Early use of hemodialysis for active rewarming in severe hypothermia: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Deep accidental hypothermia (body temperature below 28°C) is rare. Even with modern supportive care of active external and internal rewarming techniques it is associated with a high mortality rate. We report the early and successful use of hemodialysis (HD) for active rewarming of a middle-aged alcoholic man with severe deep accidental hypothermia after failure of initial efforts of rewarming using conventional strategies. This case report and review of the literature highlights the advantages and the challenges of using HD in this setting and suggests a potential role for HD in the routine management of severe hypothermia in the absence of circulatory arrest. © 2012 Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.