Randomized prospective comparison of forced air warming using hospital blankets versus commercial blankets in surgical patients.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of an experimental approach to forced air warming using hospital blankets or a Bair Hugger warming unit (Augustine Medical Inc., Eden Prairie, MN) to create a tent of warm air.


METHODS
Adult patients undergoing major surgery were studied. Patients were randomized to receive forced air warming using either a commercial Bair Hugger blanket (control group, n = 44; set point, 43 degrees C) or standard hospital blankets (experimental group, n = 39; set point, 38 degrees C). Distal esophageal temperatures were monitored. Patients were contacted the following day regarding any problems with the assigned warming technique.


RESULTS
Surface area covered was 36 +/- 12% (mean +/- SD) in the experimental group and 40 +/- 10% in the control group. Final temperatures at the end of surgery were similar between groups: experimental, 36.2 +/- 0.6 degrees C; control, 36.4 +/- 0.7 degrees C. A similar number of patients had esophageal temperature less than 36 degrees C at the end of surgery in both groups (experimental, 12 of 39 [31%]; control, 12 of 44 [27%]). The majority of patients were satisfied with their anesthetic and warming technique: experimental, 38 of 39 patients; control, 44 of 44 patients. There were no thermal injuries.


CONCLUSIONS
Standard hospital blankets heated to 38 degrees C forced air were equally as effective as commercial blankets heated with forced air at 43 degrees C. However, based on concerns expressed by the manufacturer, this experimental technique should not be used until further safety evaluation has been undertaken.
Kabbara
Abdallah
A
Department of Anesthesiology, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio 44109, USA.
Goldlust
Samuel A
SA
Smith
Charles E
CE
Hagen
Joan F
JF
Pinchak
Alfred C
AC
D000328:Adult; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006361:Heating / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000517:prevention & control; D007431:Intraoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies