title: Hyperthermia and hypothermia in the elderly.
abstract: Elderly populations are prone to both hyperthermia and hypothermia because of innate physiologic changes associated with aging, the presence of chronic disease, and the use of polypharmacy. Hyperthermia is a true medical emergency with a high mortality rate, requiring rapid cooling and aggressive supportive care. Hypothermia is a common finding in elderly persons. Patients should be warmed in the least aggressive manner that will adequately treat their clinical situation. Hypothermia due to underlying disease carries a high mortality rate, as does the onset of ventricular fibrillation.
authors.affiliation: Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, New York.
authors.forename: G M
authors.initials: GM
authors.lastname: Brody
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology; D005334:Fever / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D013577:Syndrome