Thermoregulation strategies in premature newborns: a scoping review

Abstract

Objective: to map strategies for controlling and regulating body temperature in premature newborns. Method: scope review on premature thermoregulation, guided by the recommendations of the Joanna Briggs Institute, developed in eight electronic databases. The search, synthesis and analysis of the results took place in December 2022. Results: the review was made up of 15 studies, which were grouped into two categories: Heat sources and use of measurement packages/bundle. As strategies for maintaining the body temperature of preterm infants, the following stand out: adequate maternal and environmental temperature; plastic wrap; double bonnet; heated cloths; air heating in respiratory support; skin-to-skin contact; heated cribs and incubators. It was evident that the combined resources were more effective than when used separately. Conclusion: the scoping review results pointed to strategies that can be used to mitigate the risks of hypothermia in premature newborns.