Comparative clinical evaluation of a prototype non-electric transport incubator and an electrical infant incubator in a neonatal unit

A new non-electric transport incubator has been developed for transferring babies between health facilities in developing countries. The temperature p erformance of this prototype was compared with a commercial electric incuba tor. The warm-up time for the prototype was 51.8 min, compared with 48.1 mi n for the electric incubator. Forty-five non-distressed premature babies, a ged 24-72h, with a gestational age of less than 37 weeks, were continuously evaluated for a 2 h period, Twenty-five babies, with a mean weight of 2073 g (range 1500-2500 g), were studied in the prototype, and 20 babies, with a mean weight of 2076g (range 1550-2500 g), were studied in the electrical i ncubator. The rectal and abdominal skin temperature, heart rate, oxygen sat uration and respiratory rate of the babies were recorded. The temperature, oxygen and humidity level of the canopy and the room temperature were also measured. The SaO(2), heart rate and respiratory rate were within the norma l range (in the prototype: 96.5%, 130.5 beats min(-1) and 43 breaths min(-1 ), respectively; and, in the electric incubator. 96.5%, 128.5 beats min(-1) and 40 breaths min 7, respectively). No evidence of carbon dioxide narcosi s, hypoxia, acidosis or adverse thermoregulatory behaviour were observed in the two groups. The mean rectal temperature for both groups was within the range 36.5 degreesC-37.5 degreesC. There was no significant difference bet ween the measurements of the two groups, The level of oxygen inside the can opy was 21%, and no decrease was observed, The new nonelectric transport in cubator confirmed its safety and efficiency in providing a warm environment for non-distressed premature babies over a 2 h period.