Clinical Aspects of Hypothermia

Hypothermia is generally defined as a core body temperature less than 35°C (95°F). It is one of the most common environmental emergencies encountered by emergency physicians and was docu-mented as a special resuscitation situation in advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) and advanced trauma life support (ALTS) guidelines on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiac care. This condition is found in varied geographic regions and during all seasons. Although cold exposure is likely the most common cause of hypothermia in emergency department patients, there are many other predisposing factors as well. This article reviews the etiology, pathophysiology, clinical presentation, and management of hypothermia.(Ann Disaster Med. 2004;2 Suppl 2:S69-S79