Prevention of intraoperative hypothermia in neonates and infants: results of a prospective multicenter observational study with a new forced-air warming system with increased warm air flow.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

Neonates and infants are at the highest risk of developing perioperative hypothermia. A number of methods to prevent hypothermia during pediatric anesthesia are in use, and despite the fact that conventional forced-air warmers are the most effective devices, they are not always sufficient enough to maintain body temperature. Therefore, recently a new forced-air warming system with an increased warm air flow was introduced to the market.

AIM:

The aim of this study was to evaluate this new forced-air warming system in neonates and infants during pediatric anesthesia. We hypothesized that the new blanket alone is sufficient enough to prevent neonates and infants from intraoperative hypothermia.

METHODS:

Neonates and infants (body weight <10 kg) were enrolled in this prospective multicenter observational study. After admission to the operating room, the children were placed on the new forced-air warming blanket. Body temperature was measured continuously until admission to the recovery room or pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).

RESULTS:

Hundred and nineteen children with a median body weight of 4.1 kg (range: 0.7-9.8) were enrolled and received their intended treatment. Median body temperature at the induction of anesthesia was 36.5 °C (range: 35.3-38.2 °C) and increased with the length of the operation up to 37.8 °C (37.1-38.2 °C) after 180 min. Median body temperature after admission to the recovery room or PICU was 37.2 °C (36.0-38.6 °C) and remained significantly above baseline (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

The new forced-air warming system as a sole warming device is effective in preventing perioperative hypothermia during pediatric anesthesia in neonates and infants.

• Authors: Lars Witt, Nils Dennhardt, Christoph Eich, Thomas Mader, Thomas Fischer, Anselm Bräuer, Robert Sümpelmann
• Journal: Paediatric anaesthesia (Paediatr Anaesth) Vol. 23 Issue 6 Pg. 469-74 (Jun 2013) ISSN: 1460-9592 [Electronic] France
• PMID: 23565702 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: © 2013 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Topics

• Age Factors
• Anesthesia
• Body Temperature
• Body Weight
• Convection
• Female
• Humans
• Hypothermia (prevention & control)
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Intraoperative Complications (prevention & control)
• Male
• Prospective Studies
• Risk Assessment
• Sex Factors