Gender-related differences in rectal temperature in human neonates

The aim of this study was to examine the gender-related differences in huma n neonates' body temperature. Rectal temperatures of 101 newborns (52 girls and 49 boys) were measured using a calibrated glass-mercury thermometer fi ve times during their first 5 days of life. Results show that the temperatu re of males, averaged over 5 days, was significantly lower (37.068 degreesC ) than that of females (37.168 degreesC). This result suggests that gender- dependent differences in baseline body temperature are present at birth. (C ) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.