Development of Equipment for Preventing Hypothermia in Preterm Infants Weighing 1,500 gram or Less

Abstract

Hypothermia is a common problem and can cause danger in premature infants with low body weight. It is associated with dyspnea, apnea, acidosis, hypoglycemia, easy infection, failure to thrive, poor weight gain or weight loss resulting in an increase in morbility and mortality in neonates. Therefore, prevention of hypothermia is very important to prevent the undesirable consequences. The Critical Care Unit in Prachuap Khirikhan Hospital also found the incidence of hypothermia quite common and faced some difficulties in the care to regain normal temperature. The objective of this study was develop a set of protective equipment to prevent hypothermia in premature infants weighing 1,500 grams and lower. It was made from thick clear plastic, and produced by using needle, thread, fabric, scissors. The basic structure consisted of a base plate with edge and lid in the form of a clear plastic box. The production cost was only 50 baht per piece. It was prepard to be used as a body temperature control device of a premature infant weighting not more than 1,500 grams who was placed in a incubator. Changing the device could be performed once a week or when dirty. Results of using the invention demonstrated that there was no incidence of hypothermia or hyperthermia detected. The average time required for controlling the temperature to the normal range (36.8-37.0 ๐ C) was 1.46 hours. The nurses were satisfied with the device (58.33% at highest level and 41.67% at high level). The device was also found to reduce work load for the care of premature infants.