Accidental hypothermia Review of the literature

Abstract

The pathophysiology and treatment of accidental hypothermia are discussed. Special attention is paid to the pathophysiologic problems of rewarming. For severely hypothermic patients we would recommend peritoneal dialysis as the method of choice for rewarming in a hospital situation. In a "field situation" passive or slow active rewarming is recommended.

Rewarming From Severe Accidental Hypothermia With Circulatory Arrest

“…Most reports from urban environments are associated with drug or alcohol abuse, serious illness in the elderly, suicide or accidents related to sports activity 2 . Only a few case reports present a larger patient population of severe accidental hypothermia [3][4][5][6][7][8] .…”

Hypothermia following exertional heat stroke treatment

“…The time frame for the appearance of clinical manifestations varies widely (Danzl 2001). Compared to heat stroke, which progresses and deteriorates rapidly, hypothermia progresses slowly (Lonning et al 1986). One of the explanations for the ability to survive longer after hypothermia is the slowing of metabolic rate and reducing the oxygen demand as a protective effect induced by hypothermia (Lonning et al 1986;Tipton 2003).…”

“…Compared to heat stroke, which progresses and deteriorates rapidly, hypothermia progresses slowly (Lonning et al 1986). One of the explanations for the ability to survive longer after hypothermia is the slowing of metabolic rate and reducing the oxygen demand as a protective effect induced by hypothermia (Lonning et al 1986;Tipton 2003). For example, at a brain temperature of 20°C compared to 28°C there is a reduction by 50 and 75% in cerebral oxygen consumption, respectively (Tipton 2003).…”

Successful Use of Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Accidental Hypothermic Cardiac Arrest

“…Other settings where severe accidental hypothermia may be seen are accidents related to sports and occupational disasters. 11 Although CPB is often used to treat patients with hypothermia, especially those with cardiovascular instability, the discussion about the optimal treatment still continues. The ideal treatment should be safe in all clinical scenarios, simple, and able to rewarm patients of all age groups and all severities of hypothermia.…”