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Am J Perinatol 2001; 18(7): 393-396
DOI: 10.1055/s-2001-18698
ORIGINAL ARTICLES

Copyright © 2001 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4693

Transepidermal Water Loss and Skin Hydration in Preterm Infants During Phototherapy

A. Maayan-Metzger1 , G. Yosipovitch2 , E. Hadad2 , L. Sirota1
  • 1Department of Neonatology, Schneider Children's Medical Center of Israel, Petah Tiqva
  • 2Department of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Beilinson Campus, Petah Tiqva, and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Publication History

Publication Date:
03 December 2001 (online)

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ABSTRACT

TEWL and skin hydration was measured in 7 body areas before and during phototherapy in 31 preterm infants (gestational age 25 to 36 weeks). Each patient served as his/her own control. There was a mean increase of 26.4% in TEWL during phototherapy. Most prominent increases were recorded in the cubital fossa (45.9%), groin (36.4%), and back (29%). There were no significant differences in stratum corneum moisture in six of the seven body areas before and during phototherapy. This study provides a better understanding of skin physiology during phototherapy in preterm infants and has important implications for the estimation of fluid replacement.

KEYWORD

Phototherapy - preterm - transepidermal water loss

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