Initial Optimal Body Temperature in Preterm Infants

ABSTRACT

Hypothermia in preterm infants on admission to neonatal intensive care units remains an issue. Initial hypothermia was found to be one of the important risk factors for increased mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. Smaller size and more immaturity are associated with increased vulnerability to the cold environment of delivery rooms. To prevent heat loss after birth, the treatment recommendations that were recently added are increasing delivery room temperature and immediate use of plastic covering and hats. This review summarizes up-to-date studies of the background and strategies for preventing hypothermia of preterm infants.