Why should rewarming be done slowly after TTM?

Rewarming should be done slowly after targeted temperature management (TTM) primarily to minimize the risk of rebound hyperthermia. When a patient has been cooled deliberately, their body may struggle to regulate temperature effectively upon rewarming. Rapid rewarming can lead to an excessive rise in body temperature, known as rebound hyperthermia, which can potentially cause complications such as increased metabolic demand, escalation of arrhythmias, and other adverse effects on the cardiovascular and neurological systems.

By controlling the rate of rewarming, healthcare providers can better manage the patient's physiological responses and allow the body to adapt without sudden shifts in temperature. This careful approach helps maintain stability in the patient's metabolic state and reduces risks associated with abrupt temperature changes.