Transepidermal water loss in newborn infants. II. Relation to activity and body temperature

Acta Paediatr Scand. 1979 May;68(3):371-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1651-2227.1979.tb05022.x.

Abstract

Using a method described in a previous article the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was studied in 10 healthy newborn infants at rest and during activity. On the average TEWL was 37% higher during activity than during rest although no sweating was observed. In 9 infants placed in incubators with an ambient temperature slightly above the thermoneutral range measurements were made as the body temperature rose. TEWL was almost constant until a temperature of 37.1 degrees C was reached whereupon the water loss suddenly increased as the infant started sweating.

MeSH terms

  • Birth Weight
  • Body Temperature*
  • Body Weight
  • Cesarean Section
  • Female
  • Gestational Age
  • Humans
  • Incubators, Infant
  • Infant, Newborn*
  • Male
  • Motor Activity
  • Skin Temperature
  • Water Loss, Insensible*