The effects of inadequate humidity.

The use of heated humidification in adults does not appear to be an important factor in maintaining body temperature in adults. Heat and moisture losses certainly can be reduced with heated humidification, but the contribution to temperature regulation appears small. The use of an HME reduces heat loss form the respiratory tract, but this loss is minute compared with losses from the skin, fluid administration, and the operative site. In neonates, the use of heated humidification during surgery may help contribute to thermal balance owing to the unique issues of temperature regulation and control in these patients.