Skin Temperature Mapping in Premature Neonates Nursed under Radiant Warmers in NICU: A Diagnostic Clinical Trial study

Abstract Background Prevention of hypothermia in preterm neonates nursed under radiant warmers is the first step in providing nursing care in NICU wards. Preterm neonates are prone to hypothermia, especially at birth, which affects their survival. Unfortunately, few studies have already been conducted on the body temperature mapping of preterm neonates nursed under the radiant warmers. Objective The aim of the present study was to measure the body temperature of preterm neonates at different points and provide a body temperature mapping for preterm neonates. Methodology This is a diagnostic clinical trial study conducted on 203 preterm neonates admitted to the NICU and nursed under radiant warmers. In this study, the skin temperature probe was placed on each of the seven parts of the skin for each neonate. While performing the skin temperature measurement and the temperature of the left axillary was measured and recorded as the reference for each skin temperature measurement. Data analysis was later carried out using descriptive statistical tests (mode, median, mean, etc.) and inferential tests (Willcoxon, Bland and Altman test). P<0005 was considered as the significance level in all tests. Results The results of this study showed that the skin temperature of the preterm neonates under radiant warmers admitted to the NICU was not the same at different body parts (from head to toe). The highest and the lowest recorded temperature were related to the head (33 ºC) and foot of neonates, respectively (31012ºC). Conclusion: The difference in temperatures obtained for various parts of the body of neonates nursed under radiant warmers shows the important role of nurses in frequently monitoring the body temperature of these neonates..

Keywords: premature neonate, neonatal intensive care unit, skin temperature, thermoregulation