A 1.6 kg preterm neonate aged 6 hours is found to have an axillary temperature of 31.5 degrees Celsius. According to the WHO classification of neonatal hypothermia, this infant has:
- A Mild hypothermia
- B Moderate hypothermia
- C Severe hypothermia ✓
- D Normal core temperature for a preterm infant
Correct answer: C. Severe hypothermia
Explanation
The WHO classifies neonatal hypothermia as cold stress at 36.0 to 36.4 degrees Celsius, moderate hypothermia at 32.0 to 35.9 degrees Celsius, and severe hypothermia below 32.0 degrees Celsius. An axillary reading of 31.5 degrees therefore falls into the severe category, which carries a high risk of apnoea, hypoglycaemia, acidosis and death, and requires active rapid rewarming under close monitoring. Preterm infants lose heat rapidly but their normal range is identical to term infants.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.