Factors associated with intraoperative hypothermia in elderly patients and management strategies

Objective To investigate the incidence of intraoperative hypothermia in elderly patients, and to analyze and discuss related influencing factors and targeted management strategies. Methods From February 2017 to February 2019, 220 elderly patients admitted into our hospital for surgery were selected.According to whether or not they had intraoperative hypothermia, patients were divided into the hypothermia group and the non-hypothermia group.General information and surgical data were compared between the two groups.Measures for the prevention of intraoperative hypothermia were discussed. Results Of the 220 patients, 103 had intraoperative hypothermia, and the incidence rate was 46.8%.The proportion of patients aged ≥70 years or with BMI <24 kg/m2 was higher in the hypothermia group than in the non-hypothermia group(all P<0.05). The proportion of patients with the anesthesia time ≥60 min or total intraoperative fluid intake ≥2000 ml was higher in the hypothermia group than in the non-hypothermia group(all P<0.05). BMI <24 kg/m2 and total intraoperative fluid intake ≥2000 ml were the key risk factors for intraoperative hypothermia in elderly patients(all P<0.05). Conclusions Intraoperative hypothermia is a common complication for elderly patients undergoing surgery.Intraoperative fluid intake and body mass are the key risk factors for intraoperative hypothermia.Targeted treatment measures based on the above related factors should be considered for elderly patients receiving surgery. Key words: Body temperature changes; Related factors