To determine the local prevalence of early postnatal hypothermia (EPH) and identify critical risk factors among critically ill neonates requiring inter-hospital transport.
Approach:
Study Design: Retrospective, multicentre, observational cohort study involving critically ill newborns transported to a tertiary care neonatal center.
Data Collection: Clinical information was collected from electronic medical records of regional hospitals, focusing on perinatal risk factors and early outcomes.
Key Findings:
82.1% of newborns experienced EPH, with 42.5% mild and 39.6% moderate cases.
93.2% incidence of EPH in very preterm infants.
General hospital births and delivery room intubation were associated with increased risk of hypothermia severity.
Interpretation:
Limitations:
Retrospective design may introduce bias.
Data collection relied on electronic medical records, which may have inaccuracies.
Conclusion:
EPH is common among critically ill transported neonates, particularly in very preterm infants.
