Extremely low birth weight preterm infants lack vasomotor response in relationship to cold body temperatures at birth

ObjectiveThis study evaluated peripheral vasoconstriction in ELBW infants when body temperature decreased during the first 12-hours of life.DesignAn exploratory, within-subjects design with 10 ELBW infants. Abdominal and foot temperatures were measured every minute. Peripheral vasoconstriction (abdominal > peripheral temperature by 2° C) and abdominal-peripheral temperature difference were also evaluated.ResultsAbdominal and peripheral temperatures were significantly correlated within each infant. One 880 g infant exhibited isolated peripheral vasoconstriction; a 960 g infant had abdominal temperatures more than 1° C higher than peripheral temperatures. Eight smaller infants exhibited no peripheral vasoconstriction and spent most of their observations with peripheral greater than abdominal temperatures. In 8 infants, mean temperature difference was significantly higher when abdominal temperature was less than 36.5° C.ConclusionMost ELBW infants did not exhibit peripheral vasoconstriction during their first 12-hours of life, despite low temperatures. ELBW infants’ vasomotor control may be immature during this period