Đặc điểm thân nhiệt trẻ sơ sinh cân nặng dưới 1500 gram nhập viện tại Khoa Hồi sức sơ sinh Bệnh viện Nhi Đồng 2 năm 2024

The maintenance of stable body temperature is critical for the optimal physiological functioning and survival of neonates, particularly those with low birth weight. Hypothermia, defined as a core body temperature below normal, is a significant clinical concern in this vulnerable population, leading to increased oxygen consumption and severe complications affecting multiple organ systems, including cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological functions. Given the inherent challenges in thermoregulation among preterm and low birth weight infants, understanding the prevalence and contributing factors of hypothermia upon admission to neonatal intensive care units is paramount. This study aims to determine the prevalence of hypothermia and its associated factors among newborns weighing ≤1500 grams admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Children's Hospital 2 in 2024.

Neonatologists, pediatricians, nurses in neonatal intensive care units, public health researchers, and healthcare administrators involved in maternal and child health.

This cross-sectional study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of hypothermia in newborns weighing ≤1500 grams admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Children's Hospital 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from March 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024. The research utilized a descriptive cross-sectional design, collecting data from patient records of 78 eligible infants, measuring axillary temperature upon admission, and subsequently at hourly intervals until normothermia was achieved. Statistical analysis, including chi-square tests and t-tests, was performed to identify significant associations.

Key findings revealed a high prevalence of hypothermia, affecting 79.5% of admitted infants, with 53.8% experiencing mild, 23.1% moderate, and 2.6% severe hypothermia. The average time for body temperature to return to normal was 1.79 hours. Demographic analysis showed a slight male predominance (51.3%), with a significant majority (76.9%) of neonates originating from provinces outside Ho Chi Minh City. Notably, 62.9% of infants were transferred directly from lower-level facilities to the NICU. The study highlighted that infants transferred from outlying provinces and those with very low birth weight or extreme prematurity (under 28 weeks gestation) were particularly susceptible to hypothermia, often arriving without adequate thermal support.

These findings underscore the critical importance of ensuring thermal stability for preterm and low birth weight newborns, especially during inter-facility transfers. The high incidence of hypothermia upon admission suggests a need for enhanced protocols for transport and initial care at referral facilities, focusing on preventive measures rather than reactive treatment. The study provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals and policymakers to improve clinical practices, optimize transfer guidelines, and implement effective strategies to mitigate the risks of hypothermia in this vulnerable neonatal population, thereby improving patient outcomes.