Accidental hypothermia

Accidental hypothermia is defined as an unintentional decline in the core body temperature to < 35 °C due to environmental exposure.

The pathophysiology of accidental hypothermia involves a combination of heat loss and impaired thermoregulation. Heat loss can occur through radiation, conduction, convection, and evaporation. Impaired thermoregulation can result from factors such as sepsis, which can disrupt the body's normal temperature control mechanisms.

In the US, accidental hypothermia is responsible for at least 1,500 deaths each year. The incidence of accidental hypothermia in the Netherlands is estimated at 1.1 per 100,000 person-years.

Clinical manifestations of accidental hypothermia can vary depending on the severity. Mild hypothermia may present with shivering and altered mental status. As the condition worsens, patients may exhibit detectable vital signs even with core temperatures < 24 °C. Severe hypothermia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, hypoventilation, and in extreme cases, cardiac arrest.

The overall mortality rate of accidental hypothermia is significant. In a study conducted in Japan, the overall proportion of cases resulting in in-hospital death was 24.4%.