Original scientific paper
Induced mild hypothermia in children
RIMANTAS KEVALAS
; Department of Pediatric Diseases, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 2, Kaunas 50009, Lithuania
DOVILE GRINKEVICIUTE
; Department of Pediatric Diseases, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 2, Kaunas 50009, Lithuania
VAIDOTAS GURSKIS
; Department of Pediatric Diseases, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Eiveniu 2, Kaunas 50009, Lithuania
ALGIMANTAS MATUKEVIČIUS
; Department of Neurosurgery, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
VYTAUTAS RAGAIŠIS
; Department of Neurosurgery, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
VIDMANTAS BARAUSKAS
; Department of Pediatric Surgery, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
Abstract
The objective of this study was to measure outcomes and to determine the safety and effectiveness of mild induced hypothermia in children after traumatic and posthypoxic brain injury. Methods. Forty patients, following traumatic or posthypoxic brain injury, were involved in the study. Mean age was 10.7 ± 0.8 years. Median GCS (Glasgow Coma Scale) was 6.0 (4-7) and mean PIM2 (Pediatric Index of Mortality) 14.6 ± 3.8 %. Results. GOS (Glasgow Outcome Scale) of 5 was assigned for 15 (37.5%) patients, GOS 4 for 14 (35.0%), GOS 3 for 7 (17.5%) and GOS 2 for 4 (10%) patients. The average GOS in patients after severe head trauma was 3.6 ± 0.9 points and in patients with posthypoxic brain injury 5 points, (p < 0.05). No life threatening complications occurred. Conclusion. Mild induced hypothermia can be safely used in pediatric patents after severe traumatic or posthypoxic brain injury. This method may be of benefit while improving outcomes in children.
Keywords
traumatic brain injury; posthypoxic brain injury; children; hypothermia; outcome; Pediatric Index of Mortality
Hrčak ID:
108698
URI
Publication date:
1.10.2012.
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