Initiation of Therapeutic Hypothermia with a Cooling Fan for an Asphyxiated Newborn

ABSTRACT

Induced hypothermia for newborns with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy results in a significant decrease in mortality and neurodevelopmental disability. For optimal neuroprotection following perinatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI), therapy should begin within 6 hrs of the insult and continue for > or =72 hrs. We report on a baby with HI who underwent therapeutic hypothermia that was initiated with a cooling fan, as the whole-body cooling machine was in use for another patient. Although overcooling occurred, the method was successful. For effective and safe brain hypothermic therapy (BHT), a purpose-built cooling machine is recommended. The adherence to standard protocol is required for every BHT, as clearly defined by protocols similar to those used in published trials.