Effect of radiant warmer on transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration in preterm infants.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effect of radiant warmers on skin barrier function in preterm infants.


METHODS
Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration were measured in 30 preterm infants (birth weight 825 to 2220 g) in seven body areas: forehead, upper back, cubital fossa, palms, soles, abdomen, and inguinal region. Measurements were performed under radiant warmer and incubator conditions. Each patient served as his/her control.


RESULTS
TEWL was significantly higher in the radiant warmer compared to the incubator condition in only two areas: forehead and back. The overall mean difference in percentage TEWL between the conditions was 15%. Stratum corneum hydration was not affected by the radiant warmer.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of radiant warmers does not significantly decrease barrier function in the preterm infant.
Maayan-Metzger
A
A
Department of Neonatology, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, 14 Kaplan Street, Petah Tikva 49-202, Israel.
Yosipovitch
G
G
Hadad
E
E
Sirota
L
L
D001834:Body Water / Q000378:metabolism*; D004817:Epidermis / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007186:Incubators, Infant / Q000009:adverse effects; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008297:Male; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible