Hypothermia in the elderly: management in a purpose-built chamber.
Results of treatment of 86 hypothermic elderly patients in a purpose-built chamber are presented. They were barrier-nursed, continuously monitored and treated by slow active rewarming by warm air. The early 24-hour mortality did not significantly differ from other published reports. The complications of 'rewarming shock' and 'after drop' were prevented. It is concluded that a specially built hypothermia room facilitates management of hypothermic elderly patients and is recommended in all geriatric departments.
Gautam
P C
PC
Department of Medicine for the Elderly, District General Hospital, Sunderland, UK.
Ghosh
S
S
Mandal
A R
AR
Vargas
E
E
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001794:Blood Pressure; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male