Abstract
Background & Objectives:Hypothermia, described as temperature < 35°C, is a frequent condition encountered in patients operated under general anesthesia. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We aimed to estimate its incidence and to investigate the conditions associated with hypothermia in pediatric patients.Methods:This prospective clinical study was carried out in the operating theatre of a tertiary care center between August 2015 and September 2015. A total of 108 pediatric patients who underwent various surgical procedures that lasted for more than 30 minutes were enrolled. Baseline demographic data, types of surgical procedures, duration of operations, preoperative and perioperative body temperatures were recorded. The incidence of hypothermia and its possible correlates were sought.Results:Our series consisted of 108 children (77 males, 71.3%; 31 females, 28.7%) with an average age of 6.08±5.09 years were included in the study. There was no case diagnosed with hypothermia in the preoperative, perioperative and postoperative periods. Patients in American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (ASA) three group had significantly higher preoperative body temperatures compared to those in ASA-1 and ASA-2 groups (p = 0.027). The postoperative body temperature in patients receiving intravenous fluid replacement was significantly lower (p=0.017).Conclusion:For pediatric patients scheduled for surgical interventions, we recommend close monitorization and follow-up of body temperature, implementation of preventive measures to avoid hypothermia and routine perioperative heating. Avoidance of hypothermia may prevent hazardous consequences of postoperative hypothermia.
Highlights
Hypothermia is a frequent condition that may occur in operating theater as a consequence of general anesthesia and surgery
Power calculations based on our pilot study with 20 patients revealed that (Preoperative body temperature: 36.6 ± 0.2 mm vs. postoperative 30th minute body temperature: 36.4 ± 0.4, effect size 0.78, alpha error: 0.5 power: 0.95) at least 43 patients were required for an adequate sample size
The average values for room and body temperatures measured in the preoperative, perioperative and postoperative periods are shown in Table-I There was no case diagnosed with hypothermia in the preoperative, perioperative and postoperative periods
Summary
Hypothermia is a frequent condition that may occur in operating theater as a consequence of general anesthesia and surgery. The vulnerability of the patient to a cold environment in the operating room together with the anesthesiainduced deterioration of thermoregulatory control mechanisms may lead to hypothhermia.[1,2,3] Hypothermia may function as a double-edged sword, since it may be both beneficiary and harmful in surgical patients In this context, it may be protective against the deleterious effects of cerebral. Hypothermia, described as temperature < 35°C, is a frequent condition encountered in patients operated under general anesthesia. It is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Conclusion: For pediatric patients scheduled for surgical interventions, we recommend close monitorization and follow-up of body temperature, implementation of preventive measures to avoid hypothermia and routine perioperative heating.
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