers and 5 focus group discussions (FGDs) among 3 groups of adult stakeholders of premature babies, including: (1) parents/family members of premature babies aged 6 weeks or less (3 FGDs); (2) healthcare providers of newborns (e.g., nurses; physicians; 1 FGD); (3) community opinion leaders and stakeholders (e.g., traditional birth attendants; pastors; village elders; 1 FGD). Content and thematic analyses of transcripts indicate that NeoWarm is acceptable and feasible in promoting facility-based kangaroo mother care in the Kenyan setting. Novel findings derived from respondents include (1) the ability of the device to potentially overcome several barriers to traditional kangaroo mother care methods and (2) user-driven encouragement to expand the use case of the device to potentially include community-based kangaroo mother care and neonatal transport. User design feedback obtained during the interviews informed several key design iterations for subsequent prototypes of the device.

Preclinical validation of NeoWarm, a low-cost infant warmer and carrier device, to ameliorate induced hypothermia in newborn piglets as models for human neonates.

Approximately 1.5 million neonatal deaths occur among premature and small (low birthweight or small-for gestational age) neonates annually, with a disproportionate amount of this mortality occurring in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Hypothermia, the inability of newborns to regulate their body temperature, is common among prematurely born and small babies, and often underlies high rates of mortality in this population. In high-resource settings, incubators and radiant warmers are the gold standard for hypothermia, but this equipment is often scarce in LMICs. Kangaroo Mother Care/Skin-to-skin care (KMC/STS) is an evidence-based intervention that has been targeted for scale-up among premature and small neonates. However, KMC/STS requires hours of daily contact between a neonate and an able adult caregiver, leaving little time for the caregiver to care for themselves. To address this, we created a novel self-warming biomedical device, NeoWarm, to augment KMC/STS. The present study aimed to validate the safety and efficacy of NeoWarm. Sixteen, 0-to-5-day-old piglets were used as an animal model due to similarities in their thermoregulatory capabilities, circulatory systems, and approximate skin composition to human neonates. The piglets were placed in an engineered cooling box to drop their core temperature below 36.5°C, the World Health Organizations definition of hypothermia for human neonates. The piglets were then warmed in NeoWarm (n = 6) or placed in the ambient 17.8°C ± 0.6°C lab environment (n = 5) as a control to assess the efficacy of NeoWarm in regulating their core body temperature. All 6 piglets placed in NeoWarm recovered from hypothermia, while none of the 5 piglets in the ambient environment recovered. The piglets warmed in NeoWarm reached a significantly higher core body temperature (39.2°C ± 0.4°C, n = 6) than the piglets that were warmed in the ambient environment (37.9°C ± 0.4°C, n = 5) (p < 0.001). No piglet in the NeoWarm group suffered signs of burns or skin abrasions. Our results in this pilot study indicate that NeoWarm can safely and effectively warm hypothermic piglets to a normal core body temperature and, with additional validation, shows promise for potential use among human premature and small neonates.

Inequalities in birth before arrival at hospital in South West England: a multimethods study of neonatal hypothermia and emergency medical services call-handler advice

ObjectivesTo examine inequalities in birth before arrival (BBA) at hospitals in South West England, understand which groups are most likely to experience BBA and how this relates to hypothermia and...

Maintaining normothermia in newborns and warmed fluids

The most important adaptation of the newborn baby after birth is trying to adapt to the extrauterine environment, which is colder than the intrauterine environment. The World Health Organization; it recommends keeping the axillary body temperature in newborns between 36.5 and 37.5 °C. Attempts to prevent hypothermia and ensure normothermia can be divided into two groups; passive heating and active heating. While the passive heating is maintaining and increasing the ambient temperature, removing wet covers, drying, use of heated towels, hats, clothes and covers, active heating metods can be defined as warmed gel beds, polyethylene cover, warmed gases and warmed liquids.Purpose of warmed intravenous liquids; it is to reduce the contribution of intravenously administered fluids (approximately 25 °C) to hypothermia through convection (heat transfer). There are very limited studies on the use of warmed IV fluids in newborns. Therefore this article is aimed to guide evidence-based studies on different areas including warmed IV liquids, neonatal hypothermia control and neonatal care.

Global cross-sectional survey on neonatal pharmacologic sedation and analgesia practices and pain assessment tools: impact of the sociodemographic index (SDI).

There is variability in the use of sedatives and analgesics in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). We aimed to investigate the use of analgesics and sedatives and the management of neonatal pain and distress. This was a global, prospective, cross-sectional study. A survey was distributed May-November 2022. The primary outcome of this research was to compare results between countries depending on their socio-sanitary level using the sociodemographic index (SDI). We organized results based on geographical location. The survey collected 1304 responses, but we analyzed 924 responses after database cleaning. Responses from 98 different countries were analyzed. More than 60% of NICUs reported having an analgosedation guideline, and one-third of respondents used neonatal pain scales in more than 80% of neonates. We found differences in the management of sedation and analgesia between NICUs on different continents, but especially between countries with different SDIs. Countries with a higher SDI had greater availability of and adherence to analgosedation guidelines, as well as higher rates of analgosedation for painful or distressing procedures. Countries with different SDIs reported differences in analgosedation for neonatal intubation, invasive ventilation, and therapeutic hypothermia, among others. Socio-economic status of countries impacts on neonatal analgosedation management. There is significant variability in the pain management practices in neonates. There is a lack of knowledge related to how neonatal pain management practices differ between regions. Sociodemographic index is a key factor associated with differences in neonatal pain management practices across global regions.

Frequency of Neonatal Hypothermia in Preterm Infants Wrapped with and without Plastic Bag after delivery

Background: Preterm birth accompanies many complications including hypothermia that worsens neonatal health and may result in fatality if left untreated. Globally, plastic wraps are being used as a low-cost and effective method to maintain temperature. Aim: To compare frequency of neonatal hypothermia in preterm infants wrapped with and without plastic bag after delivery. Study design: This was randomized control trial. Methodology: This study was conducted using at Pediatrics department of SIMS hospital, Lahore, during 6 months. Data was collected using non-probability, consecutive sampling from a sample of 92 (46 newborns in each group). Infants randomized to group-B (no bag group) received standard hospital care based on WHO thermoregulation of the newborn protocol. The data was entered and analyzed in SPSS 23. Results: In plastic wrap group there were 32(69.57%) male and 14(30.43%) female cases while in no wrap group there were 27(58.70%) male and 19(41.30%) female cases, p-value &gt;0.05. The median temperature after one hour was higher in plastic wrap and no wrap group was 37.6±0.7 and 36.85±1.80c respectively, p-value &lt; 0.05. There were 3(6.5%) cases in plastic wrap group and 15(32.6%) of the cases in no wrap group who developed hypothermia, the frequency of hypothermia was statistically less in wrap group when compared with no wrap group, p-value &lt;0.05. Practical Implication: However, there is limited literature in Pakistan that compares temperature maintenance among neonates wrapped and unwrapped with plastic bags. This investigation will help find better answers to this problem. Conclusion: It is concluded that the preterm infants wrapped with plastic bag after delivery had less frequency of neonatal hypothermia after 1 hour. Plastic wraps are effective, low cost and low resource friendly method that should be opted for temperature maintenance of preterm babies. Keywords: Hypothermia, Preterm Birth, Hyperthermia, plastic wraps, Neonates and Temperature.

Quality Improvement Project for Reducing Hypothermia on Admission in Neonates Admitted in A Tertiary Care (Level 3A) NICU in Ahmedabad, Western India

Title Quality Improvement project for reducing hypothermia on admission in newborns admitted to a neonatal care unit in a large academic tertiary (Level 3A) NICU in Ahmedabad, Western India. Background Neonatal hypothermia is a common and dangerous condition around the world. Moderate and severe hypothermia increase mortality and morbidity and predispose the fragile neonate to an increased risk of late-onset neonatal sepsis (LONS), intraventricular hemorrhage, and worsening of respiratory distress. Around 60% of neonates who are admitted to level 3 tertiary NICU in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, had a temperature below 36.5°C on admission. Method We conducted plan-do-study-act (PDSA) cycles to test and adapt solutions for decreasing hypothermia in neonates admitted to NICU. Identifying the root cause of hypothermia in terms of Manpower, Material, and Methods and enlisting them as fishbone diagrams. We adopted the strategy of using a transport incubator in the Ambulance and turning on the incubator before thirty minutes of delivery for preventing neonatal hypothermia. Results Within 8 months of starting our quality improvement project, the proportion of neonates who were hypothermic on admission decreased from 57% to 8%, Normothermic on admission increased from 23% to 53%, with an increase in mean admission temperature from 35.4°C during the pre-intervention phase to 36.6°C during post-intervention. There was also a reduction in the incidence of late-onset sepsis from 23% (pre-intervention phase) to 13% and subsequently 5% in the post-intervention period. Conclusion This study is a cost-effective approach to reducing admission hypothermia in NICU in a resource-limited setting with all outborn babies. Our study also emphasizes the importance of maintaining euthermia, not only in delivery rooms but also during transportation.

Does Accidental Hypothermia Increase Morbidity and Mortality in Mature Neonates?

Accidental hypothermia in mature neonates requiring hospitalization is a clinical complication that has not been studied in detail. In the present study, the effect of accidental hypothermia on common morbidity in neonates in the postnatal period was investigated. We did temperature measurements in 616 mature neonates after birth, after transfer to the maternity ward and at check-up at age of 48-72 hours of life. Additionally, nurses checked temperature until discharge at every diaper change in 302 of all included neonates who were small for gestational age (SGA) or whose mothers had green fluid or premature rupture of membranes (PROM). We investigated if there was a correlation between infection, hyperbilirubinemia, hypoglycemia, SGA, gestational diabetes, PROM, green amniotic fluid, positive GBS status of the mother, and accidental hypothermia in the first 48-72 hours of life. Mature neonates showed transient accidental hypothermia in the first 24 hours of life. No significant correlation between infection (p=0.571), hyperbilirubinemia (p=0.837), hypoglycemia (p=0.072), and accidental hypothermia could be seen. There was a significant correlation between SGA (p=0.020), PROM (p=0.008), and accidental hypothermia, while hyperthermia was associated with infection (p=0.009) and green amniotic fluid (p=0.004). SGA and PROM represent perinatal risk factors for postnatal transient accidental hypothermia in mature neonates. Increased morbidity or mortality associated with postnatal accidental hypothermia has not been demonstrated.Akzidentelle Hypothermie bei Reifgeborenen, die einer Hospitalisierung bedürfen, ist eine bisher nicht näher analysierte klinische Komplikation. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurde die Abhängigkeit einer akzidentellen Hypothermie von typischen Erkrankungen der Postnatalperiode untersucht. Wir führten bei 616 Reifgeborenen Temperaturmessungen nach Geburt, nach Verlegung auf die Wochenstation und bei der Vorsorgeuntersuchung U2 durch. Zusätzlich kontrollierten wir bei 302 der 616 Neugeborenen mit Small for gestational age (SGA), grünem Fruchtwasser oder vorzeitigem Blasensprung (PROM) die Temperatur bei jedem Windelwechsel bis zur Entlassung. Wir untersuchten, ob es einen Zusammenhang zwischen Infektion, Hyperbilirubinämie, Hypoglykämie, SGA, Gestationsdiabetes, PROM, grünem Fruchtwasser, positivem GBS-Status der Mutter und akzidenteller Auskühlung innerhalb der ersten 48-72 Lebensstunden gab. Reifgeborene zeigten in den ersten 24 Lebensstunden transiente akzidentelle Hypothermien. Es konnte kein signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen Infektion (P=0.571), Hyperbilirubinämie (p=0.837), Hypoglykämie (p=0.072) und akzidenteller Hypothermie festgestellt werden. Es bestand ein signifikanter Zusammenhang zwischen SGA (p=0.020), PROM (p=0.008) und akzidenteller Hypothermie, während Hyperthermie war mit Infektion (p=0.009) und grünem Fruchtwasser (p=0.004) assoziiert war. SGA und PROM stellen perinatale Risikofaktoren für postnatale transiente, akzidentelle Hypothermien bei Reifgeborenen dar. Eine erhöhte Morbidiät bzw. Mortalität im Zusammenhang mit postnataler akzidenteller Hypothermie konnte nicht nachgewiesen werden.

Delayed cord clamping vs cord milking in elective cesarean delivery at term: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundDelayed cord clamping has significant beneficial effects for the neonate and its transition to extrauterine life and is therefore common practice at vaginal births in the Netherlands. In 2015, 16% of neonates were born by caesarean section, in 81% of these cases the umbilical cord was clamped and cut immediately. Neonatal benefits of delayed cord clamping are an increased circulating volume of 25-30ml/kg, leading to a higher preload of both right and left ventricle during transition from umbilical to pulmonary circulation, thus maintaining a stable left ventricle output, and to higher neonatal hemoglobin and hematocrit levels 24 to 48 hours postpartum. At present, little is known about whether the above-mentioned neonatal benefits of delayed cord clamping could apply to neonates delivered by caesarean section. In these cases, possible negative effects on neonatal outcomes (i.e., neonatal hypothermia, lower APGAR scores and hyperbilirubinemia) and maternal outcomes (i.e., increased maternal blood loss and higher postoperative infection rate) should also be taken into consideration. ObjectivesTo determine if clamping the umbilical cord after two minutes is superior when compared to cord milking during elective caesarean sections at term, taking both short and long term neonatal and maternal outcomes into consideration. Additionally, to determine if cord milking could be an appropriate alternative to delayed cord clamping. Study DesignA randomized controlled trial was performed in a large secondary care centre in the Netherlands (Amphia Hospital in Breda) from October 2020 to April 2022. A total of 115 patients who underwent an elective caesarean section between 37+0 and 41+6 weeks of gestation were included. Primary outcomes were neonatal hemoglobin and hematocrit levels at 48 hours postpartum, secondary outcomes were divided into neonatal and maternal outcomes. ResultsAfter randomization 58 participants were treated with cord milking and 57 with delayed cord clamping. There were no significant differences regarding demographic characteristics between both groups. There was no significant difference in primary outcomes, with a mean hemoglobin level 48 hours postpartum of 12.1 mmol/L in the delayed cord clamping group and 12.2 mmol/L in the cord milking group (p=0.80). Regarding our secondary outcomes, there were no significant differences regarding Apgar score, neonatal body temperature, maternal blood loss and post-operative infection rate between our intervention groups. ConclusionsHemoglobin and hematocrit levels at 48 hours postpartum showed no significant differences when comparing delayed cord clamping to cord milking. Delayed cord clamping does not lead to increased maternal blood loss or postoperative infections when compared to a method with a much shorter timeframe between delivery and clamping of the umbilical cord, namely cord milking. Additionally, delayed cord clamping did not lead to lower APGAR score or neonatal temperature compared to cord milking. Our research suggests that delayed cord clamping can be safely performed during elective caesarean sections at term. If per operative circumstances do not allow for delayed cord clamping, cord milking can be an appropriate alternative for the neonate at term.

Introduction of a novel neonatal warming device in Malawi: an implementation science study.

Neonatal hypothermia significantly contributes to infant morbidity and mortality in low-resource settings like Malawi. Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is essential but faces challenges in providing continuous thermal support. The Dream Warmer is a neonatal warming device that was developed to complement KMC. We studied its implementation outside a research environment. Using an implementation science approach, we conducted a prospective interventional cohort study in two hospitals and four health centres in Malawi. Through audits and surveys, we assessed the effect of the Dream Warmer on neonatal hypothermia as well as healthcare provider (HCP) and parent attitudes regarding thermoregulation and related issues. The Dream Warmer raised no safety concerns and effectively treated hypothermia in 90% of uses. It was positively received by HCPs and parents, who reported it had a favourable effect on the care of small and sick newborns. Challenges identified included a scarcity of water and electricity, lack of availability of the device and HCPs forgetting to prepare it in advance of need or to use it when indicated. Feedback for future training was obtained. The Dream Warmer's strong safety and effectiveness performance is consistent with results from strict research studies. Training materials can be adapted to optimize integration into daily practice and provide educational content for parents. The Dream Warmer is a safe and effective device to treat neonatal hypothermia, particularly when KMC is insufficient. We gained an understanding of how to optimize implementation through robust HCP and family education to help combat hypothermia.

A retrospective data analysis on prevalence and risk factors for hypothermia among sick neonates at presentation to the neonatal intensive care unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

Neonatal hypothermia, defined as an axillary temperature of <36.5C in a neonate, is common in neonatal intensive care units and is almost universal across all geographic and climatic regions of the world. This is even though environmental temperature is a known risk factor for its occurrence. We conducted a retrospective study in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) to document the prevalence and risk factors associated with hypothermia at presentation to the hospital. The study spanned the period from January 2019 to December 2019 and involved all neonates with axillary temperature documented at the time of admission. The prevalence of neonatal hypothermia in this study was 54.76%. Hypothermia was most common in neonates diagnosed with meconium aspiration syndrome (87/105, 82.86%), prematurity and low birth weight (575/702, 81.91%), and birth asphyxia (347/445, 77.98%). Neonates who were delivered vaginally were less likely to develop hypothermia compared to those delivered via Cesarean section. Inborn neonates (delivered in TTH) were 3.2 times more likely to be hypothermic when compared to those who were delivered at home. Neonates with low birth weight and APGAR scores < 7 at 1 and 5 minutes were more likely to be hypothermic. The dry season was found to be protective against hypothermia when compared to the rainy season. The overall mortality rate was 13.68% and the mortality in the subgroup with hypothermia at presentation was 18.87%. Our study documented a high prevalence of hypothermia with higher rates in neonates requiring intervention at birth. It is therefore crucial for perinatal care providers to adhere to the warm chain precautions around the time of birth.

Determining Consensus Alignment and Barriers of Neonatal Thermal Management in Nepal Using a Modified Delphi Process.

Objective. Neonatal hypothermia is a worldwide health burden with an incidence ranging from 32% to 85% in hospitals and 11% to 92% in homebirths. It is prevalent in Nepal and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The study objective was to identify key practice standards of newborn thermal management in Nepal. Methods. Our subjects included 6 lead newborn physicians from major birthing centers in Kathmandu. A modified Delphi process was used to identify the top 5 key practice standards for newborn thermoregulation in the hospital, health post, and home, compiled from 14 World Health Organization recommended practices. Results. There was consensus in all ranked practices except using radiant heat sources in the hospital and performing Kangaroo Mother Care in the homebirths. Comments conveyed that interventions during the immediate delivery phase were most impactful and feasible. Conclusion. Nepali physicians prioritized thermoregulatory practices during the immediate resuscitation period over the post-resuscitation period.

An Implementation Science Study of a Heat-Producing Wrap to Complement KMC in Rwanda.

Background: Neonatal hypothermia is a major cause of preventable morbidity and mortality, especially among the world's poorest newborns. A heat-producing wrap is necessary when kangaroo mother care (KMC) is insufficient or unavailable, yet there is little published research on such wraps. The Dream Warmer is a wrap designed to complement KMC and has been extensively studied in formal research settings but not in real-world conditions. Objectives: We used implementation science methodology to understand the safety, effectiveness, and functionality of the Dream Warmer (hereafter, "Warmer"); its effect on clinical workflows; its interaction with other aspects of care such as KMC; and the Warmer's reception by healthcare providers (HCPs) and parents. Methods: We conducted a prospective, interventional, one-arm, open-label, mixed-methods study in 6 district hospitals and 84 associated health centers in rural Rwanda. Our intervention was the provision of the Warmer and an educational curriculum on thermoregulation. We compared pre and post intervention data using medical records, audits, and surveys. Findings: The Warmer raised no safety concerns. It was used correctly in the vast majority of cases. The mean admission temperature rose from slightly hypothermic (36.41 °C) pre, to euthermic (36.53 °C) post intervention (p = 0.002). Patients achieved a temperature ≥36.5 °C in 86% of uses. In 1% of audits, patients were hyperthermic (37.6-37.9 °C). Both HCPs and parents reported a generally positive experience with the Warmer. HCPs were challenged to prepare it in advance of need. Conclusions: The Warmer functions similarly well in research and real-world conditions. Ongoing education directed toward both HCPs and parents is critical to ensuring the provision of a continuous heat chain. Engaging families in thermoregulation could ease the burden of overtaxed HCPs and improve the skill set of parents. Hypothermia is a preventable condition that must be addressed to optimize neonatal survival and outcome.

1106 Preventing Hypothermia in Moderate and Late Preterm Neonates: A delivery room randomized controlled pilot trial

1106 Preventing Hypothermia in Moderate and Late Preterm Neonates: A delivery room randomized controlled pilot trial

Influence of maternal and perinatal complications on therapeutic hypothermia in newborns with low Apgar scores.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of therapeutic hypothermia on maternal and perinatal outcomes in newborns with Apgar score<7 at the 5th min. A retrospective cohort study was carried out with 55 newborns who had an Apgar score<7 at the 5th min (35 without and 20 with therapeutic hypothermia) from low-risk pregnancies between 33 and 41 weeks gestation. The Apgar score was calculated through an objective assessment by a neonatologist in the delivery room. Therapeutic hypothermia was indicated by a neonatologist in the delivery room, according to the protocol established by the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics. The maternal and perinatal outcomes of both groups (without and with therapeutic hypothermia) were compared. A rate of Apgar score<7 at the 5th min was 1.02%. No statistical differences were observed between the two groups (without and with therapeutic hypothermia) regarding maternal/perinatal complications. The presence of maternal/perinatal complications did not increase the odds ratio of neonatal therapeutic hypothermia in newborns with Apgar score<7 at the 5th min. The rate of Apgar score<7 at the 5th min was low, and it was not associated with any maternal/perinatal complications. There was no significant difference in maternal/perinatal complications between newborns who received therapeutic hypothermia and those who did not.

Factors Influencing the Implementation of Infant Warming Devices Among Healthcare Workers in Malawian Hospitals.

Objectives. Preterm infants are at risk of hypothermia. This study described the available infant warming devices (IWDs) and explored the barriers and facilitators to their implementation in neonates in Malawi. Methods. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted among 19 health care workers in Malawi from January to March 2020. All interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and managed using NVivo and analyzed using a thematic approach. Results. The warming devices included radiant warmers, Blantyre hot-cots, wall-mounted heaters, portable warmers, and incubators. Inadequate equipment and infrastructure and gaps in staff knowledge and capacity were reported as the main challenges to optimal IWD implementation. Caregiver acceptance was described as the main facilitator. Strategies to optimize implementation of IWD included continuous practical training and adequate availability of equipment and spare parts. Conclusion. Implementation of warming devices for the management of neonatal hypothermia is effective when there are adequate human and material resources.