Gender-related differences in rectal temperature in human neonates.

The aim of this study was to examine the gender-related differences in human neonates' body temperature. Rectal temperatures of 101 newborns (52 girls and 49 boys) were measured using a calibrated glass-mercury thermometer five times during their first 5 days of life. Results show that the temperature of males, averaged over 5 days, was significantly lower (37.068 degrees C) than that of females (37.168 degrees C). This result suggests that gender-dependent differences in baseline body temperature are present at birth.