Obstetric Hemorrhage and Hypothermia: Chilling Facts

Abstract

Objective: This clinical perspective reviews the causes, prevention and treatment of accidental hypothermia in severe obstetric hemorrhage. Results: Hypothermia commonly accompanies hemorrhagic shock. Hypothermia can inhibit blood coagulation, reduce cardiac contractility, predispose to arrhythmias, contribute to acidosis, and suppress immune function. Several techniques for warming a patient or reducing heat loss are available. Keeping the patient dry, covering her with blankets, and raising the ambient temperature in the room are valuable. Methods to transmit heat actively are more effective. Forced warm air blowers are efficient. Heating intravenous fluids is important, and warm fluid lavage of the open abdomen can be effective. Conclusion: Monitoring core temperature in the operating room and choosing therapy is a shared responsibility of surgeon and anesthesiologist.