Effect of ''ZIPKIF'' Plastic Bag on Prevention of Hypothermia in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and purpose: Hypothermia after birth has serious complications and conventional methods for warming of preterm newborns are not always helpful. New guideline for neonatal resuscitation program recommended wrapping of premature newborns in polyethylene bags. But controversies exist regarding different transparent membranes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ZipKif food grade plastic bag on prevention of hypothermia among ≤32 week neonates. Materials and methods: This was a randomized controlled trial of 40 neonates ≤ 32 weeks' gestational age who were assigned into two groups. The infants in experimental group were wrapped in ZipKif plastic bag immediately after birth while those in the control group were dried according to conventional method. Axillary temperatures were recorded for both groups in admission time and one hour later. Results: Mean axillary temperature in experimental group (36.58 ± 0.37) was significantly higher than that of the control group (35.56 ± 0.86) (P=0.000). Significant reductions were seen in the incidence of hypothermia and time of resuscitation among infants wrapped in ZipKif plastic bag (P=0.000 and P=0.017, respectively). Conclusion: Wrapping preterm neonates at birth time in ZipKif plastic bag is an effective and inexpensive method to prevent hypothermia which does not increase the risk of hyperthermia.