Use of Heated Humidified Gases for Early Stabilization of Preterm Infants: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Background: Large observational studies in preterm infants have shown an increase in mortality and morbidity when admission temperature is below 36.5°C. Recent randomized controlled studies have shown a reduction in admission hypothermia and an increase in the number of infants admitted with normal temperature (36.5-37.5°C) when heated humidified gases were used for initial stabilization of preterm infants. Objective: The goal of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of published randomized trials using heated humidified gas compared to cold dry gas in preterm infants immediately after birth and during transport to the neonatal unit. Specific research aims were to determine the magnitude..