Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX
Indications for hospital admission in patients presenting with hypothermia include:
- Core body temperature below 36.0°C (definition of hypothermia) requiring active warming and monitoring, especially if the patient cannot be warmed adequately in the community or outpatient setting NICE CG65.
- Presence of clinical instability or complications such as cardiovascular compromise, altered level of consciousness, or other signs of physiological deterioration necessitating close monitoring and supportive care NICE CG50.
- Need for continuous temperature monitoring and active warming measures that cannot be safely or effectively delivered outside hospital, including forced-air warming devices and intravenous fluid warming NICE CG65.
- Underlying conditions or comorbidities that increase risk of adverse outcomes from hypothermia, such as cardiovascular disease or major surgery, which require inpatient management NICE CG65.
- Any patient with hypothermia who is medically unstable or has signs of organ dysfunction should be admitted for observation and treatment NICE CKS,NICE CG50.
In summary, hospital admission is indicated for hypothermic patients who are medically unstable, have a core temperature below 36.0°C requiring active warming, or have complications or comorbidities that necessitate close monitoring and specialist care NICE CG65,NICE CKS,NICE CG50.