Does a Higher Ambient Temperature in the Delivery Room Prevent Hypothermia in Preterm Infants <1500g?

Aim Because hypothermia in the preterm infant immediately after delivery can cause an increase in morbidity and mortality in the newborn period, one of the most important goals is preventing hypothermia in preterm infants. There is sufficient data on prevention methods such as warming respirator gas, radiant heat sources, warmed blankets, sterile polyethylene bags, etc. However no general recommendation of the optimal environmental temperature in the delivery room exists. Methods We compared the rectal bodytemperature of VLBW infants on admission to the NICU, born in delivery rooms with an ambient temperature of 28 C vs. 34 C. Study design: retrospective cohort study. Results The higher ambient temperature in the delivery room results in a lower number of VLBW infants with hypothermia on admission (body temperature <36.5 C), but also an increase in hyperthermic (body temperature >37.5 C) preterm babies. Conclusion A higher ambient temperature in the delivery room may also prevent hypothermia in preterm infants in addition to the above-mentioned methods to stabilize bodytemperature in VLBW infants. Further studies are essential to confirm these results and hence recommend an ideal temperature in the delivery room.