Thermoregulation in neonates

Thermoregulation in a neonate has certain drawbacks

  • Large body surface area

  • Poor thermal insulation

  • A small mass to act as a heat sink

  • Little ability to conserve heat by change in posture

  • Inability to adjust clothing in response to thermal stress

  • Inability to sweat


In view of these reasons both hypo and hyperthermia may be life threatening in neonates.

Maintaining a thermoneutral environment is vital for neonates and early infants





Comments

calyn, Malaysia

My son fever for 6 days and nearly finish 2 bottles of paracetamol, I'm so worried. Took blood test shown viral infection. Lost, what should I do instead of just continue giving medicine only from 3 bottles increase to 9 bottles now.

banketiwari, India

very educative

dom21, United States

My 2 year old son exoeriences periodic high fever spell associated with vomiting about every 3 weeks or so. His first episode was in Oct 2012. His doctor states it seemed like a bacterial infection but the symptoms would reoccur every 3 weeks, skipping the month of december and jan now resurfacing in february. Im worried that this seems to be happening in patterns. Could this be a sign of something more serious?

eshan, India

i dunno what to do my son is 6yrs and he has fever with headache,stomach ache,chest pain and frequent cold and barking cough on geting tests done his WBC and ESR is high and gastrin level is high have given a course of antibiotics but to no relief