pediatrics
Hypothermia in Neonates
Key Points
Neonates, particularly very low-birth-weight infants, are susceptible to environmental hypothermia; disorders that impair thermoregulation (eg, intracranial hemorrhage, sepsis) increase risk. The optimal ambient temperature for neonates is that at which caloric expenditure needed to maintain normal body temperature is lowest, typically between 36.5° C and 37.5° C. Rewarm neonates in an incubator or under a radiant warmer and treat any underlying conditions. Prevent hypothermia by maintaining an appropriately warm environmental temperature in newborn care areas, immediately drying the neonate, and then swaddling full-term neonates or placing preterm infants in a polyethylene bag. 