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Updated: Jun 23, 2026
06:43
Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management
Published on: November 21, 2017
[Heat exchanges and thermoregulation in the neonate].
P Tourneux1, J-P Libert, L Ghyselen
1PériTox (EA4285-unité mixte Ineris), faculté de médecine, UPJV, 3, rue des Louvels, 80036 Amiens cedex, France. tourneux.pierre@chu-amiens.fr
Summary
Newborns prioritize energy for metabolism, temperature control, and growth. Understanding heat exchange is crucial for preventing hypothermia and hyperthermia in infants, especially preterm ones.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Physiology
Context:
- Newborn infants have a higher surface area to volume ratio, leading to greater heat exchange with the environment compared to adults.
- Maintaining thermal stability is critical for neonatal health, particularly for low birth-weight and preterm infants who are more vulnerable to temperature fluctuations.
- Infants are homeotherms but have limitations in sustaining thermal regulation over extended periods.
Purpose:
- To review the mechanisms of body heat exchange in newborns.
- To analyze the thermoregulation processes in neonates.
- To discuss the clinical implications and limitations of current practices in neonatal intensive care units regarding thermal management.
Summary:
- Energy expenditure in newborns is prioritized for basic metabolism, thermoregulation, and growth.
- Heat exchange occurs via conduction, convection, radiation, and evaporation, with greater susceptibility to environmental influences in infants.
- Effective thermal regulation is vital, and improved understanding of heat exchange mechanisms can enhance clinical care and incubator management.
Impact:
- Provides a comprehensive overview of neonatal thermoregulation for healthcare professionals.
- Highlights the importance of optimizing the thermal environment in incubators to prevent adverse outcomes.
- Informs the development of improved clinical procedures and equipment for neonatal thermal management.
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