Principles of Critical Care, 3e > Part XI. Special Problems in Critical Care > Chapter 111. Hyperthermia Janice L. Zimmerman,  Nicola A. Hanania

Key Points

"Hyperthermia is defined as a core body temperature above 38.2°C (101.8°F) and is commonly present in patients in the intensive care unit. In most cases, hyperthermia is a consequence of the presence of pyrogens that reset the hypothalamic thermoregulatory mechanism to a higher temperature.¹ This response, referred to as fever, is part of the individual's immune response to infection, malignancy, inflammation, or autoimmune disease...."