Heat loss prevention: a systematic review of occlusive skin wrap for premature neonates.
OBJECTIVE
To systematically identify and synthesize investigations of the effectiveness of occlusive skin wrap for reducing heat loss in premature infants born at less than 36 weeks gestations.


METHODS
Systematic review.


RESULTS
Three randomized controlled trials (RCT) and five historical controlled trials (HCT) were included. Meta-analysis shows wrapped infants had significantly higher admission temperatures than unwrapped infants (RCTs WMD 0.63 degrees C, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.38, 0.87; HCTs WMD 0.96 degrees C, 95% CI 0.66, 1.27). A statistically significant difference in mortality was not found between wrapped and unwrapped infants in the RCTs (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.36, 1.45) or the HCTs (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.51, 1.13).


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that occlusive skin wrap prevents heat loss in premature infants. The meta-analysis lacked the power to provide definitive results regarding the effect of wrap on mortality.
Cramer
Kristie
K
Complementary and Alternative Research and Education Program, Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada.
Wiebe
Natasha
N
Hartling
Lisa
L
Crumley
Ellen
E
Vohra
Sunita
S
D001833:Body Temperature Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007186:Incubators, Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000401:mortality / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal; D008297:Male; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D011247:Pregnancy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016019:Survival Analysis