Thermodynamic modelling of hypothermia.
Hypothermia is an important threat in trauma patients. The prevention of accidental hypothermia requires a thermal steady state. A simple mathematical model describing thermal steady state is introduced. When applied to trauma patients the model seems sensitive to changes in temperature of intravenous fluids. To simulate possible strategies to prevent hypothermia in the trauma patient the mathematical solution needs to be extended to describe situations where steady state does not exist. From these simulations it can be concluded that infusion heating devices are mandatory in patients with high fluid requirements.
Brandon Bravo
L J
LJ
Department of Anaesthesia, Ziekenhuis Walcheren, Vlissingen, The Netherlands.
D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D003198:Computer Simulation; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D008954:Models, Biological; D013816:Thermodynamics; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology*