Hypothermia among neonates admitted to the neonatal unit at a tertiary hospital in South Africa

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.