Transparent Film Dressing Versus Microporous Paper Tape for Temperature Probe Fixation in Preterm Neonates: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Aditya Hemendra Bhatt, Dipen Vasudev Patel, Mayur Kiran Shinde et al.
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial compared transparent film dressing with microporous paper tape for securing temperature probes in preterm neonates receiving radiant warmer care. Among 128 neonates, any probe-site skin damage occurred in 64.1% with microporous tape and 59.4% with film dressing (P = 0.585), with no significant difference in the overall outcome. Skin dryness was more frequent with microporous tape (54.7% vs. 31.3%, P = 0.007); erythema and skin breakdown were comparable between groups.
Key findings
- Any skin damage occurred in 41/64 (64.1%) with microporous tape versus 38/64 (59.4%) with film dressing (P = 0.585).
- Skin dryness was more frequent with microporous tape than film dressing (54.7% vs. 31.3%, P = 0.007).
- Erythema and skin breakdown did not differ significantly between groups.
Why it matters
Probe fixation can affect neonatal skin integrity, and this trial found frequent skin damage with both methods. Although the overall incidence was similar, the higher rate of dryness with microporous tape suggests that the type of skin change may vary by fixation material. These findings help frame skin monitoring as relevant when securing temperature probes in preterm neonates.