Management of Hypothermia in the Trauma Patient

Abstract

Hypothermia is a disorder that causes catastrophic dysfunction in the body's regulation of homeostasis. Trauma patients are at increased risk of hypothermia from both intrinsic and iatrogenic causes. Rapid recognition and aggressive intervention is necessary to prevent organ failure and death. Passive external, active external, active core, and extracorporeal rewarming have all been studied as therapeutic options to manage severe hypothermia. Many, but not all, have a role in the resuscitation of hypothermic trauma patients. The appropriate rewarming modality should be chosen based on the patient, hemodynamic stability, and the resources available.