What is the primary goal when rewarming a hypothermic infant?

The primary goal when rewarming a hypothermic infant is to aim for a controlled and gradual increase in body temperature, ideally around 0.5°C per hour. This gradual approach helps to prevent complications that can arise from a rapid rise in temperature, which can include cardiovascular instability and potential complications due to rewarming shock.

When rewarming is performed too quickly, there is a risk of peripheral vasodilation, which can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure and can compromise cardiac function. By targeting a more moderate increase, the body can adjust more effectively and minimize these risks.

The emphasis on a controlled rewarming strategy also aligns with established clinical guidelines for managing hypothermia in infants, prioritizing safety, stability, and gradual acclimatization to normal body temperature. In contrast, other strategies such as aiming for rapid temperature increase, immediate normothermia, or a flat temperature increase may overlook these critical safety considerations.