Hemodialysis for Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia

Abstract

Accidental hypothermia is defined as a spontaneous decrease in core temperature to 35°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 °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¤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.