Temperature monitoring in newborns using thermospot.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Hypothermia is a common problem in newborns. This is more so in community environment especially in low-birth weight and preterm babies. METHODS: A simple liquid crystal temperature monitoring device was used in 20 infants on a continuous basis to monitor for hypothermia. This was compared with the measurement of rectal temperature using a rectal thermometer. The colour changes and measures to be taken when hypothermia occurs was explained to the mothers and was well understood by all. RESULTS: The Thermo Spot was in agreement with the rectal temperature in 310 out of 313 measurements. This includes 299 times when temperature was normal; and 11 times when the temperature was hypothermic. It underestimated the temperature of three infants, falsely indicating hypothermia in a normothermic child with normal body temperature. It correctly identified hypothermia in every case. CONCLUSION: ThermoSpot device is a simple accurate device allowing continuous thermal monitoring of low birth weight infants, especially in resource poor setting.