Newborns are Prone to More Hypothermia in the Low Temperature of Operating Rooms

Abstract

Aim: Hypothermia (HT) is a common and serious problem during anesthesia. As the ratio of skin surface area to body volume is higher in neonates than in adults, heat loss and ultimately HT are more common in the intraoperative period. This study aimed to determine the incidence and independent risk factors of HT in the neonatal period. Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational cohort study included 63 patients who underwent neonatal surgery within a one-year period. HT was defined as body temperature <36 °C and the patients were divided into two groups: Group I (body temperature <36 °C) and Group II (≥36 °C). Demographic data, ASA score, operative diagnosis, duration of surgery and anesthesia, amount of fluid, inotrope and vasopressor therapy, amount of bleeding, amount of blood transfusion, preoperative and postoperative temperatures, and the heating methods of the patients were recorded. Results: The median age of the patients was 5 days (0-28 days) and their mean weight was 2,792±782 grams. The esophageal method was used for temperature monitoring in 88.9% (56 patients) and the rectal method in 10.1% (7 patients). HT developed in 54% of the patients. Caps and socks were used to prevent HT in 96.8% of the patients, forced-air warming blankets in 95.2%, warming gel mattresses in 27%, and fluid and blood warming devices in 17.5%. In the logistic regression model, the operating room temperature was identified as the only independent risk factor associated with neonatal HT. Conclusion: Despite the use of active and passive warming methods, the incidence of HT in the neonatal period was found to be high. Cold operating rooms were found to be the only independent factor associated with neonatal HT.

Keywords

• neonate
• hypothermia
• pediatric anesthesia
• body temperature
• rewarmings