The Current Status of Accidental Hypothermia —Analysis of the Individuals Alive at the Time of Discovery—

Abstract

To investigate the current status of the accidental hypothermia (AH) in Japan, “Questionnaries on the death from cold and hypothermia” were sent to the members of Japanese Medical Association in Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Yamagata, Niigata and Yamanashi, and to the hospitals in Tokyo and Kanagawa in 1984 and 1985. Of the 5,743 questionnaires sent out, 1,697 including 74 case reports were returned. Of the 74 cases reported, 30 cases of AH, in which the patients were alvie at the time of discovery, were further analyzed. The following results were obtained. 1. PROFILE. Age: 8 out of 30 cases (26.7%) were over 60 years old. Considering the percent of the aged among the general population, AH occurred more often in the aged. Sex: AH occurred nore often in young males than females, but the percent of female increased with the age. Environmental temperatures: Out of the 15 incidences that occurred outdoors, 13 were associated with wet conditions, such as rain, snow or falling into a pond. Among aged patients, AH occurred indoors in 7 out of 8 cases. 2. THR CAUSES OF INCIDENCES. The causes of incidences were accident and disaster (13 cases), drinking (8), attempted suicide and related to diseases (10). In 7 of 8 aged subjects AH was associated with various diseases. 3. SIGNS AT THE TIME OF DISCOVERY, Body tempperatures: In all cases, body temperatures were above 20°C. Body temperature of all aged patients were above 30°C. Consciousness: Consciousness was disturbed in all patients with body temperatures below 30 °C and also in all of those who died later. Circulatory functions (pulse rate and blood pressure): Hypotension and bradycardia were occasinally observed in those with body temperatures below 35 °C and in all with body temperatures below 25°C. 4. TREATMENTS: Rewarming, artificial respiration and transfusion were performed in combination as the main treatment. For rewarming, electric blanket (with hot water pad), or hot water blanket were used. 5. PROGNOSIS: Out of 30 cases, 21 patients recovered, 2 unchanged and 3 died. Out of 30 cases, 21 patients recovered, 2 unchanged and one died. The period of hospitalization of the aged was longer than that of the young. © 1986, The Japan Geriatrics Society. All rights reserved.