Risk Factors of Lapostolle et al for Hypothermia in a Trauma Patient

 

Outcome: hypothermia (< 35°C) on hospital admission of an adult trauma victim > 18 years old

 

Risk factors for hypothermia:

(1) Revised Trauma Score < 11 (maximum 12 ideal, incorporates Glasgow Coma Score)

(2) orotracheal intubation

(3) infusion of unwarmed resuscitation fluids

(4) chilled at the trauma scene (wet, wind, little or no clothing, etc)

(5) cold temperatures with low temperature in the ambulance

(6) severe head injury

 

Hypothermia upon arrival is more likely if several risk factors are present or if any of the risk factors is significant.

 

Carefully warming, keeping the victim warm and infusing properly heated resuscitation fluids can reduce hypothermia.