Effects of Intravenous Fluids Temperature on Perioperative Hemodynamic Situation, Postoperative Shivering and Recovery in Orthopedic Surgeries

Postoperative hypothermia is physiologically stressful by elevating blood pressure, heart rate and plasma catecholamine concentration. This study conducted to evaluate the effects of intravenous fluids temperature on perioperative hemodynamic situation.

This was a randomized clinical trial study Perioperative pulse rate, blood pressure, intraoperative esophageal and skin temperature were measured in 60 volunteer patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries subjects randomly divided into two groups according to intraoperative IV fluids management. In 30 patients (hypothermia group) all IV fluids infused were at room temperature. In the other 30 patients (normothermia group) all IV fluids were warmed using and dry IV fluid warmer.

The core and skin temperature of hypothermia and normothermia group decreased significantly from induction of anesthesia toward end of surgery but its reduction was more in hypothermia group (P<0.005). Postoperative mean arterial blood pressure increased significantly more in hypothermia group versus normothermia group (P<0.005). Shivering was observed in 21 of 30 hypothermia and 11 of 30 normothermia group (p<0.005) and recovery time was significantly lower in normothermia group (36±5 vs. 26±3 min, P<0.005).

Infusion of warm fluids helps to reduce the variation of postoperative mean arterial blood pressure, core and skin temperature, occurrence of shivering and recovery time.