Polyethylene bag wrapping to prevent hypothermia during percutaneous central venous catheter insertion in the preterm newborn under 32 weeks of gestation

Abstract

Aim: In preterm neonates, during nursing procedures, body temperature decreases. This study evaluates the interest of polyethylene bag wrapping to prevent this decrease during percutaneous central venous catheter (PCVC) insertion procedure, in preterm neonates under 32 weeks of gestation nursed in closed incubators.

Methods: This prospective observational study compared two periods: [May 2009–September 2009]: “without polyethylene bag wrapping” and [October 2009–March 2010]: “with polyethylene bag wrapping”. The main criterion was newborn skin temperature at the end of the procedure.

Results: There was no difference between the two groups for skin temperature before the procedure (36.9 ± 0.3 °C versus 36.9 ± 0.3 °C; p = NS). The skin temperature at the end of the procedure was lower in the “without bag wrapping” group (36.0 ± 0.5 °C) compared to the “bag wrapping” group (36.4 C ± 0.5 °C; p = 0.01). Furthermore, no skin temperature at the end was higher than 37.4 °C in the bag wrapping group.

Conclusion: The use of a polyethylene bag was effective in decreasing skin temperature fall during a PCVC insertion procedure in our population. No side effects were observed. The benefit of prolonged wrapping or for shorter procedure should be evaluated.

• Incubator
• neonate
• preterm infant
• procedure
• temperature

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the staff of the Neonatal Department, the neonates and parents who participated in the study.