Hypothermia

Synonyms

Accidental hypothermia (AH) [1]; Neurotensin-induced hypothermia; NIH [2]; Endogenous cryogen-induced hypothermia; ECIH [3]; Hypoxia-induced hypothermia; HIH

Definition and Characteristics

Heat is generated by metabolic processes that occur within the tissues of the body, such as fat and muscle. If exposure to cold continues, the body becomes fatigued and unable to generate sufficient warmth. AH is commonly a result of accidental prolonged exposure of coldness resulting in unconsciousness. AH can be defined as the fall of core body temperature down to below 35°C. It can be classified as mild (core temperature 32.2–35°C), moderate (<32.2–28°C), or severe <28°C. There are two types of hypothermia depending on the set point alteration. AH is a type of hypothermia with a fixed set point of core body temperature. Although counter-regulation increases heat production to keep the core body temperature around the set point, the cold environment forces the decrease in the core body...