Abstract
Purpose
To assess the association between different incubator humidity levels and clinical outcomes in preterm infants.
Background
Since there is no well-accepted standard for delivery of incubator humidity for preterm infants. A meta-analysis is needed to summarize status of current research.
Methods
Searched 5 databases, including PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Embase, Ovid, and Web of Science, published between January 2000 and December 2023. Randomized control trials, prospective cohort studies and retrospective cohort studies were included if they assessed how different incubator humidity levels affected preterm infants with a gestational age < 34 weeks, published in English. Infection rates, the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and predischarge mortality were evaluated.
Results
Included in this review were 3 randomized control trials and 3 cohort studies including 801 preterm infants. Findings revealed that a high humidity level increased the incidence of infection in preterm infants (RR = 1.26, 95% CI 1.02, 1.55, P = 0.03). No significant difference was found between a high humidity incubator humidity levels and the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia or infant mortality.
Conclusions
This study found that high humidity levels had a significant impact on the incidence of infection.
Implications for Practice and Research
: Evidence from the two decades showed that high humidity levels significantly increased the incidence of infection in preterm infants. When considering a humidity delivery plan, the impact of high humidity levels on the incidence of infection should be carefully considered. High-quality, large-sample and multicenter trials are needed for further validation.