Compare the Effect of Plastic Wrap and Blanket on Body Temperature, Heart Rate and Oxygen Saturation in Preterm Infants under Radiant Warmer: A Randomized Single Blind Cross over Clinical Trial.

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Preterm infants have difficulty regulating body temperature and susceptible to hypothermia, which can have serious effects on babies also affect other vital signs. Plastic covers and blanket, both affordable and easy way to prevent heat loss in premature infants. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of plastic wrap and blanket on body temperature, heart rate and oxygen saturation in preterm infants was conducted under warmer to the most preferred methods identified and used. Methods: This randomized cross over clinical trial included 80 preterm infants hospitalized in NICU of Taleghani Hospital in Tabriz. During the study period was two days and was conducted in the second and third days of birth. In Group 1 plastic cover on the first day and blanket cover on the second day was used. In group 2 was the opposite. The researcher performed measurements of body temperature using a digital thermometer, as well as heart rate and oxygen saturation by means of a monitoring device at times (8-9-12- 15-18-21). Data analysis using SPSS version 23 and MiniTab was carried out with. Results: In both groups, the mean body temperature of the neonates was higher at the time of use of the plastic cover (plastic cover was 36.8 ± 0.33 and in the blanket cover 36.6 ± 0.31) and less radiant heating temperature was used (P< 0.001). In both groups, 14 cases of hypothermia was reported at the time of using the blanket, but none of the preterm infants with plastic cover had hypothermia. There was no change in heart rate between the two groups at the time of application of each of the covers (P= 0.991). The percentage of oxygen saturation in the group with plastic cover was higher (P= 0.015). Conclusion: Use plastic wrap to prevent hypothermia in the early days of stay in the NICU would be preterm infants.