RESEARCH PROGRESS ON INTRAOPERATIVE HYPOTHERMIA IN FEMALE ATHLETES UNDERGOING CESAREAN SECTION

Abstract

As society progresses and living standards rise, women, including female athletes, are presented with an array of choices regarding childbirth methods. In recent times, the advent of advanced medical technologies has seen an increased preference for cesarean sections. Nonetheless, this surge in cesarean deliveries has been paralleled by a heightened risk of maternal perioperative hypothermia. Specifically, in female athletes undergoing cesarean sections, intraoperative hypothermia—characterized by a body temperature lower than the norm during or post-surgery—poses significant concerns. The prevalence of hypothermia during such procedures ranges approximately from 3% to 10%. In the context of anesthesia and surgical interventions, fluctuations in maternal body temperature can influence the duration of the operation, its efficacy, and the spectrum of postoperative complications encountered. It is posited that hypothermia during cesarean sections stems from a disruption in the equilibrium between heat production and dissipation. For female athletes, who may have distinct physiological and metabolic profiles compared to the general population, the implications of intraoperative hypothermia extend to altered systemic hemodynamics, coagulation functions, and a diminished tolerance to anesthesia and analgesics. These alterations can precipitate a host of severe complications, thereby underscoring the critical need for effective prevention and management strategies. This paper endeavors to delineate the underlying mechanisms, identify risk factors, and explore predictive measures and preventative strategies for managing intraoperative hypothermia in cesarean sections among female athletes. Given their unique physical conditioning and recovery expectations, addressing hypothermia in this demographic is imperative for safeguarding maternal and neonatal health, ensuring a smoother postoperative recovery, and facilitating a timely return to athletic pursuits