Weaning Preterm Infants at 1500 Grams From Incubators

Eligible infants will be randomized by computer generated random numbers, to either the study group weaned at 1500 g or the control group weaned at 1600 g. Both groups will be weaned to a warming bassinet (Babytherm 8000, Drager). The Babytherm 8000 WB is an open care infant warming system with a warmed gel mattress with temperature control . The system is set to keep the mattress temperature of 37 degrees Celsius while decreasing it gradually to 32 0C and shutting the system off. On transfer to the Babytherm infants are dressed with a hat and two vests. Only after the infant maintained a normal body temperature under these conditions he could be transferred to an open bassinet. Failure to wean was defined as core body temperature of <36.10C.

Data collection included skin and rectal temperature obtained before weaning, and at 1/2, 1, 2, 6, 24, and 48 hours after weaning, daily and weekly weight gain (g/kg/d). Resting Energy Expenditure- REE (kcal/kg/24h) is measured by indirect calorimetry (Deltatrac II, Finland) before and 24 hours after weaning to the warming bassinet.

Data Collection included: PR temperature after 30 min, 60 min, 2 hours, 6 hours, 24 hours, after which temperatures were taken 4-hourly until 48 hours (degrees C), skin (axillary) temperature (degrees C), after 30 min, 60 min, 2 hours, 6 hours, and than again every 4 hours until 48 hours. REE (kcal/kg/24h)rate of hypothermia requiring return to the incubator, weight gain after 24 hours of weaning and over 1 week.( g/kg/d),time to discharge ( days).

Inclusion criteria

• stable preterm infants weighing ≤1500 g
• fully enterally fed, and without supplemental oxygen
• steroid or antibiotics treatment
• at the postnatal age of ≥ 2 weeks were included
• infants < than 2 weeks of age

Exclusion criteria

• ventilated infants or those requiring oxygen supplementation
• parenteral nutrition
• antibiotic treatment or steroids treatment were excluded