Embrace versus Cloth Wrap in preventing neonatal hypothermia during transport: a randomized trial.

Background: We assessed the efficacy of Embrace Nest Infant Warmer versus Cloth Wrap in preventing hypothermia during short-term transport from the emergency department (ED) to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods: Neonates weighing ≥1500 g coming to the ED were randomized for transport to the NICU. Axillary temperature was measured.

Results: A total of 120 newborns (60 per group) were enrolled. From ED exit to NICU entry, the mean (SD) temperature increased in the Embrace group by 0.37 °C (0.54), whereas it reduced by 0.38 °C (0.80) in the Cloth group (p < 0.001). Hypothermia cases reduced in the Embrace group from 39 (65%) to 21 (35%), while it increased from 21 (35%) to 39 (65%) in the Cloth group (p = 0.001) from ED exit to NICU entry. The thermoregulation for 24 h after admission to the NICU was superior in the Embrace group.

Conclusions: Embrace showed significantly better thermoregulation in neonates. Further studies should be done to measure its effectiveness in different environments and distances.