Variations of vital signs, skin color, behavior and oxygen saturation in premature neonates after sponge bathing. Possible complications.

Background: Although sponge bathing is a routine practice in preterm newborn infants, there is evidence suggesting that this procedure is not always innocuous. The objective of this study was to determine whether the sponge bath induces significant changes in vital signs, skin coloration, behavior and peripheral oxygen saturation in the non-critically ill preterm newborn infants, and to assess possible complications.

Material And Methods: Seventy nine preterm neonates were prospectively studied between August and November 1999.