Factors associated with unintended perianesthesia hypothermia

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Patient Safety
• Clinical Outcomes Research

Background:

• Hypothermia is a potential complication during anesthesia.
• Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) is a method of general anesthesia.
• The association between TIVA and hypothermia requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and perianesthesia hypothermia.
• To identify patient and procedural factors associated with hypothermia during general anesthesia.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of data from the National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry for patients undergoing general anesthesia in 2019.
• Inclusion of patient demographics, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification system (ASAPS) scores, anesthetic duration, TIVA use, procedure type, and hypothermia.
• Statistical analysis using Student's t test, Mann Whitney rank sum, and mixed effects multiple logistic regression.

Main Results:

• A low incidence of hypothermia (1.2%) was observed.
• Patients experiencing hypothermia were older, had higher ASAPS scores, and were more likely to have received TIVA.
• TIVA was significantly associated with increased odds of hypothermia, even after controlling for covariates. Obstetrical, thoracic, and radiological procedures also increased hypothermia risk.

Conclusions:

• Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) is associated with an increased risk of perianesthesia hypothermia.
• Specific procedures (obstetrical, thoracic, radiological) are linked to higher rates and odds of hypothermia.
• Identifying risk factors aids in stratifying patients and potentially mitigating hypothermia.