Metabolic Changes and Hemodynamic Dysfunction Following Hypothermic Shock
Abstract
Shock, which is the result of acute and severe accidental hypothermia, can produce subtle injuries to several organs. The manifestations of these injuries are difficult to observe because of compensatory mechanisms, however, they can persist many hours past the return to normal body temperature. The severity of these organ dysfunctions is not always great but coupled with other changes can jeopardize the survival of the victim. The purpose of these investigations is to uncover the mechanisms which produce the dysfunctions and determine proper therapeutic procedures to stop and reverse this pathological process. One of the therapeutic interventions which is being studied is fluid resuscitation, which is applied during the short rewarm period. We have shown that following hypothermia and rewarm a cardiac dysfunction persists over 48 hours. This dysfunction is hidden in the whole intact animal because of the cardiovascular compensatory mechanism.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA233942
Entities
People
- Harvey I. Miller
Organizations
- LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans