title: Electrocardiographic Manifestations in three Psychiatric patients with Hypothermia - Case Report.
abstract: Hypothermia occurs when the core body temperature falls below 35°C, which, in severe cases, can lead to electrocardiographic changes. Several conditions that occur in the psychiatric population increase the risk of hypothermia. This risk can be further increased by the use of several classes of medications such as antipsychotics, beta-adrenergic antagonists and benzodiazepines. We report on three psychiatric patients who were admitted for hypothermia and developed electrocardiographic manifestations (sinus bradycardia, QT prolongation and Osborn waves), which completely resolved after treatment.
authors: Accident and Emergency Department, Scarborough General Hospital, United Kingdom. Electronic address: pelehas@yahoo.com.
authors: Eleftherios
authors: E
authors: Pelechas
authors: Department of Cardiology, Chatzikosta Hospital, Ioannina, Greece.
authors: Nikolaos
authors: N
authors: Tsigaridas
authors: Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Arta, Greece.
authors: Sofia
authors: S
authors: Kyrama
authors: Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Kastoria, Greece.
authors: Stratos
authors: S
authors: Trogganis
authors: Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Corfu, Greece.
authors: Christoforos
authors: C
authors: Kardamis
keywords: Electrocardiographic changes; Hypothermia; Osborn waves; Psychiatric patients