Core Temperature Within First Seven Days After Birth, of Hemodynamically Stable Preterm Neonates Born Before 34 Weeks of Gestation: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background Prematurity contributes to neonatal mortality and morbidity. There are many complications that can contribute to preterm morbidity and mortality. One of the complications is an alteration in temperature. Objective To assess the core temperature within the first seven days after birth, of hemodynamically stable preterm neonates born before 34 weeks of gestation. Methodology A total of 120 neonates were enrolled by using the total enumeration technique from the various neonatal units of PGIMER, Chandigarh. Permission from Institutes Ethic Committee was obtained, and consent was taken from parents of preterm neonates. The tools used for data collection were: (a) Interview schedule—it comprised of sociodemographic profile. (b) Temperature monitoring sheet. Protocol for recording core temperature was developed and validated by experts in nursing and pediatrics. Demographic profile of neonates was collected. Core temperature was recorded as per protocol in three shifts, i.e., morning, evening, and night time, by using a digital thermometer for the first seven days after birth. Temperature recording sheet was used to record the core temperature. Results Out of the total 120 hospitalized preterm neonates, 55.8% of the study participants were females, and the mean gestational age of the study participants was 31.5 ± 1.79 weeks. The mean values of core temperature of hemodynamically stable preterm neonates recorded in the morning, evening, and night of day 1 and day 2 were less than 36.5°C. From day 3 to day 7, the mean value of core temperature in morning, evening, and night was more than 36.5°C. Conclusion The study findings suggest that the core temperature, when monitored for first seven days after birth in hemodynamically stable preterm neonates, was low for the first two days, but normal for the next five days.