Pediatric Hypothermia: An Ambiguous Issue

Kälte und Kinder ist ein unterbelichtetes Thema. Zwei spannende Artikel fassen die derzeitige Evidenz zu Kinder und Hypothermie im Allgemeinen und im perioperativen Bereich im Speziellen zusammen.

Abstract

Hypothermia in pediatrics is mainly about small body size. The key thermal factor here is the large surface-to-volume ratio. Although small mammals, including human infants and children, are adapted to higher heat losses through their elevated metabolic rate and thermogenic capacity, they are still at risk of hypothermia because of a small regulatory range and an impending metabolic exhaustion. However, some small mammalian species (hibernators) use reduced metabolic rates and lowered body temperatures as adaptations to impaired energy supply. Similar to nature, hypothermia has contradictory effects in clinical pediatrics as well: In neonates, it is a serious risk factor affecting respiratory adaptation in term and developmental outcome in preterm infants. On the other hand, it is an important self-protective response to neonatal hypoxia and an evidence-based treatment option for asphyxiated babies. In children, hypothermia first enabled the surgical repair of congenital heart defects and promotes favorable outcome after ice water drowning. Yet, it is also a major threat in various prehospital and clinical settings and has no proven therapeutic benefit in pediatric critical care. All in all, pediatric hypothermia is an ambiguous issue whose harmful or beneficial effects strongly depend on the particular circumstances.

Weitere Informationen

International Journal of Environmental Reserach and Public Health

Teil 2: Perioperative Hypothermia in Children

Kategorie: Blog, Alpine Notfallmedizin, Hypothermie

Datum: 14. Feb 2022

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24. Mär 2022
Blog
Alpine Notfallmedizin
Hypothermie