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17 degrees Celsius body temperature--resuscitation successful?
Sven Hungerer1, Michael Ebenhoch, Volker Bühren
1Trauma Center Murnau, Prof. Küntscherstrasse 8, Murnau, Germany. shungerer@bgu–murnau.de
High Altitude Medicine & Biology
|December 31, 2010
Summary
Profound hypothermia resuscitation is challenging. A rare case of necrotizing enterocolitis, a complication of severe hypothermia, led to a patient
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Accidental profound hypothermia (APH) presents significant resuscitation challenges.
- Survival rates decrease dramatically with core body temperatures below 20°C.
- Early recognition and advanced life support are critical for APH patients.
Observation:
- A 17-year-old male with a core temperature of 17°C and no cardiac activity was resuscitated.
- Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) was used for rewarming, with cardiac activity restarting at 25°C.
- The patient initially showed signs of recovery, including neurological improvement and ability to walk.
Findings:
- The patient developed septic shock 54 days post-resuscitation.
- Necrotizing enterocolitis with non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) was diagnosed.
- Post-mortem examination confirmed extensive bowel necrosis.
Implications:
- APH survivors may face severe, life-threatening medium-term complications.
- Necrotizing enterocolitis and NOMI are rare but critical complications of profound hypothermia.
- This case highlights the complex and prolonged care required for APH survivors.
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