Cardiovascular and respiratory status in mechanically ventilated asphyxiated term infants: comparison between hypothermic and control group.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate cardiorespiratory changes in hypothermic asphyxiated ventilated infants compared with controls.


METHODS
Retrospective chart analysis with historical controls. Cardiorespiratory status of 10 asphyxiated newborns in hypothermia (H) (32 degrees-34 degrees C) (H group) was compared with that one of 11 asphyxiated newborns [control group, (C group)].


RESULTS
3/10 patients in H group needed an increased mean tidal volume (from 5.8 to 8 ml/Kg) during hypothermia when temperature reached a value of 32 degrees C, to maintain adequate gas exchange. Length of mechanical ventilation was similar in the two groups (H=5.4+/-4.4 vs C=2.8+/-2.7 days, p=ns). Heart rate, similar at the baseline (H group: 129+/-11 beats/min; C group: 129+/-12 beats/min), dropped to an average of 102+/-10 beats/min (p<0.05) during cooling in H group, while it remained stable in C group. Mean arterial blood pressure, comparable at birth, increased by a median of 8 mmHg during hypothermia (p=ns).


CONCLUSIONS
Hypothermia induces mild changes in cardiovascular status and in lung mechanics.
ICP, NICU--V Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy. intensivist@tiscalinet.it
Gianluca
G
Lista
Laura
L
Pogliani
Paola
P
Fontana
Francesca
F
Castoldi
Gilberto
G
Compagnoni
D001238:Asphyxia Neonatorum / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002118:Calcium / Q000378:metabolism; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005865:Gestational Age; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D007036:Hypothermia, Induced; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D010949:Plasma; D017470:Receptors, Glutamate / Q000378:metabolism; D012119:Respiration; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013566:Sympathomimetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D017470:Receptors, Glutamate; D013566:Sympathomimetics; D002118:Calcium