Therapeutic hypothermia and temperature management
-
Ther Hypothermia Temp Manag · Jan 2011
Can a Cold (4°C) IV Fluid Bolus to Induce Therapeutic Hypothermia Really Deliver 4°C to Children?
Induced therapeutic hypothermia after pediatric cardiac arrest is under investigation. Animal and adult data suggest that rapid achievement of temperatures (T) <34°C may improve outcomes. Cold intravenous fluids (IVF) rapidly induce hypothermia in adults. ⋯ Tbag
-
Ther Hypothermia Temp Manag · Jan 2011
Induction of therapeutic hypothermia requires modulation of thermoregulatory defenses.
Hypothermia has been linked to beneficial neurologic outcomes in different clinical situations and its therapeutic value is considered important. For example, in asphyctic neonates and in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (with ventricular fibrillation as the initial cardiac rhythm), rapid installation of hypothermia has been reported to add substantial therapeutic benefits over nonthermal standard treatments. ⋯ This overview summarizes the body's primary reactions to hypothermia and the defense mechanisms available or evoked. Then, clinically applicable ways to overcome these forceful cold defenses of the body are described to ensure both an optimal induction process for therapeutic hypothermia and maximal subjective comfort for these conscious patients.