Hypothermia and blood coagulation biomarkers and their implications for perioperative nursing: A systematic review

Aim: The objective of this review was to synthesise research findings about perioperative hypothermia and its effects on blood coagulation biomarkers in patients undergoing elective surgery.Method: A systematic review design was employed, across eight databases, with an updated search performed after nine months. The databases searched included PubMed, Scopus and Cochrane. The review included primary quantitative studies that focussed on adult and older patients, and examined temperature parameters, laboratory tests and coagulation biomarkers. There were no restrictions on language or publication period.Results: Five studies were analysed, highlighting a lack of consensus on the definition and timing of tests. Common tests included prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, fibrinogen, platelet count and thromboelastography. However, the review excluded paediatric and emergency surgery studies, thereby limiting its generalisability.Conclusion: The findings revealed that hypothermia can impact the coagulation cascade, although there is no standardised approach for testing protocols or timing. These insights emphasise the need for improvements in clinical practice to ensure more accurate and consistent results, thereby ensuring better patient outcomes.