Neonatal hypothermia is defined as an abnormal thermal state in which the newborn’s body temperature drops below 36.5 °C (97.7 °F). Progressive reduction in body temperature leads to adverse clinical effects ranging from mild metabolic stress to death.
Which feature of the neonate is a common cause of hypothermia?
Neonates are prone to rapid heat loss and consequent hypothermia because of a high surface area to volume ratio, which is even higher in low-birth-weight neonates.
What causes hypothermia in infants?
Infants and babies sleeping in cold bedrooms are also at risk. Other causes. Certain medical conditions such as diabetes and thyroid conditions, some medications, severe trauma, or using drugs or alcohol all increase the risk of hypothermia.
Which finding is indicative of hypothermia of the preterm neonate?
Keep in mind the following signs when evaluating an infant for hypothermia: Bright red skin. Cold skin. Low levels of energy.
What is classified as hypothermia?
Overview. Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Normal body temperature is around 98.6 F (37 C). Hypothermia (hi-poe-THUR-me-uh) occurs as your body temperature falls below 95 F (35 C).
Why are neonates at risk of hypothermia?
Neonates are prone to rapid heat loss and consequent hypothermia because of a high surface area to volume ratio, which is even higher in low-birth-weight neonates. There are several mechanisms for heat loss: Radiant heat loss: Bare skin is exposed to an environment containing objects of cooler temperature.
What is the definition of hypothermia in neonates?
Definition of hypothermia in neonates: According to the World Health Organization, hypothermia occurs at core body temperatures below 36. 5 C5. This is additionally broken down into three categories of cold stress, between 36 C and 36.4 C, moderate hypothermia, between 32 C and 35. 9 C, and severe hypothermia, or less than 32 C1, 2, 6, 7.
What is the pathophysiology of neonatal heat loss?
Neonates are prone to rapid heat loss and consequent hypothermia because of a high surface area to volume ratio, which is even higher in low-birth-weight neonates. There are several mechanisms for heat loss: Radiant heat loss: Bare skin is exposed to an environment containing objects of cooler temperature.
What is the normal rectal temperature for a hypothermic infant?
Hypothermic infants should be rewarmed, and any underlying condition must be diagnosed and treated. Normal rectal temperature in term and preterm infants is 36.5 to 37.5° C. Although hypothermia is a core temperature < 36.5° C, there may be cold stress at higher temperatures whenever heat loss requires an increase in metabolic heat production.
What is therapeutic hypothermia and how is it treated?
Another treatment, which has been studied widely, initially in animals 23, 24 and then in neonates, 25 – 30 is therapeutic hypothermia. The reduction of body temperature by 3ºC to 5ºC less than normal body temperature during reperfusion before secondary energy failure occurs, can reduce cerebral injury.
