Role of effective thermoregulation in premature neonates

Abstract

Even though researchers have studied ways to reduce heat loss in premature infants for more than 100 years, hypothermia remains a widespread problem in this population , especially after birth and through the first weeks of life. This review focuses on current research findings that are being translated into practice to reduce heat loss after birth and during neonatal intensive care unit hospitalization. Recommendations for practice are given to minimize heat loss during care and promote thermal stability for very low birth weight infants. More research is needed to combine evidence-based interventions into thermoregula-tion bundles and to assess morbidity and mortality when such bundles are implemented. It is essential to continue to focus on thermal stability and eliminate hypothermia in the very low birth weight population.