Induced hypothermia for neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy causes significant morbidity and mortality in neonates. Preventing the secondary reperfusion injury that occurs following a hypoxic-ischemic event is paramount to ensuring the best possible neurologic outcome for the neonate. Induced hypothermia is currently being studied in various institutions as a means of neuroprotection for neonates at risk of severe brain injury following a hypoxic-ischemic event. This article highlights the pathophysiology of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and the rationale behind the effectiveness of induced hypothermia. Nursing care and management of neonates being treated with induced hypothermia are discussed.
Long
Melissa
M
Intensive Care Nursery, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
Brandon
Debra H
DH
D006801:Humans; D007036:Hypothermia, Induced / Q000379:methods / Q000451:nursing*; D020925:Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / Q000451:nursing* / Q000628:therapy; D007224:Infant Care / Q000379:methods; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000458:organization & administration; D017283:Neonatal Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods*; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D014481:United States