Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Afterdrop

Afterdrop is a physiological observed during the rewarming phase of treatment, characterized by a continued decline in core body temperature despite active warming efforts. This temporary further cooling typically occurs in the initial stages of rewarming and can exacerbate the hypothermic state, potentially leading to complications such as cardiac arrhythmias or arrest. The mechanism underlying afterdrop involves peripheral , which allows cold blood accumulated in the during to return to the central circulation, mixing with and cooling the warmer core blood. This process is often triggered by the initial rewarming of peripheral tissues before the core, or by patient movement that disrupts vasoconstriction. Clinically, afterdrop is most relevant in moderate to severe cases, where core temperatures fall below 35°C (95°F), and it underscores the need for careful monitoring of during treatment. To mitigate afterdrop, rewarming protocols prioritize core heating—such as via warmed intravenous fluids, peritoneal lavage, or methods—over peripheral warming, while minimizing unnecessary patient handling to preserve . Although afterdrop is usually self-limited and not clinically significant in mild cases, it remains a critical consideration in to prevent adverse outcomes in vulnerable patients, including those exposed to cold water immersion or environmental extremes.

Definition and Physiology

Definition

Afterdrop is the paradoxical continued decline in core body temperature, typically measured rectally or via esophageal probe, that occurs during the early phases of active or passive rewarming from hypothermia. This phenomenon represents a temporary further cooling of the body's central thermal compartment despite the initiation of warming efforts. Hypothermia itself is defined as a core body temperature below 35°C (95°F), resulting from excessive heat loss or impaired heat production in a cold environment. In this context, afterdrop manifests post-rescue or during the initial stages of warming, where the core temperature may drop further by 0.5–1°C before eventually stabilizing and rising. Unlike the primary cooling phase of hypothermia, which involves progressive heat loss leading to the initial drop below normal levels, afterdrop is a distinct rewarming-related event driven briefly by peripheral vasodilation that mobilizes cooler blood from the extremities toward the core. This sets it apart as a secondary thermal instability unique to the recovery process.

Physiological Mechanism

Afterdrop refers to the paradoxical decline in core body temperature that occurs during the initial stages of rewarming following , primarily driven by the redistribution of heat within the body. This phenomenon arises from two interrelated physiological processes: convective via circulation and conductive across tissue gradients, though the relative contributions remain debated, with some evidence suggesting conduction may predominate. The primary convective mechanism involves in peripheral tissues as rewarming begins, which reopens arteriovenous anastomoses and increases blood flow to the . This leads to an influx of cooler from the limbs and into the central circulation, thereby lowering the . Studies have demonstrated that this redistribution contributes significantly to the afterdrop, with cold peripheral blood mixing with warmer core blood and reducing overall . In parallel, conductive occurs along the from the warmer to the cooler periphery, facilitated by direct contact and the shunting of warm blood outward through vascular pathways. This outward dissipation of further contributes to the core cooling, independent of circulatory mixing but amplified by the same vasodilatory response. Experimental evidence supports conduction as a significant factor, particularly in scenarios where peripheral tissues remain markedly colder than the during early rewarming. The cessation or suppression of shivering thermogenesis during rewarming exacerbates afterdrop by eliminating a key source of metabolic heat production. In hypothermic individuals, initial rewarming often inhibits due to , , or the overriding effects of external heat application, allowing the temperature drop to proceed unchecked until endogenous heat generation recovers. This metabolic pause can prolong the afterdrop phase, as the body relies solely on redistributed heat rather than active production. Quantitatively, in mild hypothermia cases with intact shivering, afterdrop typically manifests as a core decline of approximately 0.5°C, occurring over 20–30 minutes during active rewarming; impairment of shivering can increase this to about 1°C. The magnitude is influenced by the severity of the initial , with greater peripheral-core disparities leading to more pronounced drops.

Causes and Risk Factors

Primary Causes

Afterdrop is primarily triggered by scenarios involving rapid peripheral cooling followed by rewarming, where cold blood from the returns to , exacerbating the temperature drop. One key precipitant is immersion , occurring during prolonged exposure to cold water, typically below 15°C (59°F), which causes swift heat loss through conduction and , cooling the shell before and priming afterdrop upon rescue and initial rewarming. In such cases, the peripheral tissues cool faster than due to water's high thermal conductivity, leading to a that manifests as afterdrop when circulation redistributes heat. Cold air exposure combined with physical , such as in or , represents another direct trigger through convective heat loss, particularly in y or wet conditions where sweat evaporation accelerates cooling of and . Activities like or in subzero temperatures increase metabolic heat production but also enhance convective cooling via and motion, resulting in uneven body cooling that sets the stage for afterdrop during shelter-based rewarming. This is exacerbated by the cessation of post-exposure, reducing internal heat generation while peripheral begins. In medical settings, afterdrop can arise from induced during procedures like involving hypothermic (CPB), where the body is deliberately cooled to around 28–30°C to protect organs, and subsequent rewarming— if not sufficiently gradual—allows cold peripheral blood to recirculate, causing a decline of up to 1.4°C post-bypass. This controlled cooling creates a similar peripheral-core gradient as environmental exposures, with afterdrop occurring as rewarming reverses . Afterdrop typically manifests 10–30 minutes after the initiation of rewarming, coinciding with the peak of cold blood return and vasodilation.

Risk Factors

Certain demographic groups exhibit heightened susceptibility to afterdrop due to impaired thermoregulatory capabilities. Elderly individuals over 65 years are particularly vulnerable because of diminished thermoregulatory efficiency, including reduced metabolic heat production and vasoconstrictive responses, which allow colder peripheral blood to more readily contribute to core temperature decline during rewarming. Infants and young children face increased risk owing to their larger surface-to-volume ratio, which promotes faster heat loss and greater peripheral cooling, exacerbating the afterdrop effect upon rewarming. Comorbid conditions further elevate the likelihood of afterdrop by compromising circulatory and thermogenic responses. Patients with are at greater risk because impaired circulation hinders effective peripheral , allowing accumulated cold blood in the to flood the core more profoundly during induced by rewarming. and use of sedatives or other drugs blunt the response and promote , reducing the body's ability to maintain core temperature and intensifying afterdrop severity. Environmental factors can amplify peripheral cooling and subsequent afterdrop risk in hypothermic patients. Wet clothing accelerates conductive and evaporative heat loss, leading to more pronounced gradients between the core and that manifest as afterdrop during rewarming. Physical exhaustion depletes energy reserves, weakening metabolic heat generation and increasing vulnerability to afterdrop upon movement or initial rewarming. Rapid rescue from water immersion heightens the risk by triggering sudden and catecholamine depletion, which facilitates the rapid influx of to the core. The severity of hypothermia strongly correlates with afterdrop incidence and magnitude, with moderate-to-severe cases posing the greatest threat. Patients with core temperatures below 32°C (90°F) experience more significant afterdrop compared to those with mild , as deeper cooling results in colder peripheral reservoirs and reduced cardiac reserve to withstand the phenomenon. In severe (core <28°C), afterdrop can precipitate cardiac instability, underscoring the need for cautious rewarming protocols in these patients.

Clinical Significance

Complications

Afterdrop can lead to further core cooling during rewarming, increasing the risk of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias, including and . These arrhythmias are typically associated with profound , particularly when core temperatures are below 28°C (82°F), as the cooling impairs myocardial conduction and increases electrical instability. In hypothermic cases, ventricular fibrillation occurs in approximately 36% of instances with available ECG data. A related but distinct is circumrescue collapse, which involves sudden cardiovascular instability occurring immediately before, during, or shortly after from a environment, often due to factors such as and relative leading to and reduced cerebral . While afterdrop involves continued core temperature decline during active rewarming, circumrescue collapse can result in loss of consciousness, falls, or in water rescue scenarios independent of rewarming. Studies indicate that post-rescue deaths are more commonly attributed to vascular-fluid imbalances rather than afterdrop alone. Afterdrop's further cooling can exacerbate metabolic disturbances associated with hypothermia, such as metabolic acidosis and electrolyte imbalances.

Impact on Hypothermia Treatment

The recognition of afterdrop as a complication in hypothermia has prompted a shift toward gradual rewarming protocols, favoring slow external methods at rates of 0.5 to 2°C per hour to prevent further core temperature decline from peripheral cold blood redistribution. Rapid rewarming techniques, such as warm water immersion, are generally avoided in moderate to severe cases due to the heightened risk of afterdrop and associated cardiovascular instability. This approach prioritizes patient safety by minimizing the influx of cold blood to the core circulation during initial treatment phases. Effective requires rigorous to detect afterdrop early, with continuous core recommended during the first hour of rewarming using reliable methods like epitympanic or esophageal probes in field settings, escalating to pulmonary artery catheters in environments for precise tracking. Such allows clinicians to adjust rewarming intensity dynamically and intervene if core drops unexpectedly, potentially by up to 5–6°C. Guideline evolution reflects growing awareness of afterdrop, with the American Heart Association's 2005 updates to (ACLS) protocols for hypothermic stressing the need for controlled rewarming alongside standard resuscitation to mitigate risks like afterdrop-induced arrhythmias. Subsequent iterations and supporting literature have reinforced this emphasis, integrating afterdrop prevention into broader management frameworks. Case studies illustrate the clinical consequences of overlooking afterdrop. In an avalanche burial incident involving a 34-year-old skier buried for over two hours, the victim initially regained but suffered upon standing, attributed to afterdrop and circumrescue collapse, leading to unsuccessful and underscoring the potential for fatal outcomes without vigilant . Similarly, in boating-related , such as a kayaker immersed in 3°C for 50 minutes reaching a temperature of 22.9°C, proper horizontal positioning and during rewarming averted severe complications, though failure to account for afterdrop can lead to secondary instability. Afterdrop can precipitate arrhythmias, complicating overall treatment as detailed in associated complications.

Prevention and Management

Prevention Strategies

Preventing afterdrop begins with strategies to avert development, thereby eliminating the need for rewarming procedures that can trigger the phenomenon. Environmental preparation plays a crucial role in mitigating risks. Individuals should wear layered, windproof made from insulating materials like or synthetics to trap while allowing to escape, and avoid prolonged in temperatures below 0°C (32°F), as core temperature can drop rapidly under such conditions. Maintaining is essential, as adequate fluid intake supports circulation and , reducing the likelihood of dehydration-induced heat loss. Activity planning in cold environments further reduces vulnerability. Implementing buddy systems during outdoor pursuits ensures mutual monitoring for signs of distress, allowing early intervention before sets in. For water-based activities, adherence to the 1-10-1 rule for cold water immersion is advised: 1 minute to control breathing after cold shock, 10 minutes for maximum self-rescue efforts, and up to 1 hour before typically incapacitates, emphasizing minimal exposure time without protective gear like wetsuits to prevent rapid heat dissipation—cold water accelerates body cooling by up to 25 times faster than air. Public education initiatives emphasize training for rescuers and participants to recognize early indicators, such as or , enabling prompt removal from cold stressors and preventing progression to severe stages requiring rewarming. In high-risk occupations like or search-and-rescue operations, technological aids such as insulated drysuits provide a waterproof barrier to retain during immersion, while battery-powered heated garments offer active warmth to extremities and core, significantly lowering hypothermia incidence in prolonged cold exposures.

Rewarming Techniques to Minimize Afterdrop

Passive external rewarming is recommended for mild cases, typically with core temperatures above 32°C, where the patient retains sufficient capacity and metabolic reserves to generate endogenously. This approach involves removing wet clothing, insulating the patient with dry blankets, and placing them in a warm (around 20–25°C) to facilitate gradual and heat conservation without inducing circulatory from rapid peripheral warming. By avoiding aggressive external heat application, passive methods minimize the risk of afterdrop, as they prevent sudden influx of cold peripheral blood to the core. For moderate to severe hypothermia, active external rewarming techniques are employed selectively to accelerate while mitigating afterdrop. warming devices, such as those delivering air at 38–43°C to the trunk, neck, and head, provide efficient surface heating at rates of 1–2°C per hour without significantly exacerbating core decline. Similarly, warm at 38–42°C applied primarily to the trunk (avoiding initial immersion of limbs) promotes controlled peripheral , with studies showing no greater afterdrop compared to whole-body methods in mild immersion cases. These trunk-focused applications prioritize central circulation, reducing the volume of cold returning from during early rewarming phases. In severe ( temperature below 30°C) or when external methods are insufficient, active rewarming targets internal delivery to counteract afterdrop by warming central compartments first. Administration of warmed intravenous fluids at 40–42°C supports this by directly raising temperature at rates up to 1–2°C per hour, often combined with humidified oxygen at similar temperatures. For critically ill patients, invasive techniques like peritoneal lavage with dialysate at 40–45°C enable rapid heating (2–4°C per hour) while minimizing peripheral contributions to afterdrop through selective central focus. Evidence indicates that prioritizing over peripheral rewarming can reduce afterdrop magnitude by limiting cold mobilization. To further prevent afterdrop during rewarming, especially in moderate to severe cases, patients should be handled gently to avoid unnecessary movement that could disrupt peripheral , and maintained in a horizontal position to minimize venous pooling and circum-rescue collapse from sudden catecholamine drop. These measures help limit the return of cold peripheral blood to the core circulation.

References

  1. [1]
    Afterdrop - RCEMLearning
    Afterdrop is the fall in the patient's core temperature after the initiation of rewarming. Although the exact mechanism for the afterdrop is somewhat ...
  2. [2]
    Hypothermia and frostbite - Knowledge @ AMBOSS
    Mar 17, 2025 · Hypothermia is defined as a drop in core body temperature below 35°C (95°F). Impaired thermoregulation, decreased heat production, and increased heat loss can ...
  3. [3]
    Hypothermia • LITFL • CCC
    Nov 3, 2020 · Afterdrop, a drop in core body temperature during rewarming may occur a consequence of peripheral vasodilation and release of cold ...
  4. [4]
    Afterdrop of body temperature during rewarming - PubMed
    Afterdrop, the continued fall of deep body temperatures during rewarming after hypothermia, is thought to endanger the heart by further cooling from cold blood.
  5. [5]
    Part 10.4: Hypothermia | Circulation
    Nov 28, 2005 · Some researchers believe that active external rewarming contributes to “afterdrop” (continued drop in core temperature when cold blood from the ...
  6. [6]
    Afterdrop of body temperature during rewarming: an alternative ...
    Afterdrop, the continued fall of deep body temperatures during rewarming after hypothermia, is thought to endanger the heart by further cooling from cold blood.Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
  7. [7]
    Hypothermia - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
    Jan 19, 2024 · Hypothermia is defined as a drop in body temperature below 35 °C. The condition is common in cold geographic areas and during cooler months.
  8. [8]
    Accidental hypothermia–an update: The content of this review is ...
    Sep 15, 2016 · Experimental studies [106–108], have demonstrated a ~0.5–1 °C afterdrop during minimally invasive rewarming and slightly more during exercise- ...
  9. [9]
    Rewarming Methods in Hypothermia - FPnotebook
    ... Afterdrop ... Raises core Body Temperature by 0.5 to 2 C (0.9 to 3.6 F) per hour.
  10. [10]
    Accidental Hypothermia: 2021 Update - PMC
    Accidental hypothermia is an unintentional drop of core temperature below 35 °C. Annually, thousands die of primary hypothermia and an unknown number die of ...
  11. [11]
    Hypothermia Evidence, Afterdrop, and Practical Experience
    Careful physiology experiments involving mild hypothermia using active rewarming have consistently demonstrated an afterdrop of approximately 0.5°C in controls ...
  12. [12]
    Inhibition of shivering increases core temperature afterdrop and ...
    These results demonstrate the effectiveness of shivering heat production in attenuating the postcooling afterdrop of core temperature and potentiating core ...Missing: decline | Show results with:decline
  13. [13]
    Thermoregulation and afterdrop during hypothermia in patients with ...
    The pathophysiology of afterdrop of core temperature during rewarming in patients with induced or accidental hypothermia remains controversial. We studied the ...
  14. [14]
    The convective afterdrop component during hypothermic exercise ...
    The post-cooling decrease in esophageal temperature (Tes) (ie, afterdrop) is 3 times greater during exercise than during shivering, presumably due to increased ...Missing: drop | Show results with:drop
  15. [15]
    (PDF) Exertional fatigue and cold exposure: mechanisms of hiker's ...
    Aug 9, 2025 · Participants in prolonged, physically demanding activities in cold weather are at risk of a condition known as hiker's hypothermia.
  16. [16]
    Cold Injuries : The Chill Within - PMC - NIH
    Afterdrop : is a situation in which the core temperature actually decreases during rewarming. This is caused by peripheral vessels in the arms and legs ...
  17. [17]
    Afterdrop after hypothermic cardiopulmonary bypass - PubMed
    The pathophysiology of the afterdrop remains unclear: It might be caused by either inadequate total body rewarming on CPB or to heterogenous distribution of ...Missing: primary | Show results with:primary
  18. [18]
    Effectiveness of a Circulating-Water Warming Garment in ... - PubMed
    The investigated thermoregulation system was effective in preventing the after-drop of temperature that occurs after cardiopulmonary bypass in small infants ...
  19. [19]
    Hypothermia and afterdrop following open water swimming
    ... hypothermia and afterdrop, rectal temperature was measured for up to ... 10-30 minutes, before rising gradually, affirming the fundamental principle ...
  20. [20]
    Hypothermia: Beyond the Narrative Review—The Point of View of ...
    Dec 5, 2023 · Moderate hypothermia is characterized by decreased cardiac output and blood pressure, hypoventilation and hyporeflexia. The loss of the ...
  21. [21]
    Hypothermia: The Cold Facts - Medscape Reference
    Dec 20, 2024 · Children are at increased risk for hypothermia due to having a greater body surface area-to-mass ratio than adults, as well as having a higher ...
  22. [22]
  23. [23]
    Diagnosis and Treatment of Hypothermia - AAFP
    Dec 15, 2004 · Although hypothermia is most common in patients who are exposed to a cold environment, it can develop secondary to toxin exposure, ...
  24. [24]
    Outdoor Action Guide to Hypothermia & Cold Weather Injuries
    Hypothermia - a decrease in the core body temperature to a level at which normal muscular and cerebral functions are impaired.
  25. [25]
    Accidental Hypothermia: Guidelines from the Wilderness Medical ...
    Nov 1, 2020 · This afterdrop can be caused by patient movement, warm water immersion, or other heat applied to extremities. Patients with moderate hypothermia ...
  26. [26]
    Accidental Hypothermia: 2021 Update - MDPI
    The main cause of afterdrop is reperfusion of cold body parts during rewarming, but conductive heat transfer between colder and warmer body regions may also ...
  27. [27]
    The cause of death after rescue - PubMed
    The traditional explanation is that this is due to ventricular fibrillation resulting from the afterdrop of core temperature.
  28. [28]
    Hypothermic Cardiac Arrest – Retrospective cohort study from the ...
    The ECG showed asystole in 24 (51%) patients, ventricular fibrillation in 17 (36%) and PEA in 6 (13%). ... Giesbrecht, D.F. Danzl, et al. Hypothermia evidence, ...
  29. [29]
    Accidental hypothermia in adults: Clinical manifestations and ...
    Mar 14, 2025 · Once the core temperature reaches 32°C (90°F), metabolism, ventilation, and cardiac output begin to decline, and shivering becomes less ...
  30. [30]
    Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Out ...
    Afterdrop of as much as 5 to 6°C has been reported in hypothermic patients. Therefore, care should be taken to prevent increased blood flow to the limbs during ...
  31. [31]
    Witnessed Cardiac Arrest in a Hypothermic Avalanche Victim ...
    Jan 29, 2021 · Afterdrop and circumrescue collapse were the most likely triggers of cardiac arrest. This case highlights a need for rescuers, emergency ...
  32. [32]
    Case Study of Severe Accidental Hypothermia with Rapid Cooling ...
    Oct 3, 2024 · We describe a case of severe accidental hypothermia of a kayaker with preserved consciousness and shivering despite a rectal temperature of 22.9°C following a ...
  33. [33]
    Working in the Cold | Cold Stress - CDC
    Aug 28, 2024 · Cold stress can affect workers who work in cold environments. When temperatures drop below normal, heat can rapidly leave your body.Reducing Your Risk · Employers · WorkersMissing: garments | Show results with:garments
  34. [34]
  35. [35]
    How to prevent frostbite and hypothermia - MedlinePlus
    Sep 15, 2024 · Get out of the cold, wind, rain, or snow if possible. · Add warm layers of clothing. · Eat carbohydrates. · Drink fluids. · Move your body to help ...Missing: strategies | Show results with:strategies<|control11|><|separator|>
  36. [36]
    Hypothermia: Understanding and Prevention - Minnesota Sea Grant
    1-2 h, 40-75 min, 3-5 hrs, 12-22 hrs. 15.5 to 21 / 60 - 70, 30-40 min, 2-7 h, 75 ... Normal body temperature is 37°C (98.6°F) orally, 38°C (100.4°F) rectally ...Hypothermia Rescue Kit · Types Of Rescues · Stages Of Hypothermia
  37. [37]
    Cold Water Hazards and Safety - National Weather Service
    +Preparedness · Always wear a life jacket in and around the water. · Always dress for water temperature, not for air temperature. · Some examples are: Wet suit ...
  38. [38]
    Hypothermia - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
    Apr 16, 2024 · Hypothermia is a condition that occurs when core body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius). It is a medical emergency.
  39. [39]
    Recognize the Subtle Signs of Hypothermia - JEMS
    Mar 1, 2018 · Mild hypothermia presents with a sympathetic response meaning heart rate and breathing increases, and shivering begins in attempt to generate ...Share To · Losing Heat · Warming ConsiderationsMissing: rescuers | Show results with:rescuers<|control11|><|separator|>
  40. [40]
    Preventing Hypothermia in Commercial Fishermen
    A commercial fisherman's survival suit is the best hypothermia prevention device as it provides insulation, warmth and flotation.
  41. [41]
    How to Avoid Hypothermia in Search and Rescue Diving - - SDI | TDI
    May 19, 2015 · How to Avoid Hypothermia in Search and Rescue Diving · 1) Exposure Protection · 2) Reduced Bottom Time · 3) Medical Support · 4) Practice and ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  42. [42]
    PPE for Extreme Conditions: Ensuring Comfort and Safety ... - Grainger
    Oct 6, 2025 · Electronically heated jackets, coats, vests, overalls ... workers dry during rainy conditions and also help reduce the risk of hypothermia.Proper Ppe For Cold Weather · Proper Ppe For Working In... · Ppe When Working In The Rain<|control11|><|separator|>
  43. [43]
    Forced air surface rewarming in patients with severe accidental ...
    An afterdrop phenomenon was not observed in any of the patients. Nine hypothermic patients (group 1) had no prehospital cardiac arrest, all nine were long-term ...
  44. [44]
    Bath rewarming from immersion hypothermia - PubMed
    Trunk-only bath rewarming has often been recommended over whole-body bath rewarming as a method for the treatment of immersion hypothermia.
  45. [45]
    Efficacy of two methods for reducing postbypass afterdrop - PubMed
    Afterdrop, defined as the precipitous reduction in core temperature after cardiopulmonary bypass, results from redistribution of body heat to inadequately ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  46. [46]
    Peripheral blood flow during rewarming from mild hypothermia in ...
    During the initial stages of rewarming from hypothermia, there is a continued cooling of the core, or after-drop in temperature, that has been attributed to ...