Maternal hypothermia during elective caesarean delivery: A prospective observational study

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Obstetrics
• Perioperative Medicine

Background:

• Caesarean delivery patients are susceptible to unintended perioperative hypothermia (<36.0°C).
• Previous studies often lacked accurate, continuous core temperature measurements throughout the entire perioperative period.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the incidence and duration of maternal hypothermia during the perioperative period of elective caesarean delivery.
• To utilize a high-accuracy continuous temperature monitoring system for precise measurements.

Main Methods:

• Prospective observational study involving women aged 18+ undergoing elective caesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia.
• Continuous core maternal temperature monitoring using a non-invasive zero-heat-flux thermometer (Bair Hugger system).

Main Results:

• 32.5% of participants developed perioperative hypothermia.
• The mean duration of hypothermia was 77 ± 40 minutes, extending into the postoperative phase.
• Hypothermic patients had significantly lower core temperatures upon operating room arrival compared to baseline.

Conclusions:

• A significant proportion of women undergoing caesarean delivery experience perioperative hypothermia.
• The duration of hypothermia often extends into the postoperative period.
• Healthcare professionals should prioritize continuous core temperature monitoring and implement warming strategies to manage perioperative hypothermia.