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Environmentally responsive temperature instability in pediatric spinal cord injury
D E McLean1, J Kearney, M F Cawley
1Division of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, The Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital, The University of Alberta, Canada.
Spinal Cord
|November 11, 1999
Summary
Environmentally responsive temperature instability affects some pediatric patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Early recognition and environmental manipulation protocols can successfully manage these temperature fluctuations in SCI rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Neurology
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Hospitalized pediatric patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) may experience temperature instability.
- The influence of environmental factors on temperature regulation in this population is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the frequency and clinical significance of environmentally responsive temperature instability in pediatric SCI patients.
- To identify characteristics of patients affected by this phenomenon.
Main Methods:
- Prospective collection of temperature data and clinical responses in pediatric SCI patients (n=54) over two years.
- Definition of hypothermic and hyperthermic events, with analysis of those linked to environmental manipulation.
- Retrospective review to exclude other causes of temperature fluctuation.
Main Results:
- 79 events of temperature instability (65 hypothermia, 14 hyperthermia) were analyzed in 12 patients (22%).
- Patients with environmentally responsive temperature instability had more recent injuries, longer hospital stays, and higher ventilator dependence.
- No adverse clinical outcomes were associated with these temperature fluctuations.
Conclusions:
- A subset of pediatric SCI patients exhibits environmentally responsive temperature instability.
- Early identification and environmental management strategies are effective in addressing these temperature fluctuations within SCI units.
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