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Observational Study
. 2023 Feb;35(1):168-169.
doi: 10.1111/1742-6723.14110. Epub 2022 Oct 22.

Longer times in computed tomography for trauma patients result in a decrease in body temperature

Qi-Zheng Ong  1 , Annelies Vandewege  1 , Daniel Y Ellis  1
Affiliations
Observational Study

Longer times in computed tomography for trauma patients result in a decrease in body temperature

Qi-Zheng Ong et al. Emerg Med Australas. 2023 Feb.

Abstract

Objective: To determine if lower ambient temperatures in computed tomography (CT) rooms contribute to accidental hypothermia (≤35°C) in trauma patients.

Methods: Prospective, observational study of trauma patients undergoing a CT scan at the Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Results: Among a cohort of 81 trauma patients, 54 met level 1 call-out criteria. Mean time in CT was 11 min. Longer time spent in CT contributes to greater decrease in body temperature (∆T/t = -0.1483°C/min, P = 0.0026).

Conclusion: Increasing time spent in CT leads to a decrease in body temperature in trauma patients. Clinicians should actively reduce time spent in the CT room and take active warming measures.

Keywords: accidental hypothermia; major trauma; trauma imaging; trauma patients.

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References

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