Study note
Pediatrics
Newborn Care
Neonatal warming equipment: water loss and practical differences
THE CONTEXT
The comparison of radiant warmers and incubators
continues with water loss, humidification, maintenance, and cost.
Water loss and humidification
•
Insensible water loss is greater under a radiant warmer and
can result in dehydration in small neonates.
•
Incubators have lower insensible water loss and
are suitable for neonates below 1500 g.
•
Radiant warmers do not offer humidification; advanced incubators can provide it.
•
Higher humidity reduces insensible water losses from the skin and helps maintain fluid balance in neonates below 1500 g.
Maintenance and cost
•
Radiant warmers are easier to maintain and disinfect and
have a lower cost.
•
Incubators are more difficult to maintain and disinfect and
have a higher cost.
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