Effect of polyethylene bag to prevent heat loss in preterm infants at birth: a randomized controlled trial
Chantaroj, S.; Techasatid, W.
Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand 94 Suppl. 7: S32-S37
2011
ISSN/ISBN: 0125-2208 PMID: 22619904 Document Number: 12225
Hypothermia at birth has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. To evaluate the effect of wrap with polyethylene bag at birth on admission temperatures and the incidences of hypothermia on admission in preterm infants gestational age < or = 32 weeks. A randomized controlled trial was conducted in thirty-eight preterm infants with gestational age < or = 32 weeks. The infants were assigned and placed in polyethylene bag immediately after birth without drying under a radiant warmer or received standard thermal care including being dried and placed under a radiant warmer. Rectal temperatures were recorded on admission to neonatal unit and incidences o hypothermia were compared between the two groups. The body temperatures of preterm infants with polyethylene bag were significantly higher than those of the control group {median 36.5 degrees C (range 35.5 degrees C-37.2 degrees C) vs. 35.9 degrees C (range 34.9 degrees C-36.5 degrees C), p < 0.001}. On admission, the incidence of hypothermia in preterm infants wrap with polyethylene bag was significantly lower than in the control group (26% vs. 89%, p < 0.001) with a risk reduction of 0.63 (95% CI 0.39-0.87) and a number needed to treat of 1.58. Polyethylene bag prevents heat loss at delivery in preterm infant less than 32 weeks gestation. Incidence of hypothermia was significantly reduced by use of polyethylene bag, a simple and inexpensive intervention.