Transepidermal water loss and skin hydration in preterm infants during phototherapy

TEWL and skin hydration was measured in 7 body areas before and during phot otherapy in 31 preterm infants (gestational age 25 to 36 weeks). Each patie nt served as his/her own control. There was a mean increase of 26.4% in TEW L during phototherapy. Most prominent increases were recorded in the cubita l fossa (45.9%), groin (36.4%), and back (29%). There were no significant d ifferences in stratum corneum moisture in six of the seven body areas befor e and during phototherapy. This study provides a better understanding of sk in physiology during phototherapy in preterm infants and has important impl ications for the estimation of fluid replacement.