Temperature Management in Trauma Patients

Purpose of the Review This review focuses on the management of body temperature in traumatically injured patients, particularly on hypothermia. It highlights the prevalence of hypothermia in this patient population and strategies for temperature management in the pre-hospital, trauma bay, intraoperative, and ICU settings. Recent Findings Recent studies have highlighted the incidence of hypothermia in trauma patients and the association with negative outcomes, including increased transfusion requirement and mortality. Temperature measurement and rewarming of hypothermic patients through both active and passive means should occur in trauma patients throughout all phases of care. Additionally, patients with traumatic brain injury may benefit from active prevention of hyperthermia. Summary Trauma patients are at high risk for hypothermia throughout all stages of care. While further study is needed to identify specific best practice for maintaining normothermia in these patients, measurement and active temperature management are critical in all phases of care.