Jacqueline C Ng'eny1, Sithembiso Velaphi2. 1. Department of Paediatrics, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. ngenyjacy@yahoo.com. 2. Department of Paediatrics, Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of hypothermia on admission and at 24 h 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's 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.
OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of hypothermia on admission and at 24 h 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's 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.