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Updated: Apr 8, 2026

Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
Postnatal changes in skin water content in preterm infants
Akio Ishiguro1, Sumie Fujinuma1, Yukiko Motojima1
1Division of Neonatal Medicine, Center for Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Medicine, Saitama Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Kawagoe, Saitama, Japan.
Preterm infants
Area of Science:
- Neonatal dermatology
- Infant skin physiology
- Developmental biology
Background:
- Preterm infants possess immature skin, increasing susceptibility to skin issues.
- Postnatal skin development in preterm infants remains under-researched.
- Understanding skin changes is crucial for neonatal intensive care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the temporal changes in skin water content in preterm infants.
- To correlate initial skin water content with gestational age.
- To determine when preterm infant skin reaches term-equivalent hydration.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 101 preterm infants in a neonatal intensive care unit.
- Skin water content measured using dielectric methods at 1.5mm depth across five regions.
- Measurements taken on postnatal days 1, 2, 3, 7, and weekly until 37 weeks corrected age.
Main Results:
- Initial skin water content on day 1 showed an inverse correlation with gestational age.
- Significant decrease in skin water content observed over time.
- Skin hydration levels normalized to term infant levels by 32-35 weeks corrected age.
Conclusions:
- Postnatal changes in skin water content are significant in preterm infants.
- Skin hydration in preterm infants matures and reaches term-equivalent levels by approximately 32-35 weeks corrected age.
- Corrected age is a key factor in the postnatal maturation of preterm infant skin water content.
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