Rescue hypothermia for refractory hypercapnia.
Hypothermia may reduce the CO(2) production by decreasing the metabolism of the cooled tissue. We describe the first clinical use of hypothermia to lower hypercarbia in a case of bronchiolitis related respiratory failure unresponsive to maximal respiratory support. In this case, hypothermia allowed sparing the use of extracorporeal life support. Conclusion Hypothermia might be useful for severe acute respiratory failure unresponsive to aggressive respiratory support.
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Department of Emergency and Intensive Care, University Hospital "A. Gemelli", Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Rome, Italy.
Domenico
D
Pietrini
Mariano
M
Pennisi
Francesca
F
Vitale
Silvia Maria
SM
Pulitanò
Giorgio
G
Conti
Aldo
A
Mancino
Marco
M
Piastra
Daniele
D
De Luca
D001990:Bronchiolitis, Viral / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy* / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D006935:Hypercapnia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy* / Q000821:virology; D007036:Hypothermia, Induced / Q000379:methods; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy* / Q000821:virology; D018357:Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / Q000302:isolation & purification; D016896:Treatment Outcome