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To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2005.09.062 Byline: Ahmed Faraz Aslam (a), Ahmad Kamal Aslam (a), Balendu C. Vasavada (a), Ijaz A. Khan (b) Keywords: Hypothermia; Electrocardiography; Evaluation; Management Abstract: Hypothermia-related cases typically occur after exposure to low ambient temperatures; however, numerous cases occur in individuals with no history of exposure to cold environment. Hypothermia is associated with such complications as acidosis, impaired myocardial function, bleeding diathesis, and decreased kidney and liver function. The well-known electrocardiographic manifestations of hypothermia are the presence of J (Osborn) waves, prolonged PR, QRS, and QT intervals, and atrial arrhythmias. The choice of rewarming therapy is based on the degree of hypothermia. The evaluation, electrocardiographic manifestations, and management of hypothermia are reviewed. Author Affiliation: (a) Division of Cardiology, Long Island College Hospital, Brooklyn, NY (b) Division of Cardiology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Md.

* INADVERTENT HYPOTHERMIA is one of the most common complications experienced by surgical patients who are transferred to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). * APPROPRIATE PACU LENGTH OF STAY (LOS) is defined as the time required for a patient to achieve a physiologically stable condition after anesthesia administration. In studies measuring appropriate LOS, patients who arrived hypothermic in the PACU had longer stays than those who arrived normothermic. * THE AIMS OF THIS STUDY were to determine whether the actual and appropriate LOS in the PACU differs between hypothermic and normothermic patients and to identify differences between subgroups of patients according to age, gender, and type of anesthesia administered., Inadvertent hypothermia is one of the most common complications experienced by surgical patients who are transferred to the postanesthesia care unit (PACU). The physiological definition of hypothermia in humans is [...]

Researchers detail in 'Severe hypothermia increases the risk for intensive care unit-acquired infection,' new data in Pneumonia. According to the authors of a study from La Tronche, France, 'Although hypothermia [...]

Background: Phenytoin toxicity presenting as hypothermia has been reported in patients with mental retardation (MR), without causative explanation. We report a case in a patient with adrenal insufficiency. Case Report: A 50-year-old man with a history of MR and seizures was found lethargic. Medications included phenytoin and phenobarbital. Physical examination was unremarkable except for somnolence and hypothermia. The serum phenytoin level was 37 [micro]g/mL (147 [micro]mol/L). A cosyntropin stimulation test showed adrenal insufficiency. No infectious or inflammatory conditions were identified. The patient improved with supportive care, antibiotics and steroids. Discussion: The mechanism of phenytoin-associated hypothermia is unknown. It may be centrally mediated, or phenytoin may exert an indirect effect on hepatic steroid clearance leading to relative adrenal insufficiency. Conclusion: Significant hypothermia may occur with phenytoin toxicity. Clinicians should be alerted to this possibility and check a core temperature on patients at risk. Keywords: phenytoin, phenytoin toxicity, hypothermia, adverse drug reaction, Table of Contents Abstract Introduction Case Report Discussion Conclusions References Introduction Phenytoin toxicity typically presents with ataxia and nystagmus, but a wide range of symptoms may manifest. Hypothermia is a [...]

Table of Contents Abstract Introduction Case Presentation Discussion References Abstract Mild hypothermia during carotid surgery for patients with a unilateral critical stenosis and contralateral total occlusion of the carotid arteries [...]

Hypothermia is a reduction in the normal core body temperature, caused by an imbalance between the body's heat production and heat loss, which can be caused by exposure, reduced metabolism, or a defect in the body's thermoregulatory mechanism. It could be classified into three types namely mild, moderate and severe, to help guide treatment. By promptly recognizing hypothermia and knowing how to respond, one can help patients receive proper treatment, recover fully and avoid episodes of hypothermia.

Infant radiant warmers are used when infants are critically ill or when certain treatment procedures require prolonged exposure to a cool environment. However as per the reports received by the Food and Drug Administration, if patients are not closely monitored these devices could cause fatal hypothermia and burns.

The moment when a core temperature drops below 97.5 degree F, the body loses heat faster than it can produce it causing stress to every organ system and endangering the life of the patient. The factors which increase the risk of primary or secondary hypothermia are discussed like extremes of age, traumatic injury, an endocrine disorder and many others.

The patient, a 34-year-old man, was brought to the emergency department (ED) after he had been discovered on the side of a road after a car accident. He had been [...]

KAILUA KONA, HAWAII -- New recommendations for resuscitating premature infants in the delivery room include advice to wrap them in plastic to help maintain body temperature, Dr. Jeffrey M. Perlman [...]

PURPOSE: Induced hypothermia improves outcome after cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation. We studied induced hypothermia in a community hospital setting after cardiac arrest due to any cause. METHODS: A [...]