Forced Air Warming Effect on Hypothermia Clinical Trial
Official title:
Effectiveness of Pre-operative Warming in Prevention of Peri-operative Shivering
Shivering is one of the most commonly recognized problem associated with anesthesia, It is
believed to be thermoregulatory in origin. Studies suggest that pre-warming the patient
prior to the surgery can reduce the chances of hypothermia induced shivering during the post
operative period.
Forced air warmers are the most frequently used active warming devices in the peri-operative
setting. Currently, our hospital does not pre-warm patients but if our study shows that
pre-warming reduces post-operative shivering, we will be able to make an evidence based
decision to start this practice.
Inadvertent peri-operative hypothermia (IPH) and shivering is one of the most commonly
recognized problem during anesthesia which is believed to be thermoregulatory in origin.
Although shivering is uncomfortable for most patients, it is unlikely that this relatively
small increase in total body oxygen consumption in the average shivering patient is
associated with increased peri-operative morbidity. It is common for patients to complain
that their worst memory from the recovery room is the intense cold sensation and
uncontrollable shivering. New guidelines recommend that patients core temperature has to be
maintained at >36°C, postoperatively. Studies suggest that pre-warming the patient prior to
the surgery can reduce the chances of hypothermia induced shivering during the post
operative period.
Forced air warmers are the most frequently used active warming devices in the peri-operative
setting. They are effective at preventing hypothermia induced shivering when used before
induction of anesthesia, during anesthesia and surgery, and after emergence in the
post-anesthesia care unit. Other methods such as warm fluids, opioids, blankets and warm
light devices can be used but are less effective as compared to the forced air warming
devices.
Currently, our hospital does not pre-warm patients but if our study shows that pre-warming
reduces post-operative shivering, we will be able to make an evidence based decision to
start this practice.
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Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Single Blind (Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Prevention