The Effect of Intraoperative Ephedrine Use on the Incidence of Hypothermia After Major Surgery

Intraoperative hypothermia is a common and potentially severe complication during major surgical procedures. The consequences of intraoperative hypothermia can be far-reaching, affecting patient outcomes, recovery times, and overall healthcare costs. Therefore, strategies aimed at preventing hypothermia are of paramount importance in modern surgical practice. However, despite all the measures taken, some patients may still become hypothermic at the end of surgery. Understanding these factors can enhance the quality of daily practice. Medications used intraoperatively can decrease the threshold for vasoconstriction, and some of them have been reported to influence thermoregulation. For example, ephedrine is a sympathomimetic amine used to maintain hemodynamic stability, but there is a report about its thermogenic effect. One study found that patients who received an intraoperative infusion of ephedrine had a significantly lower decrease in core temperature and these patients had a more stable hemodynamic profile. It was employed in obese patients for its thermogenic and appetite-suppressing effects until its adverse effects prevented its use. Ephedrine has an unintended yet significant effect on body temperature regulation, which has raised questions about its role in contributing to the incidence of hypothermia in the postoperative period. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential relationship between the intraoperative use of ephedrine and the incidence of hypothermia following major surgery.