Hypothermia - Clinical Signs, Etiology and Precipitation Factor

HYPOTHERMIA. The normal temperature in neonates ranged between 36 0C - 37.5 0C on axillary temperature. The early symptoms of hypothermia when the temperature is less than 36 0C or both feet and hands felt cold. When the baby's whole body felt cold, then the baby is experiencing moderate hypothermia (temperature 32 0C - less than 36 0C). Called severe hypothermia when the body temperature is less than 32 0C. To measure the body temperature of hypothermia, low size required thermometer (low reading thermometer) to 250C. Besides, as a the symptoms, hypothermia can be the beginning of disease that ends in death.

Which became the principle difficulties as a result of hypothermia is increased consumption of oxygen (hypoxia), the occurrence of metabolic acidosis as a consequence of anaerobic glycolysis, and decreased glycogen stores with a result of hypoglycemia. Loss of calories looked at weight loss that can be overcome by increasing the intake of calories.

Etiology and Precipitation Factor

• Prematurity.
• Asphyxia.
• Sepsis.
• Neurological conditions such as meningitis and cerebral hemorrhage.
• Inadequate drying after birth.
• Exposure to cold ambient temperatures.

Management of Hypothermia is aimed at:

• Prevent hypothermia.
• Know infants with hypothermia.
• Know the risk of hypothermia.
• Action on hypothermia.

Clinical Signs of hypothermia:

Moderate Hypothermia:

• Feet felt cold.
• Weak sucking ability.
• Faint cries.
• Uneven color or called cutis marmorata.

Severe Hypothermia:

• Same with moderate hipothermia
• Slow breathing irregularly
• Slow heart sounds
• May arise hypoglycemia and metabolic asidosisi

Advanced stages of hypothermia

• Face, toes and hands bright red
• Other body parts pale
• Hardened skin, red and edema arising mainly on the back, legs and arms (sclerema)

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