Neonatal thermoregulation

Since the first use of mercury in glass thermometers in 1798, the importance of thermoregulation in clinical care has been appreciated. In no discipline is this more acute than in the management of premature neonates. Hypothermia at birth is a worldwide problem. The EPICure study highlighted that for neonates less than 26 weeks’ gestation a temperature of <35 degree C on admission to a neonatal unit was independently associated with death5. Heat loss is a particular problem at resuscitation. Hypothermia can also occur during transfer of infants to neonatal units, during routine care and in operating theatres. Similarly, hyperthermia can have severe adverse consequences and should be avoided. Current routine neonatal practice is founded upon preventing significant temperature changes.