Hypothermia is a medical condition in which the body’s temperature drops below normal, leading to serious complications and potentially death. It can occur due to various medical conditions or surgical procedures. Some of the signs and symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, weak pulse, lack of coordination, drowsiness, confusion, and loss of consciousness. To prevent or treat hypothermia, temperature management systems can be used to maintain a patient’s core body temperature. These systems include:
- Electric blankets: Electric blankets can be placed on the chest, neck, head, and groin area to help sustain body temperature. This technique is most effective in the treatment of severe hypothermia.
- Blood rewarming using hemodialysis machine: This technique involves drawing blood, warming it, and recirculating it in the body using a hemodialysis machine. This machine is typically used to clean the blood of patients with kidney problems.
- Warm intravenous fluids: Warm intravenous saline fluids can be placed into a vein to help heat the blood. The fluid must be heated to at least 37°C in order to maintain the normal range of 36.5-37.5°C for the core body temperature, allowing normal metabolism and neurologic function to continue. Warm intravenous fluids can also be used to prevent hypothermia in patients undergoing surgical procedures due to the effects of anesthetic drugs.
- Thoracic lavage by thoracostomy tube: This technique involves the insertion of a single lateral thoracostomy tube to introduce a large bolus of warmed saline into the body. The fluid is left in place for 15-20 minutes before being drained, and this process can rewarm the body at a rate of 3°C/hr. Combining this technique with active rewarming using heated IV infusions and fluids with warmed humid oxygen can be an effective strategy for severe hypothermia.
Temperature management systems can be used before or during surgery to prevent or treat hypothermia. It is important to monitor and maintain normal body temperature in order to prevent complications and ensure the proper functioning of the heart, nervous system, and various organs.
