Prevention of Maternal Hypothermia After Scheduled Caesarean Section Using Active Intravenous Warming

Resumo breve

Maternal hypothermia is very frequent after caesarean delivery under spinal anaesthesia and should be prevented, as it induces discomfort and increases the risk of postoperative complications. Several modalities of active warming have been explored, with contrasting results. Small IV Fluid warming systems offer effective and safe IV fluid warming without discomfort, and are very easy to use. The investigators hypothesize that such devices can efficiently prevent hypothermia after caesarean section even with high flow rates of infusion. The purpose of this study is to determine whether active fluid warming reduces the occurrence of maternal hypothermia after scheduled caesarean section, as compared with no active warming. The investigators plane to conduce a double-blinded randomized controlled trial. Seventy women undergoing scheduled caesarean section under spinal anaesthesia in 3 different maternity units will be included. The primary outcome is the occurrence of maternal hypothermia (\<36.0°C) on admission to the post anaesthesia care unit. The secondary outcomes are perioperative maternal hypothermia, maternal thermal discomfort, maternal recovery and neonatal well-being