Mild hypothermia: its effect on cardiac output and regional perfusion in the neonatal piglet

Cardiac output and regional perfusion was measured in neonatal piglets using radionuclide labeled microspheres. Measurements made at normal core body temperature (38-39.5 degrees C) were compared to those obtained after a 4-5 degrees C reduction in temperature. There is a significant reduction in cardiac output and in the myocardial, renal, pancreatic, and adrenal blood flow. The separated layers of the gastrointestinal tract wall are subject to varying decreases in blood flow. The mucosa of the distal small intestine demonstrated the most significant decreases in blood flow during mild hypothermia.