Liquid crystal thermometry for early detection of hypothermia in newborns in neonatology ward, Sardjito Hospital, Yogyakarta

Abstract

Background Hypothermia in neonates increases the risk of mortality 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.

Keywords

• liquid crystal thermometry
• hypothermia
• newborn
• digital termometer