Thermoregulation in the Neonate
THERMOREGULATION IN THE NEONATE
By: Shubhada Ponkshe
[pic]
INTRODUCTION:
Thermoregulation is a critical physiologic function that is closely related to the transition and survival of the infant. An understanding of transitional events and the physiologic adaptations that neonates must make is essential to helping the nurse provide an appropriate environment and help infants maintain thermal stability.
Optimizing the thermal environment has proven significant for improving the chances of survival for small infants. Understanding the basic physiologic principles and current methodology of thermoregulation is important in the clinical care of these tiny infants.
Thermoregulation is the ability to balance heat production and heat loss in order to maintain body temperature within a certain ‘‘normal’’ range.
Thermoregulation is controlled by the hypothalamus. Thermal stimuli providing information to the hypothalamus are derived from the body’s skin and deep thermal receptors and from thermal receptors in the pre - optic area of the hypothalamus. It is in the hypothalamus that sensory information describing thermal status throughout the body is processed and compared against the temperature set point. Body heat-and therefore body temperature-is modified by alterations in metabolism, motor tone and activity, vasomotor activity, and sweating to produce either heat gain or loss. Neonates are prone to temperature maintenance problems. The intrauterine temperature of 37.9o c (100.2oF) fluctuates very little under normal circumstances.’ At birth, the transition from an intrauterine to extra-uterine environment creates a significant thermal change that challenges the infant’s thermoregulatory abilities. Unless someone gives immediate attention to heat loss, the neonate’s temperature can drop approximately 4.5oC (8.loF) during the first minute after birth.’ Because the infant is dependent on environmental temperature, providing thermal support is a
By: Shubhada Ponkshe
[pic]
INTRODUCTION:
Thermoregulation is a critical physiologic function that is closely related to the transition and survival of the infant. An understanding of transitional events and the physiologic adaptations that neonates must make is essential to helping the nurse provide an appropriate environment and help infants maintain thermal stability.
Optimizing the thermal environment has proven significant for improving the chances of survival for small infants. Understanding the basic physiologic principles and current methodology of thermoregulation is important in the clinical care of these tiny infants.
Thermoregulation is the ability to balance heat production and heat loss in order to maintain body temperature within a certain ‘‘normal’’ range.
Thermoregulation is controlled by the hypothalamus. Thermal stimuli providing information to the hypothalamus are derived from the body’s skin and deep thermal receptors and from thermal receptors in the pre - optic area of the hypothalamus. It is in the hypothalamus that sensory information describing thermal status throughout the body is processed and compared against the temperature set point. Body heat-and therefore body temperature-is modified by alterations in metabolism, motor tone and activity, vasomotor activity, and sweating to produce either heat gain or loss. Neonates are prone to temperature maintenance problems. The intrauterine temperature of 37.9o c (100.2oF) fluctuates very little under normal circumstances.’ At birth, the transition from an intrauterine to extra-uterine environment creates a significant thermal change that challenges the infant’s thermoregulatory abilities. Unless someone gives immediate attention to heat loss, the neonate’s temperature can drop approximately 4.5oC (8.loF) during the first minute after birth.’ Because the infant is dependent on environmental temperature, providing thermal support is a