TempWatchPeer-Reviewed PublicationObservational Study
Role of Hypothermia Detecting Device during Transitional Adaptation of Healthy Full-Term Infant
Year
2021
Location
🇮🇳 Belagavi, Karnataka, India
Sample Size
51 full-term healthy infants
Investigators
Manisha Bhandankar, Bhadresh Patel
Institutions
KAHER's JNMC, KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital, Belgaum, Karnataka
Published In
Indian Journal of Neonatal Medicine and Research
Background & Methods
Hypothermia is a major preventable cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality, even in healthy full-term newborns. This observational study examined the incidence and pattern of hypothermia during the transitional adaptation period in full-term infants using the BEMPU TempWatch device at KLES Dr. Prabhakar Kore Charitable Hospital, Belagavi. All 51 full-term neonates were monitored continuously from birth. Risk factors including time of birth (day vs. night), season, gestational age, and birth weight were assessed.
Key Results
| Outcome / Metric | BEMPU Group | p-value |
|---|---|---|
| Incidence of any hypothermia in transitional period | 96.07% | — |
| Night delivery vs. day delivery (hypothermia risk) | OR 2.33 (night more likely) | 0.006 |
- 196.07% of healthy full-term newborns experienced at least one episode of hypothermia during transitional adaptation — far higher than typically assumed.
- 2Newborns delivered at night were significantly more likely to develop hypothermia than those delivered during the day (OR 2.33, p=0.006), likely due to lower ambient temperatures and reduced staff vigilance.
- 3The TempWatch device enabled early detection of these episodes and prompted warming interventions before deterioration.
Why This Matters
This study challenges the assumption that healthy full-term newborns are safe from hypothermia. The near-universal incidence (96%) highlights the importance of continuous temperature monitoring even for term infants during the first hours of life, and supports broader use of TempWatch in routine postnatal care — not just for LBW or premature infants.
How to Cite
Bhandankar M, Patel B. Role of hypothermia detecting device during transitional adaptation of healthy full-term infant. Indian Journal of Neonatal Medicine and Research. 2021 Jan;9(1).
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