Liquid crystal thermometry for early detection of hypothermia in newborns in neonatology ward, Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta
Abstract
Background Hypothermia in neonates increases the risk ofmortality and morbidity such as infection, coagulation disorders,
acidosis and hyaline membrane disease. Mercury thermometer is
commonly used to detect hypothermia in newborns, but it has it
is not ecological acceptable, difficult to be sterilized, easily broken,
difficult to find in some developing countries and needs some
training before use. A simple, effective and easily used tool for
detection of hypothermia in newborns is needed.
Objective To evaluate the ability of liquid crystal thermometry
(LCT) in early detection of newborn hypothermia.
Methods This study was conducted in the neonatology ward,
Sardjito Hospital. The LCT was placed on the abdominal wall.
Digital thermometer measurement and LCT observation were
conducted three times in each patient. LCT’s color and body
temperature were documented by using a pre-coded questionnaire.
Results A total of 268 newborns met the inclusion and exclusion
criteria. The pilot study showed that the inter-observer agreement
of LCT was 0.75. Positive likelihood ratio during three
measurements were 22.9 (95%CI 11.47;45.78), 18.97 (95%CI
9.43;38.16) and 22.8 (95%CI 11.34;45.83) respectively.
Conclusion LCT exhibits good accuracy and is safe to diagnose
hypothermia in newborn.
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Accepted 2016-09-04
Published 2008-02-29