Effectiveness of infusion warmer use to prevent hypothermia and shivering after general anesthesia

Abstract

Introduction: Shivering and hypothermia after general anesthesia is a common complication in the recovery room. Heating methods and certain drugs are widely used, but may not be effective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of using infusion warmer in maintaining normal core temperature and prevent shivering after general anesthesia. Material and Methods: The study was a non-blind randomized control trial study. Research conducted at the Sanglah General Hospital in October 2016. Fifty-eight people met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were divided into two groups of 29 patients, Group A (with infusion warmer) and Group B (without infusion warmer). Multiple parameters were recorded: vital signs, hemodynamic, Aldrette's score, body temperature, and shivering at after induction as well as at 5, 15, 30, 60 post surgery, and at recovery room. The data obtained were analyzed with SPSS software with a significance level of p <0.005, with a relative risk <1 as significantly preventive. Results: Hypothermia incidents at 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes after arrival at recovery room (RR) were significantly different between groups (each p value <0.001). Shivering incidents at 5, 15, 30, and 60 minutes after arrival at recovery room (RR) were significantly different between groups (p value <0.018, <0.004, <0.001, and <0.001 respectively). Conclusions: The use of infusion warmer may help in reducing the incidence of hypothermia and shivering after general anesthesia.