Reduce heatloss in late preterms: Heated matress versus warm cot. What is the effect on body temperature and blood glucose level?

This trial examines the differences in body temperature and glucose metabolisme between late preterms with a birth weight above 2000 grams during the first 48 hours after birth by using either a warm cot or a gel-heated matress for reducing heatloss. Secundarily this trial examines the effect of these methods on weight development and hospital stay.

It is an randomized controlled trial, randomization by SNOSE.

There is no significant difference between the heated matress and warm cot as far as body temperature and glucose metabolism in late preterms are concerned.

Temperature measurement with rectal digital thermometer.

Bed-side measurement blood glucose level with Accu-chek®.

T1= temp at arriving at neonatal unit;

T2= temp and glucose 1 hr. postpartum;

T3= temp and glucose 3 hrs. postpartum;

T4= temp and glucose 6 hrs. postpartum;

T5= temp and glucose 12 hrs. postpartum;

T6= temp 18 hrs. postpartum;

T7= temp and glucose 24 hrs. postpartum;

T8= temp 30 hrs. postpartum;

T9= temp 36 hrs. postpartum;

T10= temp 42 hrs. postpartum;

T11= temp 48 hrs. postpartum.

The weight development is the difference between the birth weight and the lowest body weight during hospital stay, in percentage terms.

Randomisation between warm cot and gel-heated matresses in the first 48 hours after birth. The cot is preheated with two hot water bottles. The initial temperature of the gel-heated matress is 37.8 degrees Celcius.