Heat Loss Prevention in Delivery Room Using a Polyethylene Cap
Summary
It is apparent that the head of a preterm infant should not be left uncovered, however it remains unclear whether covering the head of a preterm baby with plastic wrapping is effective in preventing heat loss.
We conducted a prospective, randomised, controlled trial in very preterm infants to evaluate if a polyethylene cap prevents heat loss after delivery better than polyethylene occlusive wrapping and conventional drying. Furthermore, we assessed body temperature 1 hour after admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to evaluate whether the polyethylene cap prevents postnatal heat loss.
Description
The primary outcome measure was axillary temperature taken on admission to the NICU (immediately after cap and wrap removal) and again 1 hour later. Axillary temperature was measured using a digital thermometer (Terumo Digital Clinical Thermometer C202, Terumo Corporation, Tokio, Japan). The occurrence of hypothermia, defined as axillary temperature less then 36.4°C, on NICU admission was also evaluated.
Secondary outcomes included mortality prior to hospital discharge, presence of major brain injury (sonographic evidence of intraventricular hemorrhage with ventricular dilatation, parenchymal hemorrhagic infarction, or periventricular leukomalacia), tracheal intubation at birth, Apgar scores, delivery to admission time, blood gas analysis and serum glucose concentration on NICU admission.
Study Design
Allocation: Randomized, Control: Active Control, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Factorial Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment
Conditions
Hypothermia, Preterm Infants
Intervention
Polyethylene cap, Polyethylene wrap, conventional treatment
Status
Completed
Source
University of Padova
Results (where available)
Links
- Source: http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00930917
- Information obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov on July 15, 2010
Medical and Biotech [MESH] Definitions
Polyethylene
A vinyl polymer made from ethylene. It can be branched or linear. Branched or low-density polyethylene is tough and pliable but not to the same degree as linear polyethylene. Linear or high-density polyethylene has a greater hardness and tensile strength. Polyethylene is used in a variety of products, including implants and prostheses.
Flurandrenolone
A corticosteroid used topically in the treatment of various skin disorders. It is usually employed as a cream or an ointment, and is also used as a polyethylene tape with an adhesive. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p733)
Cetomacrogol
Non-ionic surfactant of the polyethylene glycol family. It is used as a solubilizer and emulsifying agent in foods, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, often as an ointment base, and also as a research tool.
Poloxalene
A copolymer of polyethylene and polypropylene ether glycol. It is a non-ionic polyol surface-active agent used medically as a fecal softener and in cattle for prevention of bloat.
Polyesters
Polymers of organic acids and alcohols, with ester linkages--usually polyethylene terephthalate; can be cured into hard plastic, films or tapes, or fibers which can be woven into fabrics, meshes or velours.
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