Infections in hypothermic infants younger than 3 months old

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Updated: Sep 29, 2026

Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management
06:43

Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management

Published on: November 21, 2017

R Dagan, R Gorodischer

    American Journal of Diseases of Children (1960)
    |May 1, 1984
    PubMed

    Insights

    Infants with hypothermia (low body temperature) often have infections, leading to worse outcomes. Early antibiotic treatment is recommended for infants under 3 months with hypothermia due to a lack of quick diagnostic indicators.

    Area of Science:

    • Pediatrics
    • Neonatology
    • Infectious Diseases

    Background:

    • Hypothermia in infants is linked to significant illness and death.
    • Infection is common in hypothermic infants and associated with poor prognosis.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the association between infection and clinical variables in hypothermic infants.
    • To evaluate morbidity and mortality in infected versus non-infected hypothermic infants.
    • To identify reliable indicators for infection in hypothermic infants.

    Main Methods:

    • Retrospective review of medical records for 51 infants (under 3 months) hospitalized with hypothermia (rectal temperature ≤34°C).
    • Analysis of clinical data, including vital signs, laboratory results, and presence of infection.

    Main Results:

    • Infections were diagnosed in 27 of 51 infants.
    • Infection was significantly associated with bradycardia, anemia, abnormal leukocyte counts, abnormal serum glucose, and uremia (especially with ≥2 variables).
    • Morbidity and mortality were higher in infected infants.

    Conclusions:

    • No rapid, reliable indicators for infection in hypothermic infants were identified.
    • Antibiotic administration is suggested for all infants under 3 months with hypothermia upon hospital admission pending improved diagnostic methods.

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