Does the covering of children during induction of anesthesia have an effect on body temperature at the end of surgery?
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the covering of healthy children during anesthetic induction reduces hypothermia at the end of minor surgeries.


METHODS
Randomized, single-blinded, prospective study.


METHODS
Operating room and postoperative recovery area of a university-affiliated hospital.


METHODS
50 ASA physical status 1 patients, aged 6 months to 3.5 years, scheduled for simple urological surgeries.


METHODS
Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups: covered or uncovered. Children in the covered group (Group C) were actively warmed on arrival in the operating room (OR) using cotton blankets and a warm forced-air blanket set at 43°C. Children in the uncovered group (Group U) remained uncovered during the induction of general anesthesia. Children in both groups were actively warmed following placement of surgical drapes.


METHODS
Temperature (in Celsius) during the study procedure was recorded for each patient.


RESULTS
Mean core body temperature at the end of induction did not differ in the two groups, 36.4°C in Group C and 36.6°C in Group U. Mean core body temperature at the end of surgery did not differ between the two groups: 36.9°C in Group C and 37.0°C in Group U.


CONCLUSIONS
Leaving healthy children uncovered during induction of general anesthesia does not have a clinically significant effect on core temperature at the end of induction or of surgery.
Department of Anesthesiology, The Children's Hospital, Oklahoma City, OK 73104, USA.
Mohanad
M
Shukry
Lacey
L
Matthews
Alberto J
AJ
de Armendi
Bradley P
BP
Kropp
Dominic
D
Frimberger
Jorge A
JA
Cure
James
J
Mayhew
D000768:Anesthesia, General / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D001512:Bedding and Linens; D001831:Body Temperature; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006361:Heating / Q000379:methods*; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007035:Hypothermia / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007223:Infant; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method