Hypothermia in Meningioma Patients

Neurological Effects

Hypothermia (defined as core body temperature <35°C) can lead to significant neurological effects, with the American College of Critical Care Medicine noting its importance 1.
As body temperature decreases, cerebral metabolism decreases by approximately 7% for each degree of heat lost, according to the Critical Care society 2, 3.
Progressive hypothermia causes patients to become confused, uncoordinated, and somnolent, potentially progressing to coma at around 30°C, as stated by the Critical Care guidelines 2, 3.
Below 27°C, loss of deep tendon reflexes and pupillary reflexes occurs, with further depression of neurological function at lower temperatures, as reported by the Critical Care society 2, 3.

Cardiovascular effects: Mild hypothermia (<36°C) initially causes increased sympathetic tone, heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output, while moderate hypothermia depresses cardiac activity, according to the Critical Care guidelines 2, 3.
Respiratory effects: Mild hypothermia can increase respiratory rate initially, but at 32°C, the medullary center becomes depressed, leading to decreased minute ventilation, increased secretions, and atelectasis, as stated by the Critical Care society 2, 3.
Hematological effects: Hypothermia impairs platelet function between 33-37°C and affects clotting factor activity and fibrinogen synthesis below 33°C, according to the Critical Care guidelines 2, 3.

Management of hypothermia itself may include external warming measures, but these may be less effective when the hypothermia is centrally mediated, as noted by the Critical Care society 1.
Close monitoring of vital signs and neurological status is essential, as hypothermia can mask other neurological symptoms or complications, according to the Critical Care guidelines 2, 3.