Body Temperature Regulation During Anesthesia in Infants and Children

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Abstract
In modern, air-conditioned operating rooms, maintained at temperatures between 68 and 72° F. (20 and 22.2° C.), the anesthetized pediatric patient, being virtually poikilothermic and possessing a relatively large surface area, is likely to lose heat. In a series of 600 infants and children between the ages of 1 day and 12 years, the rectal temperature at the end of operation was variable; but under the age of 6 months, a significant reduction in body temperature was common. To prevent complications associated with either hypothermia or hyperthermia, it is important to recognize trends as they develop: this end is accomplished best by constant monitoring of the body temperature. A heating-cooling apparatus is described which automatically regulates the body temperature of the patient to within 0.5° C. of that which is preset by the physician.

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