Perioperative Hypothermia in Neonates and Infants: An Update on Monitoring, Warming Strategies, and Implementation of Current Guidelines

Abstract

Perioperative hypothermia (PH) is a common concern in neonates and infants, and neonates are more than twice as likely to develop hypothermia due to their unique physiological characteristics. Combined with the effects of anesthetic drugs, these factors make them particularly susceptible to heat loss. Despite the implementation of effective warming methods, maintaining normothermia in this vulnerable population remains challenging. Several guidelines tailored to specific hospitals and institutions aimed to emphasize the importance of preoperative risk stratification, prewarming, intraoperative warming, temperature monitoring, and maintaining an optimal ambient temperature. Early detection of hypothermia through effective temperature monitoring throughout the perioperative period is crucial. Combining the use of warming devices with specific techniques is more effective in reducing perioperative hypothermia. This article highlights recent updates in monitoring and warming strategies, comparing the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches, and reviews the guidelines designed to prevent perioperative hypothermia in neonates and infants in order to optimize surgical outcomes.