Pediatric Applications for Bair Hugger Systems

Whenever I hear stories about sickness or infections becoming rampant, I always know that there are two groups which are disproportionately affected - the very young and the elderly. Young children are especially at risk given their inability to express being cold. The usage of Bair Hugger blankets can decrease their risk of hypothermic exposure and long term effects.

According to an article found here "Hypothermia is the most common perioperative disturbance in pediatric patients. Pediatric patients are highly vulnerable to hypothermia and its associated complications, e.g. respiratory embarrassment, metabolic acidosis, hypoglycemia, hypoxemia, cardiac disturbances, coagulopathy, and a higher incidence of wound infection etc. This higher vulnerability is mainly due to increased heat loss from larger head size, thin skin, lack of subcutaneous pad of fat and limited ability of compensatory thermogenesis from brown fat."

3M has specifically addressed the need of pediatric patients with the Pediatric Underbody Blanket Model 555.

According to the 3M website, the Model 555 , the Pediatric Underbody Blanket:

The Bair Hugger Model 555 - I can see the clear plastic
"tent". Looks cozy!

• Minimizes pooling of fluids on the surface of the blanket due to unique fluid outlets
• Has even perforations across the entire blanket to ensure uniform warming
• Gives options for hose placement
• Affixes to operating tables with tape and tuck flaps
• Includes two clear plastic drapes which form a "tent" of warm air to surround the vulnerable patient.

The paper linked to above also says that during pediatric anesthesia, infants and small children, being prone to perioperative hypothermia makes it mandatory to moniator their core temperature. This management should involved "prevention and/or decreasing the risk by use of a multimodal approach. This includes preoperatively keeping the child warm, increasing ambient OR (Operating Room) temperature...and use of forced air warming devices".