Effect of Plastic Bag (Vinyl Bags) on Prevention of Hypothermia in Preterm Infants

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of vinyl bags in prevention of hypothermia during resuscitation at birth in very low birth weight infants (VLBW) 1500gm and gestational age 32 weeks. Methods: Fifty neonates of gestational age 32 weeks and birth weight 1_500gm were randomised to either study group, or control group. Study group neonates (n=25) were put in vinyl bags immediately following delivery without drying. Control group neonates (n=25) were resuscitated by conventional drying under radiant warmer. Axillary and rectal temperature was recorded on admission to the neonatal unit. Results: Mean axillary and rectal temperature recorded immediately after admission to N1CU were significantly higher in the study group (36.12±0.78 °C and 36.28±0.61°C) compared to control group (35.24±0.83°C and 35.08±0.81°C) respectively. Although the cord blood pH and cord base excess were similar between the vinyl bag group (7.32+0.05 and 2.15±0.25) and the control group (7.33±0.02 and 2.28±0.29) respectively, the worst pH and base excess in the first 6 hours of life was significantly lower in the control group (7.23±0.049 and —7.90±1.56) than in vinyl bag group (7.33±0.019 and —3.65±0.936) respectively. There was a significant increase in maximal oxygen requirement during the first 24 h in the control group (82.9±7.3) than in the vinyl bag group (45.3±3.5) with p 0.001. Blood glucose after two hours of admission was significantly higher in the vinyl bag group (80.28±1.84 mg/di) than the control group (60.16±2.12 mg/di) with p 0.001. Conclusion: As temperature maintenance in these VLBW neonates is of tremendous importance, it would make sense to recommend the use of vinyl bags during their resuscitation. Vinyl bags are a simple and effective intervention in preventing hypothermia in the delivery room and early acidosis in premature infants.