What Factors Affect Thermal Regulation in Neonates?
Several factors impact the ability of neonates to regulate their body temperature:
1. Gestational Age: Preterm infants have less subcutaneous fat and immature skin, making them more susceptible to heat loss. 2. Birth Weight: Low birth weight infants have a higher surface area-to-mass ratio, which accelerates heat loss. 3. Environmental Temperature: The ambient temperature can significantly influence neonatal body temperature. 4. Medical Conditions: Conditions such as sepsis, intracranial hemorrhage, and respiratory distress syndrome can impair thermal regulation.
