The Osborn Wave Of Hypothermia In Normothermic Patients

The Osborn wave (also referred to as ''the J wave,'' ''the J deflection,'' or ''the camel's hump'') is a distinct deflection occurring at the QRS-ST junction of approximately 80% of hypothermic patients (core body temperature less-than-or-equal-to 95-degrees-F). Generally, the amplitude and duration of Osborn waves are inversely related to core temperature. We report on eight normothermic patients whose 12-lead electrocardiograms demonstrated QRS-ST junction notches similar to those seen in hypothermia. These data support the concept that the Osborn wave is not pathognomonic of hypothermia.