Diagnosis, prevention and treatment of accidental and perioperative hypothermia

Abstract

Accidental hypothermia and its variant, perioperative hypothermia, is a rather common clinical phenomenon in patients. This is surprising because the negative effects on clinical outcomes are well described and effective patient-warming devices are available today. The aim of this paper is to describe the physiologic background of accidental and perioperative hypothermia, the clinical relevance and existing prophylaxis and treatment options. Patient warming techniques will be discussed in detail. Remaining technical and clinical challenges and the need for further research will be addressed. We will present existing guidelines and standards and analyse the impact of accidental and perioperative hypothermia on cost effectiveness.