Maintaining normal temperature immediately after birth in late preterm and term infants: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Aim: Prevention of hypothermia after birth is a global problem in late preterm and term neonates. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate delivery room strategies to maintain normothermia and improve survival in late preterm and term neonates (≥34 weeks’ gestation). Methods: Medline, Embase, CINAHL, CENTRAL and international clinical trial registries were searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs and observational studies were eligible for inclusion. Risk of bias for each study and GRADE certainty of evidence for each outcome were assessed. Results: 25 RCTs and 10 non-RCTs were included. Room temperature of 23 °C compared to 20 °C improved normothe..