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. Vital signs, peripheral blood oxygen saturation, skin color and behavior (according to Prechtl) were assessed 10 minutes before and 10 minutes after a sponge bath. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics, using paired Student's t-test, Wilcoxon's rank sum test or McNemar's test when pertinent. Statistical significance was considered when p < 0.05.

Results: Vital signs, skin color, behavior and peripheral oxygen saturation all changed significantly after the sponge bath (p < 0.01). No complications were observed within 24 hours after the procedure.

Conclusions: The vital signs, skin color, behavior and oxygen saturation of non-critically ill preterm newborns changed significantly after sponge bathing, although no complications were observed. However, because of these physiologic changes we consider that sponge baths should be performed as quickly as possible in preterm newborn infants.