Abstract
Hypothermia is defined as a core temperature less than 35 °C. While the beneficial effects of induced hypothermia have several clinical applications [121], accidental hypothermia remains a common condition associated with a high mortality. Our understanding of its pathophysiology is mainly derived from induced hypothermia. Nevertheless, multiple interacting variables may contribute to the development of accidental hypothermia and disturb the pathophysiology. Much of the literature has involved selected small groups. Differences in patient status, complicating diseases, rate and mode of cooling have resulted in variable interpretations. The most controversial aspect remains the treatment and particularly the method of re warming. However, numerous excellent recent reviews have clarified the topic [27,38,39, 53,64,66,90,133,136]. Here, we only consider accidental hypothermia in adults.
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Cantineau, J.P., Regnier, B. (1992). Accidental Hypothermia. In: Tinker, J., Zapol, W.M. (eds) Care of the Critically Ill Patient. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-3400-8_64
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