Association between delayed normalization of admission temperature in neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit and neonatal outcomes: A cross-sectional study

Background: Neonatal hypothermia remains a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality among neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). While hypothermia at admission has been widely studied, limited evidence exists regarding the impact of delayed normalization of admission temperature on neonatal outcomes. Objectives: To assess the association between delayed normalization of admission temperature and neonatal morbidity and mortality among neonates admitted to a tertiary care NICU. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the NICU of a tertiary care centre in Bangalore, India, from July to September 2025. All inborn and outborn neonates admitted during the study period were included, excluding those with major congenital or chromosomal anomalies. Admission axillary temperature was recorded using a digital thermometer and monitored every 15 minutes until normothermia (36.5-37.5 °C) was achieved. The time taken to normalize temperature was documented. Neonates were followed for morbidity and mortality outcomes during their NICU stay. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, and a p-value