Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 18, 2026

Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management
06:43

Esophageal Heat Transfer for Patient Temperature Control and Targeted Temperature Management

Published on: November 21, 2017

Prevention of hypothermia in children under combined epidural and general anesthesia: a comparison between upper- and

Ahmed A Shorrab1, Mohamed E El-Sawy, Mahmoud M Othman

  • 1Department of Anesthesia, Faculty of Medicine, University of Mansoura, Mansoura, Egypt. shorraba@yahoo.com

Paediatric Anaesthesia
|December 23, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Lower body warming is as effective as upper body warming for preventing hypothermia in children undergoing combined anesthesia. This study found no significant difference in core temperature changes between the two warming methods.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Thermoregulation

Background:

  • Children under combined epidural and general anesthesia face increased hypothermia risk.
  • Heat loss may be greater from the lower body due to blood flow redistribution.
  • Active warming is crucial to prevent heat loss during anesthesia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare the effectiveness of lower-body warming (LBW) versus upper-body warming (UBW) in preventing hypothermia.
  • To test the hypothesis that LBW might offer superior protection against hypothermia.
  • To evaluate temperature changes and gradients in pediatric patients undergoing surgery.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized comparative study involving children undergoing open urologic surgery.
  • Patients were allocated to either UBW (n=38) or LBW (n=35) using a forced-air warming blanket.
  • Core and peripheral skin temperatures were monitored, and temperature gradients were calculated.

Main Results:

  • Core temperature changes were comparable and decreased significantly in both groups post-induction.
  • Temperature gradients between extremities were similar in both LBW and UBW groups.
  • No patients experienced shivering in the recovery room, indicating uneventful recovery.

Conclusions:

  • Lower-body warming is equally effective as upper-body warming in preventing hypothermia.
  • Both warming methods provide comparable protection against hypothermia in this pediatric surgical population.
  • The findings support the use of LBW as an alternative to UBW for maintaining normothermia.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Short-Duration Hypothermia Induction in Rats using Models for Studies examining Clinical Relevance and Mechanisms05:00

Short-Duration Hypothermia Induction in Rats using Models for Studies examining Clinical Relevance and Mechanisms

Published on: March 3, 2021

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings06:59

A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings

Published on: November 9, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Decreased Body Temperature01:29

Decreased Body Temperature

A decreased body temperature can occur in patients with hypothermia and frostbite. Heat loss with extended cold exposure overpowers the body's ability to create heat, resulting in hypothermia. Core temperature readings help classify hypothermia. Mild hypothermia is temperatures between 32 °C (89.6 °F) and 35°C (95 °F) and is caused by impaired thermoregulation. Moderate hypothermia is temperatures between 28 C (82.4 °F) and 32 °C (89.6 °F) caused by sustained extreme cold exposure, and severe...
Methods of reducing fever01:22

Methods of reducing fever

The signs and symptoms of fever include hot and dry skin, flushed face, thirst, muscle aches, anorexia, headache, tachycardia, tachypnea, and fatigue. Elevated body temperature is reduced using two methods: pharmacological and nonpharmacological. Proper identification and treatment of the root cause of a fever is of utmost importance.
Pharmacological Methods of Reducing Fever:
Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia01:29

Local Anesthetics: Clinical Application as Epidural Anesthesia

Epidural anesthetics are administered in the fat-filled epidural space, the outermost part of the spinal canal. This technique is commonly employed for pain management and anesthesia during lower abdomen and pelvis surgeries or labor and delivery.
Since epidural anesthetics can be infused through an epidural catheter, all types of drugs, including short-acting ones, can be administered. Chloroprocaine and lidocaine are examples of short and long-duration anesthetics, respectively. Bupivacaine...
Factors Affecting Body Temperature01:28

Factors Affecting Body Temperature

As a nurse, it is vital to understand the factors affecting body temperature to monitor variations and effectively evaluate deviations from regular.
Factors may  include:
Temperature Measurement Sites01:14

Temperature Measurement Sites

A thermometer measures body temperature. The common sites for measuring body temperature are the oral cavity, axillary region, temporal artery, and skin surface, such as the forehead, abdomen, and axilla. True core body temperature is assessed in the rectum, tympanic membrane, pulmonary artery, esophagus, and urinary bladder.
Oral: When assessing oral temperature, the thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue in the posterior sublingual pocket. It offers accurate readings and can be...
Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal01:27

Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal

Rectal temperature measurement is considered the most precise method for assessing core body temperature and typically registers higher than oral temperature. For adults, the rectal thermometer should be inserted 1 to 1.5 inches into the rectum to obtain the most accurate reading.
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...