Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 10, 2026

Author Spotlight: Investigating HR-Dependent Cardiac Function in Mouse Models Through a Novel Atrial-Pacing Approach
07:49

Author Spotlight: Investigating HR-Dependent Cardiac Function in Mouse Models Through a Novel Atrial-Pacing Approach

Published on: July 21, 2023

2.0K

Heart Failure and Hypothermia in an Infant: Pseudocyanide Syndrome?

J Scott Baird1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Critical Care Medicine, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.

Case Reports in Critical Care
|May 29, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Concurrent heart failure and hypothermia in an infant presented with elevated central venous oxygen saturation and hyperlactatemia. These findings resolved with treatment, suggesting a pseudocyanide syndrome rather than toxic exposure.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Neonatal Intensive Care
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Concurrent heart failure and hypothermia in pediatric patients are not well-described regarding central venous oxygen saturation.
  • Both conditions can independently lead to hyperlactatemia, complicating clinical assessment.

Observation:

  • A 36-day-old infant presented with respiratory distress, tachycardia, and hypothermia.
  • Treatment for supraventricular tachycardia and subsequent rewarming were initiated.
  • Inferior vena cava (IVC) blood samples revealed high oxygen saturation (>90%) and elevated lactate (18 mmol/L).

Findings:

  • Increased IVC oxygen saturation and hyperlactatemia were observed in an infant with concurrent heart failure and hypothermia.
  • These abnormalities normalized as the infant's heart failure and hypothermia resolved.
  • The pattern mimicked lab findings seen with mitochondrial toxins like cyanide.

Implications:

  • This case suggests a 'pseudocyanide syndrome' in infants with combined heart failure and hypothermia.
  • Resolution of these lab abnormalities with treatment helps rule out true toxic exposure.
  • Further reports are needed to define this syndrome and guide clinical management.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Relationship Between Lipotoxicity and HFpEF03:42

Author Spotlight: Exploring the Relationship Between Lipotoxicity and HFpEF

Published on: March 29, 2024

2.1K
Gene Transfer for Ischemic Heart Failure in a Preclinical Model07:35

Gene Transfer for Ischemic Heart Failure in a Preclinical Model

Published on: May 15, 2011

13.4K

Related Concept Videos

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology01:29

Heart Failure II: Pathophysiology

Systolic Heart Failure and Compensatory MechanismsSystolic heart failure (also termed HFrEF, Heart Failure with Reduced Ejection Fraction) is the most prevalent type of heart filure. It results in a decreased volume of blood being pumped from the ventricle. The aortic arch and carotid sinuses have baroreceptors that detect reduced blood pressure, triggering the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to release epinephrine and norepinephrine. Initially, this response aims to boost heart rate and...
987
Pathophysiology of Heart Failure01:17

Pathophysiology of Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a progressive syndrome involving ventricles that leads to inadequate cardiac output. It can be classified based on location and output or ejection fraction. Ejection fraction (EF) is an essential measurement in the diagnosis and surveillance of HF. Reduced EF corresponds to systolic heart failure (HFrEF). However, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Also known as diastolic HF, this form of HF is related to aging. The...
3.9K
Heart Failure I: Introduction01:27

Heart Failure I: Introduction

Heart failure refers to a clinical syndrome caused by structural or functional cardiac disorders that prevent the heart from pumping an adequate amount of blood to meet the body's metabolic needs. This condition often arises from myocardial infarction or ischemia, leading to decreased cardiac output, reduced tissue perfusion, impaired gas exchange, fluid volume imbalance, and decreased functional ability.Heart failure can result from disruptions in the mechanisms that regulate cardiac output...
937
Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies01:22

Heart Failure VI: Adjunct Therapies

Additional therapies for treating patients with heart failure (HF) may include procedural interventions, supplemental oxygen, the management of sleep disorders, and nutritional therapy.Procedural InterventionsImplantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator: For patients at risk of life-threatening arrhythmias due to severe left ventricular dysfunction, an Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD) can detect and terminate these arrhythmias, preventing sudden cardiac death and improving survival rates.
385
Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics01:22

Heart Failure Drugs: Diuretics

Heart failure and kidney perfusion are interconnected in a complex way. Reduced renal perfusion and venous congestion are two significant factors that contribute to renal dysfunction in heart failure. The kidneys, primarily responsible for fluid balance in the body, are adversely affected due to compromised cardiac output and increased venous pressure. In response to reduced renal perfusion, the kidneys activate neurohumoral mechanisms to restore balance. However, these mechanisms can be...
1.0K
Heart Failure V: Medical Management01:30

Heart Failure V: Medical Management

Medical Management of Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHF)The primary goals of therapy for patients hospitalized with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) include:Relieving symptomsOptimizing volume statusSupporting oxygenation and ventilationMaintaining cardiac output (CO) and end-organ perfusionIdentifying and addressing the cause of ADHFPreventing complicationsProviding patient education on factors precipitating HF exacerbationPlanning for dischargeOngoing monitoring and assessment...
352