Accidental hypothermia in severe trauma.

Area of Science:

• Trauma Care
• Critical Care Medicine
• Physiology

Background:

• Hypothermia is a component of the lethal triad in severe trauma, alongside acidosis and coagulopathy.
• Accidental hypothermia, though identifiable, is often undetected or untreated in initial patient care, worsening outcomes.
• Hypothermia is a multifactorial process significantly contributing to mortality in severe trauma cases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathophysiological consequences of hypothermia in severe trauma patients.
• To outline current recommendations for managing hypothermia in trauma care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of pathophysiological effects.
• Analysis of current clinical guidelines and recommendations.

Main Results:

• Hypothermia negatively impacts myocardial function, potentially causing arrhythmias.
• It exacerbates trauma-induced coagulopathy and diminishes the immune response, increasing pneumonia risk.
• Hypothermia affects drug metabolism, complicating anesthetic dosing, and overestimates coagulation factor activity.

Conclusions:

• Hypothermia presents significant, multifaceted risks in severe trauma patients.
• Prompt recognition and management of hypothermia are essential for improving patient prognosis.