Evaluating a simple method of neuroprotective hypothermia for newborn infants.
This study describes and evaluates a simple method of neuroprotective hypothermia for infants with hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE). Five term infants with HIE were cooled by applying soft, cold gel bags to the head. A radiant warmer, set to 34 degrees C, servo-controlled the temperature measured at a probe between the infant's back and the mattress. The infants' heads were shielded from the warmer. After 72 h, the infants were re-warmed by 0.2 degrees C per hour, by adjusting the radiant warmer. A rectal temperature of 34 degrees C was attained in a median time of 45 min. Mean rectal temperatures during cooling were 33.9 +/- 0.3 degrees C. There was good correlation between insulated back temperatures and deep rectal temperatures (r = 0.76). There were no major or irreversible adverse events during cooling. This method of cooling achieved rectal temperatures within the target range of 33-34 degrees C and re-warming was effective.
Neonatal Medicine, School of Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa. alan.horn@uct.ac.za
A R
AR
Horn
M C
MC
Harrison
L L
LL
Linley
D001831:Body Temperature; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007036:Hypothermia, Induced / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D020925:Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome