Perioperative Hypothermia in Pediatric Surgery

Abstract

Aim of the study: To study the risk factors and the clinical consequences of perioperative hypothermia in pediatric surgery. Patients and Method: It was an observational and descriptive prospective study conducted over a period of two (2) months from December 10th, 2021 to February 10th, 2022. Were inclueded in the study children from 0 to 15 years old who were done general anesthesia with tracheal intubation in a elective surgery that lasted 30mn at least. The variables studied were: age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status, type of surgery, the means used for prevention, perioperative incidents, intraoperative transfusion, patient’s temperature before induction and during surgery until extubation, duration of the surgery, duration of anesthesia. Results: During the period of our study, 89 patients were collected. The average age was 4,79 ± 3,53 years with extremes of 14 days and 15 years. The most represented age group was that of 1 month to 5 years with 61% of cases. Male gender represented 66.29% of cases, a sex ratio of 1.96. Perioperative hypothermia was noted in 64.04% of the patients, it was moderate in 95% of cases and severe in 3% of cases; all the age groups were concerned but newborns were the most susceptible. The room temperature fluctuated around an average of 27 ± 2,7°C with extremes of 24.6°C and 30°C. Digestive surgery predominated with a frequency of 57.30%. ASA I was the most represented class in 65% of cases. Risk factors were age, the type of surgery, a high ASA level, duration of the surgery and blood transfusion. All the patients who received transfusion presented hypothermia. The most common consequences of perioperative hypothermia were wake-up delay in 35% and bradycardia. Conclusion: Perioperative hypothermia is very common in pediatric surgery. Then, it should be prevented effectively to avoid its complications.