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In vitro Assessment of Myocardial Protection following Hypothermia-Preconditioning in a Human Cardiac Myocytes Model
Published on: October 27, 2020
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Out in the cold: the hypothermic heart response
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Coralville, Iowa, USA.
BMJ Case Reports
|November 20, 2014
Summary
Severe hypothermia in a 49-year-old woman led to characteristic Osborn waves on ECG. Rewarming successfully resolved both hypothermia and the ECG abnormalities, highlighting a key diagnostic marker.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Hypothermia is a dangerous condition characterized by a dangerously low body temperature.
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities are common in hypothermia, but Osborn waves are a specific finding.
- Osborn waves, also known as J waves, are a distinct deflection at the terminal QRS complex, indicative of hypothermia.
Observation:
- A 49-year-old woman presented with severe hypothermia (87.5°F) and was difficult to arouse.
- Her initial ECG revealed diffuse Osborn waves.
- She required intubation and vasopressor support for refractory hypotension.
Findings:
- Active external rewarming led to improved core body temperature and resolution of hypotension.
- Osborn waves on ECG resolved within 12 hours of achieving normothermia.
- The patient was successfully extubated and discharged home.
Implications:
- Osborn waves are a critical ECG marker for identifying and monitoring severe hypothermia.
- Prompt recognition and aggressive rewarming are crucial for patient survival and recovery.
- This case underscores the importance of ECG interpretation in undifferentiated emergencies, especially in cases of altered mental status and hypothermia.
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