Hemodialysis for treatment of accidental hypothermia

Abstract

Accidental hypothermia is defined as a spontaneous decrease in core temperature to 35 degrees C or below. Several techniques of active core rewarming have been described. We present the case of a 34-year-old man with severe hypothermia (27 degrees C) caused by cold environment exposure and barbiturate intoxication treated with general supportive measures and active core rewarming with hemodialysis. Core temperature increased by 2.15 degrees C/h with hemodialysis and became normal in 4 h. The clinical situation clearly improved during the hemodialysis session and the patient recovered without any defect. Hemodialysis is a rapid and effective treatment for accidental hypothermia.