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.
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