Repeated deep accidental hypothermia. A comparison of active or passive treatment in one patient.

Deep accidental hypothermia after self-poisoning with drugs occurred twice in the same patient within 25 days. Initial rectal temperatures were 22.0 degrees C and 23.3 degrees C, respectively; the clinical conditions were otherwise identical. In the first instance, active rewarming by means of peritoneal irrigation was performed, while spontaneous rewarming was allowed on the second occasion. Normothermia was attained within 24 hours in both cases, and the patient was discharged in her habitual state of well-being. The course of these nearly identical cases illustrates the possibility of a passive treatment for deep hypothermia.