A study of the incidence of perioperative hypothermia in children undergoing surgery in peadiatric operating theatres at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia

Abstract

Preoperative hypothermia is a recognized risk in surgery with adverse effects on patient outcome. Children are no exception and are more susceptible because of their anatomy and physiology. To determine the incidence of perioperative hypothermia and associated risk factors in pediatric patients undergoing surgery at the University Teaching Hospital. A cross sectional study with study population consisting of pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery. Descriptive analysis of variables was used to summarize data. Multivariate logistic regressions were applied to explore the risk factors of developing hypothermia. A total number of 220 patients were recruited, of which males were 134(60.9%) and females 86(39.1%). Age ranged from 2 weeks to 14 year. Average age was 4.2 years (SD=3.8). The overall incidence of perioperative hypothermia was 88%, with calculated incidences at induction, 1 hour and 2 hours after induction as 49.6%, 91.6%, 97.1% respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed low operating room (OR) temperature, IV fluid at room temperature, duration under anaesthesia and preoperative temperature were predictors of hypothermia. The incidence of perioperative hypothermia is high at this hospital. Hence care for patients undergoing surgery should be taken especially in those undergoing long periods of anaesthesia, surgery done in low OR temp and receiving large volume IV fluids. Keyword Anaesthesia, body temperature, induction, perioperative hypothermia, surgery.