Therapeutic Hypothermia Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Therapeutic Hypothermia - Essay Example This is so because paramedics who usually have to treat such patients initially do not have sufficient therapeutic means to stymie this neurologic damage process during ischemic conditions. Mild hypothermia () have been induced in patients with cardiac arrest as a therapeutic means for protecting the brain against the global ischemia that usually accompanies open-heart surgery (Nolan et al, 2003). This therapeutic means was available since the late 1950s after which it was discontinued for some time because there was indefinite indication of benefits to patients (Nolan et al, 2003). Much later, this means has again been reintroduced in the context of cardiac arrest for a select group of patients and there are positive indications that when this therapeutic means is used after return of spontaneous circulation after cardiac arrest there is improved functionality and preemption from histological defects to the brain. This is true of a number of animal models, including the human one (Nolan et al, 2003). ... gh stringent and complex inclusion criteria in Europe and Australia has established that neurological outcomes (ability to live independently and work at least part-time, etc.) are selectively available for groups of patients free from certain pathological complications (Nolan et al, 2003). Nevertheless, there are significant adverse effects that entail more research on the treatment option (Nolan et al, 2003). Mechanisms of action of induced moderate/mild hypothermia primarily include reduction of cerebral metabolic rate for oxygen @ 6% for every degree (Celsius) fall in temperature >. This reduces chances of mitochondrial damages and apoptosis from decreased production of free radicals, excitatory amino acids and calcium shifts (Nolan et al, 2003). External cooling techniques to induce mild to moderate hypothermia include use of cooling blankets, application of ice packs to groin, axillae and neck, use of wet towels and fanning and use of cooling helmets (Nolan et al, 2003). Recent internal techniques such as intravenous infusion of crystalloids and intravascular heat exchange devices are beginning to become available (Nolan et al, 2003). Since it is found that though extracorporeal techniques are efficient they are too invasive for use in prehospital treatments and most emergency departments this paper shall now discuss research on introducing a hypothermia therapeutic technique that is internal, safe, easily administrable out-of-hospital and cheap and includes infusion with selective crystalloids like common salt. This following section shall be deemed as the problem statement of the paper. Problem Statement: As has already been mentioned, the need for an internal technique that is not invasive and that can be performed safely and cheaply out of hospital and