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
