Use of forced-air to prevent intraoperative hypothermia

• Published in: Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira (1992) 2009-07, Vol.55 (4), p.421-426
• Main Authors: De Bernardis, Ricardo Caio Gracco, Silva, Mauro Prado da, Gozzani, Judymara Lauzi, Pagnocca, Marcelo Lacava, Mathias, Lígia Andrade da Silva Telles
• Format: Magazinearticle
• Language: Portuguese
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Analysis of Variance; Anesthesia; Bedding and Linens - adverse effects; Female; Humans; Hypothermia - prevention & control; Intraoperative Period; Male; Middle Aged; Orthopedic Procedures; Skin Temperature - physiology; Time Factors; Tympanic Membrane - metabolism; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0104-4230
• DOI: 10.1590/S0104-42302009000400017

Hypothermia is a life-threatening event during the perioperative period. No consensus has been reached about the best active warming approach for such cases. Furthermore there is no consensus on the most appropriate time to warm a hypothermic patient. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a forced-air blanket to warm patients at 38 degrees C before and during surgery. Following utilization of the forced-air blanket, adverse effects were evaluated. Patients submitted to orthopedic surgeries were divided into four groups of 15 patients. In the control group (Gcont), patients were not warmed with a forced-air blanket. In the preoperative group (Gpre), intraoperative group (Gintra), and total group (Gtotal), patients were warmed at 38 degrees C, during 30 minutes before anesthetic induction, after anesthetic induction up to 120 minutes and before and after the induction, respectively. Parameters evaluated were central (tympanic) temperature, peripheral (skin) temperature, operating room temperature, variations in the hemodynamic conditions and warming-induced adverse effects. Only Gtotal did not show significant variation in central temperature. Central temperatures of Gtotal patients were significantly higher (p