A randomized controlled trial of plastic drape for prevention of hypothermia during umbilical catheterization.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of polyethylene plastic draping in preventing hypothermia during umbilical catheterization.


METHODS
A randomized controlled trial was conducted in newborns who required umbilical catheterization. A sterile polyethylene plastic sheet covering the procedural field was used in the plastic group, and a sterile conventional cotton drape was used in the control group.


RESULTS
Sixty infants were enrolled and randomly assigned to the plastic group (n = 30) and control group (n = 30). There were no significant differences in the baseline demographic data. The use of plastic drapes was associated with a higher rectal temperature compared with the control group. Incidence of hypothermia at the end of procedure were 20% and 50% in the plastic group and control group, respectively (p = 0.03).


CONCLUSIONS
Polyethylene plastic draping was superior to conventional cloth draping in maintaining rectal temperature and preventing hypothermia during umbilical catheterization.
Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Pracha
P
Nuntnarumit
Buranee
B
Swatesutipun
Umaporn
U
Udomsubpayakul
Pornjit
P
Thanacharoenpipat
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001034:Apgar Score; D001724:Birth Weight; D001831:Body Temperature; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002404:Catheterization; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D020959:Polyethylene / Q000009:adverse effects; D058636:Surgical Drapes; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014470:Umbilical Cord / Q000601:surgery*
D020959:Polyethylene