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  • Title: Cot-nursing using a heated, water-filled mattress and incubator care: a randomized clinical trial.
    Author: Gray PH, Paterson S, Finch G, Hayes M.
    Journal: Acta Paediatr; 2004 Mar; 93(3):350-5. PubMed ID: 15124838.
    Abstract:
    AIMS: To evaluate the thermal responses and weight gain in preterm infants nursed in a cot on a heated, water-filled mattress (HWM) compared with infants receiving care in an air-heated incubator and to compare mothers' stress, anxiety levels and perceptions of their infants in the two groups. METHODS: Stable preterm infants weighing 1300 to 1500 g were enrolled, being randomly allocated to either the study group (n = 41) receiving care in a cot on an HWM, or the control group (n = 33) receiving incubator care. The mean daily body temperature and episodes of cold stress and hyperthermia were recorded. Weight gain (g kg(-1) body weight d(-1)) was also calculated. The mothers completed questionnaires on their perceptions of their infants, and their anxiety and stress levels before randomization, and 2-3 wk later during the trial. RESULTS: The mean body temperature was similar for the first week of the trial (study group 36.9 degrees C vs controls 36.9 degrees C). There were no significant differences in the incidence of cold stress, while more hyperthermic episodes were seen in the study group (p = 0.03). There were no significant differences in weight gain during the first (study group 21.4 g vs controls 19.6 g) or second weeks of the trial (study group 20.5 g vs controls 19.2 g). Neonatal morbidity did not differ between the groups. There were no differences in mothers' perceptions of their babies, or feelings of stress or anxiety. CONCLUSION: There were no differences between infants cot-nursed on an HWM and those receiving incubator care, with the exception of episodes of high temperature. The results suggest that the HWM may be used safely for low-weight preterm infants.
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