INFLUENCE OF THERMOREGULATION ON ENERGY METABOLISM OF THE LOW BIRTHWEIGHT INFANT

Abstract

Putet, G, Dittmar, A, Schmitt, M and Salle, B. (Department of Neontology, Hôpital Edouard–Herriot, Lyon, France). Influence of thermoregulation on energy metabolism of the low birthweight infant. Acta Paediatr Scand, Suppl, 296: 62, 1982. — By combining continuous measurements and recordings of (a)O₂ consumption and CO₂ production, (b) core, mean skin and temperature, (c) “radiative and convective” (R+C) heat loss, we have tried to assess the characteristics and effiency of different heating systems in the usual environment of an intensive care unit. Preliminary results: minimal heat loss is obtained in an incubator with manual temperature control versus servocontrolled incubator on radiant heater; the radiant heater can maintain adequate core temperature but with higher than normal heat loss from the sides of the body and increased warming only of the skin facing the heater; metabolic rate measurements do not show any statistical difference between these various environments; both with an incubator and a radiant heater, a thin plastic sheet (used as heatshield) lowers “R+C” heat loss.