What is a significant risk factor for temperature regulation in preterm infants?

• A. Increased brown adipose tissue
• B. Decreased brown adipose tissue
• C. Normal fat reserves
• D. Stable metabolic rate

Answer: (B)

Decreased brown adipose tissue is a significant risk factor for temperature regulation in preterm infants because brown adipose tissue plays a crucial role in thermogenesis, which is the process of heat production in the body. In preterm infants, their stores of brown adipose tissue are often insufficient or immature, leading to impaired ability to generate heat and maintain stable body temperature. This lack of adequate brown fat makes them more susceptible to hypothermia, as they rely primarily on this tissue to produce heat in response to cold exposure, particularly in the first few weeks of life.

The presence of normal fat reserves or increased brown adipose tissue would usually contribute positively to thermoregulation, helping the infant to maintain a stable body temperature. A stable metabolic rate may also aid in temperature regulation, but without adequate brown adipose tissue, the infant may still struggle to maintain thermal homeostasis despite these factors.