Hypothermia among neonates admitted to the neonatal unit at a tertiary hospital in South Africa
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Date
2020
Authors
Ng’eny, Jacqueline
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Abstract
Objectives: To determine the prevalence of hypothermia on admission and at 24 hours of life
in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) and associated morbidity and mortality.
Study design: Hospital records of VLBWI admitted to a neonatal unit were reviewed for
information on patient body temperature, clinical characteristics and mortality. Comparisons
between normothermic and hypothermic VLBWI were performed.
Results: Mean gestational age and birth weight of enrolled infants were 29 ± 3 weeks and
1140 ± 253 g, respectively. Prevalence of admission hypothermia was 46.1%, with 38%
developing hypothermia within 24-h following admission. VLBWI with hypothermia were
more likely to have been born vaginally [aOR 2.85 (1.37–5.91)], have a birth weight < 1000 g
[aOR 2.28 (1.25–4.16)], required resuscitation at birth [aOR 2.20 (1.23–3.94)], develop
metabolic acidosis [aOR 3.04 (1.35–6.84)] and die within the first week of life [aOR 4.79
(1.43–16.02)]
Conclusions: Prevalence of hypothermia in VLBWI is high, and is associated with poor
outcomes.
Description
A research report submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Medicine to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020