The Application of Sterile Water to the Skin of Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) Infants
| Status: | Completed |
|---|---|
| Conditions: | Women's Studies |
| Therapuetic Areas: | Reproductive |
| Healthy: | No |
| Age Range: | Any |
| Updated: | 1/24/2018 |
| Start Date: | January 2014 |
| End Date: | December 31, 2017 |
Extremely low birth weight infants have significant water loss through their skin immediately
after birth. This significant fluid loss is because they have large amounts of fluids, have
immature skin and large surface area. Loss of fluids is associated with many complications.
The investigators hypothesize that application of sterile water to the skin of these infants
is associated with decreased fluid requirements in the first week of life , improve skin
integrity and decrease some complications of prematurity.
after birth. This significant fluid loss is because they have large amounts of fluids, have
immature skin and large surface area. Loss of fluids is associated with many complications.
The investigators hypothesize that application of sterile water to the skin of these infants
is associated with decreased fluid requirements in the first week of life , improve skin
integrity and decrease some complications of prematurity.
Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants have significant transepidermal water loss
immediately after birth. This significant fluid loss is related to proportionally large
extracellular pool of fluids, the immaturity of the skin barrier, and the relatively large
surface area exposed to evaporation. Water depletion in this population is associated with
development of significant electrolyte imbalance in the form of hypernatremia, hyperkalemia,
hyperglycemia and hyperosmolarity. In order to compensate for these losses, clinicians have
to progressively increase fluid intake. Excessive fluid intake in the first days of life is
associated with worsening patent ductus artriosus (PDA), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC),
bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and mortality. Also skin integrity is important to protect
against skin infection and secondary sepsis. Based on recent studies and relevant data, the
risk of sepsis in ELBW is up to 40% nationwide, but only about 25% at GWUH Water application
is a benign treatment that is routinely applied to the skin of premature babies and was shown
to decrease skin colonization. The current practice at GWUH is to clean the bodies of
premature infants using a piece of damp cloth with warm water. This is performed at birth and
consequently every other days. The study group will receive more frequent and standardized
applications. The investigators hypothesize that application of sterile water in ELBW infants
is associated with decreased fluid requirements in the first week of life. As a secondary
outcome, the investigators hypothesize that sterile water application is associated with
improved skin integrity, decreased incidence of BPD with no increased incidence of skin or
systemic infections.
immediately after birth. This significant fluid loss is related to proportionally large
extracellular pool of fluids, the immaturity of the skin barrier, and the relatively large
surface area exposed to evaporation. Water depletion in this population is associated with
development of significant electrolyte imbalance in the form of hypernatremia, hyperkalemia,
hyperglycemia and hyperosmolarity. In order to compensate for these losses, clinicians have
to progressively increase fluid intake. Excessive fluid intake in the first days of life is
associated with worsening patent ductus artriosus (PDA), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC),
bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and mortality. Also skin integrity is important to protect
against skin infection and secondary sepsis. Based on recent studies and relevant data, the
risk of sepsis in ELBW is up to 40% nationwide, but only about 25% at GWUH Water application
is a benign treatment that is routinely applied to the skin of premature babies and was shown
to decrease skin colonization. The current practice at GWUH is to clean the bodies of
premature infants using a piece of damp cloth with warm water. This is performed at birth and
consequently every other days. The study group will receive more frequent and standardized
applications. The investigators hypothesize that application of sterile water in ELBW infants
is associated with decreased fluid requirements in the first week of life. As a secondary
outcome, the investigators hypothesize that sterile water application is associated with
improved skin integrity, decreased incidence of BPD with no increased incidence of skin or
systemic infections.
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Extremely Low Birth Weight (less than 1000 grams at birth), and
2. Less than 24 hours of life
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Major congenital anomalies
2. Malformations or other surgical emergencies requiring immediate transfer.
3. Major skin abnormalities
We found this trial at
1
site
Click here to add this to my saved trials
