Reduction of insensible water loss in premature infants under the radiant warmer
THE USE of radiant warmers for the care of neonates is not without risks nor side effects; hyperthermia, 1 increased insensible water loss, 2 and first-degree burns 3 have been reported. The mechanism for the high IWL in infants under radiant warmers is not known. It is probably due to either an increase in blood flow as a result of direct thermal effect on the skin 2 or to a poorly controlled physical environment.' Since a heat shield has been shown to facilitate achievement of neutral thermal environment in an incubator? -6 this study was designed to see if it could also be used to reduce IWL under the radiant warmer.
Abstract Purpose The authors present here 5 cases of continent urinary diversion in rhabdomyosarcoma applying a recently described technique for the Mitrofanoff Principle devised by the authors. Methods Two previously irradiated rhabdomyosarcoma patients presenting with residual bladder disease and massive sensitive urinary urgency underwent a transverse colonic reservoir with catheterizable stoma. Two other patients presenting with a Bricker conduit underwent conversion into an ileal reservoir. One patient underwent reconstruction after a cystectomy. Results All patients were continent and able to perform continent intermittent catheterization. Conclusions The technique proved to be feasible for this group of patients. The authors believe that because of its simplicity, it should be an option of continent urinary diversion when the Mitrofanoff Principle is considered.