Abstract

Preliminary investigation has indicated large decreases in fetal skin permeability during the latter half of gestation (Parmley and Seeds, 1970; Treager, 1966). The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the degree of skin permeability in fetal guinea pigs at various gestational stages. The test hypothesis was that these skins would show a significant decrease in permeability to tritiated water when tested at time increments through out the latter half of gestation.

In vitro skin permeability to tritiated water was measured in samples from 22 guinea pig fetuses. Gestational age ranged from 30 to 65 days in increments of five, as well as 67-day (term) samples. A significant de crease (p=. 05) in obtained permeability coefficients was seen between 45 and 50 days gestation, or near the beginning of the third trimester of pregnancy.

The results of this study give scientifically-based reason for further specific research regarding skin-related care of the small, immature neonate. Areas with significant nursing implications in this patient population include topical application of pharmaceutical agents, heat regulation, fluid evaporation, and maintenance of skin integrity.

LLU Discipline

Nursing

Department

Nursing

School

Graduate School

First Advisor

Clarice W. Woodward

Second Advisor

Gordon G. Power

Third Advisor

Betty T. Lonnstrom

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Degree Level

M.S.

Year Degree Awarded

1982

Date (Title Page)

12-1982

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Neonatology; Skin Diseases -- in infancy & childhood; Skin Pigmentation -- in infancy & childhood.

Type

Thesis

Page Count

vii; 40

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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