| Sub-title | |
| Authors | Joseph Mizzi MD, MRCP Paul Sultana MD MRCP |
| Abstract | Background: Hypothermia in neonates is a common problem and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Prevention of hypothermia is therefore an essential aspect of neonatal care especially in the immediate neonatal period. Aim: To evaluate the efficacy of thermal care of the neonate in the labour ward at St Luke's Hospital, Malta. Method: Retrospective study analysing the temperature on admission to the nursery from the labour ward. A consecutive sample of 754 neonates admitted during 2002 was studied. Results: The proportion of babies admitted with normal body temperature (36.5-37.5°C) was 25.5%. The rest were mildly (36.0-36.5°C) (42.2%) or moderately (<36.0°C) (32.2%) hypothermic. Significantly less normothermia was evident in winter births (19.6%) than in summer births (38.1%) (Chi squared=26.5, p<0.0001). Implications: The results indicate the need for an improvement in thermal support in the labour ward. |
Published in: | |
| Journal | Malta Medical Journal |
| Volume | 15 Issue 02 |
| Pages | 22 - 24 |
| Date | 01/11/2003 |
| Link to journal | |
| Key words | hypothermia, labour ward, neonate, newborn, thermal care |