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Abstract
When performing electrophysiological testing, high electrical impedance values are
sometimes found in neonates. Since excessive impedance can invalidate test results,
a study was conducted to delineate the relationship between skin maturation and electrical
skin impedance. This study investigated the skin impedance in 72 infants ranging from
196 to 640 days of age from conception. Regression analyses demonstrated a significant
relationship between impedance and age, with the highest impedance centered around
full-term gestation with values falling precipitously at time points on either side.
Clinically, impedance values fall to normal levels at approximately four months following
full-term gestation. Skin impedance values are low in premature infants, but rapidly
increase as the age approaches that of full-term neonates. Low impedance values in
premature infants are attributed to greater skin hydration which results from immature
skin conditions such as 1) thinner epidermal layers particularly at the transitional
and cornified layers; 2) more blood flow to the skin; and 3) higher percentage of
water composition. These factors facilitate the diffusion of water vapor through the
skin. As the physical barrier to skin water loss matures with gestational age, the
skin impedance reaches a maximum value at full term neonatal age. After this peak,
a statistically significant inverse relationship exists between electrical skin impedance
and age in the first year of life. This drop in skin impedance is attributed to an
increase in skin hydration as a result of the greater functional maturity of eccrine
sweat glands.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
March 29,
1991
Received:
June 1,
1990
Identification
Copyright
© 1991 Published by Elsevier Inc.
