To the Editor:
Dr. Sessler penned an excellent review of body temperature and the implications of hypothermia and coagulation.1 It states that body temperature averages about 37°C. In industrial nations, recently recorded data from extensive cohort studies indicate that this is closer to 36.5°C and continues to decline secondary to changes in physical activity, body composition, and antibiotic usage.2 These results included adjustments for age, height, weight, and time of day.3 This new 36.5°C value was resistant to potential confounders of ambient temperature, time of day, patient demographics, and comorbidities.2 After more than two centuries, the norm of 37°C may need replacement to a suggested new standard of 36.5°C. This new proposed normothermia standard is fluid, might continue to decline, and has patient care and quality improvement implications.
Competing Interests
The author declares no competing interests.
