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Intra-operative fluid warming in elective caesarean section: a blinded randomised controlled trial
M Woolnough1, J Allam, C Hemingway
1Magill Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, 369 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9NH, UK. melwoolnough@doctors.net.uk
International Journal of Obstetric Anesthesia
|August 12, 2009
Summary
Warming intravenous fluids during caesarean sections helps maintain maternal temperature and improves comfort. Pre-warmed fluids are effective and more cost-efficient than fluid warmers.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Obstetrics
- Patient Safety
Background:
- Hypothermia is a risk during surgery, particularly in cesarean sections.
- Maintaining maternal core temperature is crucial for patient well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of warming intravenous fluids on maternal temperature during elective cesarean section.
- To compare different fluid warming methods: room temperature, heated cabinet, and fluid warmer.
Main Methods:
- A blinded, randomized controlled trial involving 75 women undergoing elective cesarean section.
- Intravenous fluids were administered at room temperature, 45°C in a cabinet, or via a Hotline fluid warmer.
- Maternal core and ambient temperatures, thermal comfort, and shivering were monitored.
Main Results:
- All groups experienced a temperature decrease, but the room temperature group showed a significantly greater drop.
- Fewer women in the heated cabinet and Hotline groups reported feeling cold compared to the room temperature group.
- No significant difference in shivering incidence or neonatal outcomes was observed between groups.
Conclusions:
- Warming intravenous fluids effectively mitigates maternal temperature decrease and enhances thermal comfort during cesarean sections.
- Routine warming of IV fluids is recommended for elective cesarean sections.
- Pre-warmed fluids offer a cost-effective and efficient alternative to fluid warmers.
