What is a common source of radiant heat loss?

Hypothermia is a core temperature < 36 to 36.5° C. In premature infants, hypothermia increases morbidity and mortality. Hypothermia may be purely environmental or represent intercurrent illness (eg, sepsis). Maintaining an appropriate environmental temperature in the delivery room or operating room is critical in preventing hypothermia. Hypothermic infants should be rewarmed and any underlying condition must be diagnosed and treated.

Hypothermia is treated by rewarming in an incubator or under a radiant warmer. The neonate should be monitored and treated as needed for hypoglycemia, hypoxemia, and apnea. Underlying conditions such as sepsis, drug withdrawal, or intracranial hemorrhage require specific treatment.