Complications of mild hypothermia therapy
Nov 27, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
Complications of mild hypothermia therapy include pulmonary infection, circulatory system complications, and electrolyte disturbances. Mild hypothermia therapy lowers the body temperature, placing the body's basal metabolism in a state of low temperature, which impairs the normal function of various organ systems and increases the risk of pulmonary infection. Other complications of mild hypothermia therapy may include frostbite.
The complications of mild hypothermia therapy include pulmonary infection, circulatory system complications, and electrolyte imbalances.
1. Pulmonary Infection
Mild hypothermia therapy lowers the body temperature, placing the body's basal metabolism in a hypothermic state, which impairs normal functioning of various systems and increases susceptibility to pulmonary infections.
2. Circulatory System Complications
These mainly include hypotension and arrhythmias. The sedative chlorpromazine causes vasodilation and lowers blood pressure, making patients prone to circulatory instability and orthostatic hypotension.
3. Electrolyte Imbalance
The most common issue is hypokalemia. Cold diuresis leads to electrolyte loss, easily resulting in disturbances such as low potassium, low magnesium, and low phosphate levels. The incidence is highest during the induction phase of hypothermia, requiring close monitoring.
In addition, mild hypothermia therapy may also lead to frostbite. It is recommended that patients undergoing this treatment be closely observed and preventive measures implemented early.
