Rescue hypothermia for refractory hypercapnia

Eur J Pediatr. 2012 Dec;171(12):1855-7. doi: 10.1007/s00431-012-1769-6. Epub 2012 Jun 13.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bronchiolitis, Viral / complications
  • Bronchiolitis, Viral / diagnosis
  • Bronchiolitis, Viral / therapy*
  • Bronchiolitis, Viral / virology*
  • Humans
  • Hypercapnia / diagnosis
  • Hypercapnia / therapy*
  • Hypercapnia / virology
  • Hypothermia, Induced* / methods
  • Infant
  • Male
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / therapy*
  • Respiratory Insufficiency / virology
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / complications
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / therapy*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Viruses* / isolation & purification
  • Treatment Outcome