A complete correspondence is not seen, other factors enter into the augmentation of the temperature, such as the food supply, digestion, etc. Judging from my own and the experience of the authorities mentioned above, the following conclusions may be offered. If the rectal temperature deviates from the standard it should be considered abnormal and measures taken to restore the normal heat. Subnormal temperatures should be treated by warm baths according to the method of Budin. In all cases it is expedient to maintain the incubator temperature at the lowest point which the infant can comfortably bear.
Higher temperatures predispose to indigestion, poor catabolism and cyanosis.
Attacks of cyanosis lead to depression of the body heat and should be treated by warm baths rather than an elevation of the incubator temperature. Perspiration, sudamina, restlessness, and cutaneous hyperesthesia are indications of too much heat. The thermoregulating apparatus of the infant, however feeble it may be, is severely strained when the temperature is too high. Better results follow the lower temperatures. Excess of heat leads to a higher death rate.