Efficacy of Polyethylene Skin Wrapping in Preventing Hypothermia in Preterm Neonates (<34 Weeks): A Parallel Group Non-blinded Randomized Control Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of polyethylene skin wrapping on thermoregulation in preterm neonates.

METHODS: Total 151 neonates were enrolled in this randomized control trial. In the control group, neonates were transferred to the radiant warmer and covered with warm cloth after initial care. In the study group, neonates were transferred to the radiant warmer and placed in a food-grade polyethylene bag for 1 h. Axillary temperature of all neonates was recorded for first 24 h at frequent time intervals.

RESULTS: Mean temperature reached to normal range earlier and remained significantly higher in the study group for most time intervals, and this difference persisted even at 24 h. Significantly less number of preterm newborns suffered from hypothermia in the study group as compared with the control group [50 (67.6%) vs. 67 (87%), p = 0.004].

CONCLUSIONS: Polyethylene wraps achieved rapid, sustained thermal control and were effective in preventing hypothermia in preterm newborns.