[Water loss through the skin and rectal temperature under phototherapy with a doped halide radiating lamp]

Abstract

A new metal-halid phototherapy-lamp with a bilirubin-effective radiant energy of 11 W/m2 (focus distance 45 cm) was tested with regard to its influence on transepidermal water loss ("TEWL") and rectal temperatures. 23 term and preterm newborn infants (gestational age 28-40 weeks, body weight 980-3450 g) were examined on the first days after birth using the Evaporimeter-method. The mean value of TEWL in babies weighing greater than 2000 g (33 gestational weeks) calculated by a special graphic method (approximation) was 14 ml H2O/kg X 24 h increasing in the smallest babies in an exponential relationship. We recommend to compensate the raised TEWL with 10 ml/24 h and only in preterm babies weighing less than or equal to 1000 g (less than or equal to 28 gestational weeks) with 15 ml/24 h. Rectal temperatures raised only insignificantly under phototherapy.