prognosis
Last reviewed 01/2018
The prognosis of hypothermia is dependent on the admitting temperature, but it is generally quite poor:
- below 30 degrees C (admission temperature); 75% (fatality rate)
- 30 to 34.9 degrees C (admission temperature); 39% (fatality rate)
- 35 to 35.9 degrees C (admission temperature); 29% (fatality rate)
- above 36øC (admission temperature); 27% (fatality rate)
The decision to terminate resuscitation in hypothermia should come from the physician in charge; it is worth reiterating the adage that "The patient isn't dead until they're warm and dead".