Comparison Of Thermal Stability Between Immersion Bath And Sponge Bath Followed By Standard Care In Stable Preterm In Postnatal Ward

Abstract

Background: Preterm neonates are at high risk of hypothermia, which can lead to various complications. This study aimed to compare the effects of immersion bath and sponge bath followed by standard care on the thermal stability of preterm neonates.
Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted on 76 preterm neonates, with 38 neonates in each group (immersion bath and sponge bath). Axillary temperature was measured before the bath and at various time intervals after the bath (immediately, 15, 30, 45, and 60 minutes).
Results: The immersion bath group had significantly higher axillary temperatures compared to the sponge bath group at all time points after the bath. The mean difference in axillary temperature between the groups was -1.4°F (p<0.001) immediately after the bath, -1.3°F (p<0.001) at 15 minutes, -0.8°F (p<0.001) at 30 minutes, -0.6°F (p<0.001) at 45 minutes, and -0.4°F (p=0.004) at 60 minutes post-bath.
Conclusion: Immersion bathing followed by standard care results in better thermal stability compared to sponge bathing in preterm neonates. These findings support the use of immersion bathing as the preferred method for maintaining thermal stability in this vulnerable population.