SIMULATION-MODEL OF HEAT-LOSS IN PRETERM INFANTS

A prerequisite for the further improvement in the quality of warming t herapy is an accurate knowledge of the interactions between the microc limate in warming therapy devices and the thermal balance of the infan t. For generating this knowledge, thermal manikins can be helpful. Sui table models capable of also simulating evaporative heat loss in prete rm infants have, however, not been available to date. A thermal maniki n representing an infant weighing 530 g and capable of simulating conv ective, radiative and also evaporative heat loss has now been develope d. It comprises an outer shell made of porous, anatomically shaped cla y, and is divided into Six compartments each of which can be heated in dividually. Water-filled Gore-Tex bags located immediately beneath the shell are provided to simulate evaporation. In a clinical study, temp erature profiles of 8 very small preterm infants were measured thermog raphically. Measurements in the manikin showed that highly comparable temperature profiles with only minor differences could be obtained. To tal heat and water losses by the manikin were in good agreement with c linical values. Using the model described here it is possible to simul ate the heat exchange of premature infants under extreme and accuratel y reproducible environmental conditions. This manikin may thus serve a s a tool for comparative studies, for the development of warming thera py equipment, or for training purposes.