Prevalence of Hypothermia among Low Birth Weight Neonates in a Tertiary Care Center in India

Vasanthan Tanigasalam
B. Vishnu Bhat
B. Adhisivam

Publication date

December 2019

DOI

Abstract

Objective: To assess the incidence of hypothermia in low birth weight neonates (weighing <2000g) using a novel device that continuously monitors temperature and alerts when there is hypothermia. To compare the incidence of hypothermia among different gestational age and weight categories. Methods: This descriptive study was done in the step-down nursery of a tertiary care hospital in India. Low birth weight neonates were monitored for hypothermia using a novel device (Bempu TempWatch) for a period of 24 hours. The device displayed blue color when the neonate was normothermic and alarmed with orange light when the neonate was hypothermic. A digital axillary thermometer was used to crosscheck the temperature alarm of the device. Results: A to...