Comparison of four noninvasive rewarming methods for mild hypothermia

Four noninvasive rewarming techniques for mildly hypothermic subjects were compared. Seven subjects were cooled in a water bath of 15 degrees C for 2 h to an average esophageal temperature (Tes) of 36 degrees C. Thereafter, the subjects were rewarmed by immersion of the body in a water bath of 42 degrees C (Method 1), the body but not the extremities in water of 42 degrees C (Method 2), only the extremities in water of 42 degrees C (Method 3), or spontaneous rewarming in blankets (Method 4). Method 1 showed the highest rewarming rate in Tes (10.1 degrees C/h) and an afterdrop in Tes of 0.18 degrees C. Method 2 showed the same afterdrop, but a lower rewarming rate (7.5 degrees C/h). In Method 3, the heat uptake of the extremities was too low to rewarm the subjects effectively. The afterdrop and rewarming rate were 0.38 degrees C and 0.8 degrees C/h, respectively. Method 4 had the lowest rewarming rate (0.2 degrees C/h), and an afterdrop (0.14 degrees C) which was not significantly lower than that of Method 1 or 2. Therefore, Method 1 is recommended for rewarming mild hypothermic subjects because of its high rewarming rate and small afterdrop.