Hypothermia in Baby

DEFINITION

Hypothermia is a condition in which the body temperature is below 35 degrees Celsius.

CAUSE

Balance body temperature is affected by humidity, air flow, body surface area, and air temperature. Newborns tend to lose body heat faster, which can lead to hypothermia. This is caused by the body surface area in newborns (especially if weight is low), comparatively larger than the weight so quickly lost body heat.

Body heat loss can occur through a variety of ways:

·         radiation, ie when the skin is exposed to an environment with a temperature colder

·         evaporation, ie when newborns wet with amniotic fluid

·         conduction, when the newborn is placed on a cold surface or in contact with cold objects

Hypothermia can also be caused by pathological conditions that interfere with temperature regulation, for example, sepsis or bleeding inside the head.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms can include:

- Baby looks sleepy

- The color of bright red skin and cold

- Weak, lethargic

- Chills

The body quickly uses energy to keep warm, so that when the baby cold requires more oxygen. Therefore, hypothermia can lead to reduced flow of oxygen to the tissues.

In addition, hypothermia can also cause a decrease in blood sugar levels, increased acidity of the blood, and even death.

DIAGNOSIS

The diagnosis is based on symptoms, physical examination and the results of measurements of body temperature.

TREATMENT

Hypothermia overcome by warming the baby in an incubator or under a heating appliance. Newborns should be monitored if there is a decrease in blood sugar levels, lack of oxygen, or even stop breathing. Handling should be done immediately if found to those conditions.

A variety of underlying disorders, such as sepsis or bleeding inside the head, should get special handling.

PREVENTION

To prevent hypothermia, all newborns should remain in a warm state. In the delivery room, the baby must be cleaned and dried to prevent loss of body heat by evaporation and then wrapped in a blanket and given a head covering.

REFERENCE

- K, James W. Hypothermia in Neonates. The Merck Manual. 2007.

- K, Vamada. Hypothermia. Web MD. 2012.

- Mayo Clinic. Hypothermia. 2011.