Management of acute hypothermia

Hypothermia is an involuntary drop in core body temperature to <35 °C and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The accurate measurement of core temperature can be difficult, and individuals' physiological responses to a cold insult can vary widely. Hypothermia can be primary or secondary. This article reviews the likely presenting features, classification and management options in acute hypothermia. Prognosis has been greatly improved through advances in the safety and availability of rewarming techniques, especially in cardiac arrest with the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and cardiopulmonary bypass. In severe hypothermia, the use of ECMO can improve survival and recovery rate by 47-63%, even following hypothermia-related cardiac arrest.