THE INCIDENCE AND RISK FACTORS FOR INTRA-OPERATIVE HYPOTHERMIA AMONG PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS UNDERGOING GENERAL ANAESTHESIA AT THE KENYATTA NATIONAL HOSPITAL.

The incidence of intra-operative core hypothermia in paediatric patients undergoing general anaesthesia at the Kenyatta National Hospital is 30%. Gender (male), lower body temperature at induction, use of caudal block and the volume of intravenous fluids infused were significant independent predictors of core hypothermia. The most significant predictor was body temperature at the time of induction of general anaesthesia.