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

Paediatr Anaesth. 2013 Jun;23(6):469-74. doi: 10.1111/pan.12169. Epub 2013 Apr 9.

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.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 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