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Triangle of Death; Hypothermia, Acidosis, and Coagulopathy
Baker, C, Brasel, K., Ku, J., and Rutherford, EJ.
New Horions 1999. 7(1). 61-72
REVIEWER INTRODUCTION: The lethal combination of hypothermia, acidosis and coagulopathy, known as die triangle of death, poses a potential threat to every trauma patient who presents to the Emergency Department. Clinical studies have shown that with early recognition and treatment of the patient in extremis, survival rate is grearer.
ABSTRACT: The clinical course of these three components [hypothermia, acidosis and coagulopathy] are discussed in detail. Hypothermia defined as the core temperature less then 35 degrees C, is the result of a combination of heat loss and decreased heat production. Hypothermia, which is more prevalent in the severely injured patient, is associated with increased mortality. Although hypothermia was at one time thought to be beneficial for die...