Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

A Swine Model of Neonatal Asphyxia
Published on: October 11, 2011
Cardiovascular and respiratory status in mechanically ventilated asphyxiated term infants: comparison between
Gianluca Lista1, Laura Pogliani, Paola Fontana
1ICP, NICU--V Buzzi Children's Hospital, Milan, Italy. intensivist@tiscalinet.it
Objective:
To evaluate cardiorespiratory changes in hypothermic asphyxiated ventilated infants compared with controls.
Study Design:
Retrospective chart analysis with historical controls. Cardiorespiratory status of 10 asphyxiated newborns in hypothermia (H) (32 degrees-34 degrees C) (H group) was compared with that one of 11 asphyxiated newborns [control group, (C group)].
Results:
3/10 patients in H group needed an increased mean tidal volume (from 5.8 to 8 ml/Kg) during hypothermia when temperature reached a value of 32 degrees C, to maintain adequate gas exchange. Length of mechanical ventilation was similar in the two groups (H=5.4+/-4.4 vs C=2.8+/-2.7 days, p=ns). Heart rate, similar at the baseline (H group: 129+/-11 beats/min; C group: 129+/-12 beats/min), dropped to an average of 102+/-10 beats/min (p<0.05) during cooling in H group, while it remained stable in C group. Mean arterial blood pressure, comparable at birth, increased by a median of 8 mmHg during hypothermia (p=ns).
Conclusions:
Hypothermia induces mild changes in cardiovascular status and in lung mechanics.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
Physiological Control of Respiration
Breathing, a seemingly passive process, is regulated by the respiratory center in the brainstem. This center coordinates the involuntary control of respirations, which means it occurs without conscious effort, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted pattern.
Regulation of Ventilation
The body maintains ventilation by monitoring levels of carbon dioxide (CO2), oxygen (O2), and hydrogen ion concentration (pH) in the arterial blood. Among these factors, the level of CO2 plays a crucial...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...

