Tuesday 16 November 2010

MRCP revision battle 51.2: Hypothermia

Mild hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature less than 35C.
Severe hypothermia is core body temperature less than 28C


Signs of hypothermia include:
  • bradycardia
  • hypoventilation
  • hypotension
  • muscle stiffness
  • fixed and dilated pupils

Metabolic acidosis is common and may predispose to pancreatitis.


ECG changes in hypothermia include:
  • J waves
  • long PR, QT and QRS
  • under 28C increasing risk of VF


Primary hypothermia is hypothermia due to exposure.
Secondary hypothermia is hypothermia due to a medical illness, for example hypothyroidism or hypoglycaemia


Treatment is passive rewarming for mild to moderate hypothermia and core rewarming (eg peritoneal lavage) for severe hypothermia.


Next - dilated cardiomyopathy