The aim of this study is to describe the characteristics of hypothermia diagnosed during 2004 in Paris and to identify associated risk factors.

A case control study was carried out based on forms filled by nurses during health care interventions. Demographic clinical and environmental data were recorded. During 2004, 107 cases of hypothermia were detected among 82 individuals, constituting 7% of health care interventions. Two hundred and forty-two homeless controls were matched according to the

month of hypothermia diagnosis.

Detected cases of hypothermia were mainly (90%) mild and none was severe. They were detected throughout the year, but more frequently in November and December. In multivariate analysis, the risk of hypothermia is increased by alcohol intoxication (ORa=2.5; CI 95% [1.2 - 5.6]) and reduced mobility (ORa=2.4; CI 95% [1.1 - 5.4]).

Hypothermia seems to be a significant risk in this sub-group of population and the number of detected cases is a minimal estimate of cases reported in Paris in 2004, as it is not systematically searched by other outreach services for the homeless. Educating outreach services staff to better recognize hypothermia and to familiarize themselves with initial treatments can help prevent hypothermia related morbidity and mortality.

Grants : Entreprise Lafarge.

Article :

"Characteristics of hypothermia among the homeless in Paris, France, 2004", Carpentier S., Raymond F., Arnaud A., Gaslonde O., Tartière S., Laporte A., Bulletin Epidémiologique Hebdomadaire, 1, p. 1-3