Conclusion
Infant hypothermia remains prevalent, especially in
premature infants, in the United States and throughout
the developing world. My program of research
aims to reduce hypothermia in infants and decrease
associated morbidity and mortality. Our team has
successfully reduced heat loss and hypothermia placing
premature infants in polyurethane bags after birth
and is now studying a new device, the InnerSense
esophageal tube to monitor central temperature continuously
after birth and through stabilization. Additionally,
we have found links between alterations
in central and peripheral temperature and morbidity
in premature infants in their first two weeks of life.
There is much more research to be done to improve
thermal management in infants. Our future endeavors
will translate our expertise in thermal management
of infants to developing and low to middle income
countries to improve infant outcomes.