1
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Barrow S, Ives G. Accidental hypothermia: direct evidence for consciousness as a marker of cardiac arrest risk in the acute assessment of cold patients. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2022; 30:13. [PMID: 35246215 PMCID: PMC8895778 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-022-01000-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Rapid stratification of the risk of cardiac arrest is essential in the assessment of patients with isolated accidental hypothermia. Traditional methods based on measurement of core temperature are unreliable in the field. Behavioural observations have been used as predictors of core temperature and thus indirect predictors of cardiac arrest. This study aims to quantify the direct relationship between observed conscious level and cardiac arrest. Methods Retrospective case report analysis identified 114 cases of isolated accidental hypothermia meeting inclusion criteria. Level of consciousness in the acute assessment and management phase was classified using the AVPU system with an additional category of “Alert with confusion”; statistical analysis then related level of consciousness to incidence of cardiac arrest. Results All patients who subsequently suffered cardiac arrest showed some impairment of consciousness (p < < .0001), and the risk of arrest increased directly with the level of impairment; none of the 33 fully alert patients arrested. In the lowest impairment category, Alert confused, a quarter of the 12 patients went on to arrest, while in the highest Unresponsive category, two thirds of the 43 patients arrested. Where core temperature was available (62 cases), prediction of arrest by consciousness level was at least as good as prediction from core temperature. Conclusions This study provides retrospective analytical evidence that consciousness level is a valid predictor of cardiac arrest risk in isolated accidental hypothermia; the importance of including confusion as a criterion is a new finding. This study suggests the use of consciousness alone may be at least as good as core temperature in cardiac arrest risk prediction. These results are likely to be of particular relevance to the management of accidental hypothermia in the pre-hospital and mass casualty environment, allowing for rapid and accurate triage of hypothermic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Barrow
- Royal Army Medical Corps, British Army, DMS Whittington, Lichfield, WS14 9PY, UK.
| | - Galen Ives
- Information School, University of Sheffield, Regent Court, 211 Portobello Street, Sheffield, S1 4DP, UK
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2
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Wallner B, Giesbrecht G, Pasquier M, Gordon L, Lechner R, Brugger H, Paal P, Darocha T, Zafren K. Resuscitation of an Unconscious Victim of Accidental Hypothermia in 1805. Wilderness Environ Med 2021; 32:548-553. [PMID: 34620550 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
In 1805, W.D., a 16-y-old boy, became hypothermic after he was left alone on a grounded boat in Leith Harbour, near Edinburgh, Scotland. He was brought to his own house and resuscitated with warm blankets, smelling salts, and massage by Dr. George Kellie. W.D. made an uneventful recovery. We discuss the pathophysiology and treatment of accidental hypothermia, contrasting treatment in 1805 with treatment today. W.D. was hypothermic when found by passersby. Although he appeared dead, he was rewarmed with help from Dr. Kellie and his assistants over 200 y ago using simple methods. One concept that has not changed is the critical importance of attempting resuscitation, even if it seems to be futile. Don't give up!
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernd Wallner
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Department of General and Surgical Intensive Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, EURAC Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | - Gordon Giesbrecht
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada; Department of Anesthesia, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Mathieu Pasquier
- Emergency Department, Lausanne University Hospital, and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland; International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Les Gordon
- Department of Anaesthesia, University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay Trust, Royal Lancaster Infirmary, Lancaster, UK; Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team, Ambleside, UK
| | - Raimund Lechner
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Pain, Medicine, Armed Forces Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hermann Brugger
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, EURAC Research, Bolzano, Italy; International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), Zürich, Switzerland; Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Peter Paal
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), Zürich, Switzerland; Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Hospitallers Brothers Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Tomasz Darocha
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland
| | - Ken Zafren
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MedCom), Zürich, Switzerland; Department of Emergency Medicine, Alaska Native Medical Center, Anchorage, Alaska; Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, California.
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3
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Coppler PJ, Callaway CW, Guyette FX, Baldwin M, Elmer J. Early risk stratification after resuscitation from cardiac arrest. J Am Coll Emerg Physicians Open 2020; 1:922-931. [PMID: 33145541 PMCID: PMC7593432 DOI: 10.1002/emp2.12043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Emergency clinicians often resuscitate cardiac arrest patients, and after acute resuscitation, clinicians face multiple decisions regarding disposition. Recent evidence suggests that out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with return of spontaneous circulation have higher odds of survival to hospital discharge, long-term survival, and improved functional outcomes when treated at centers that can provide advanced multidisciplinary care. For community clinicians, a high volume cardiac arrest center may be hours away. While current guidelines recommend against neurological prognostication in the first hours or days after return of spontaneous circulation, there are early findings suggestive of irrecoverable brain injury in which the patient would receive no benefit from transfer. In this Concepts article, we describe a simplified approach to quickly evaluate neurological status in cardiac arrest patients and identify findings concerning for irrecoverable brain injury. Characteristics of the arrest and resuscitation, initial neurological assessment, and brain computed tomography together can identify patients with high likelihood of irrecoverable anoxic injury. Patients who may benefit from centers with access to continuous electroencephalography are discussed. This approach can be used to identify patients who may benefit from rapid transfer to cardiac arrest centers versus those who may benefit from care close to home. Risk stratification also can provide realistic expectations for recovery to families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J. Coppler
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvania
| | - Clifton W. Callaway
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvania
| | - Francis X. Guyette
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvania
| | - Maria Baldwin
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvania
| | - Jonathan Elmer
- Department of Emergency MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvania
- Department of NeurologyUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvania
- Department of Critical Care MedicineUniversity of Pittsburgh School of MedicinePittsburghPennsylvania
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4
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Willmore R. Cardiac Arrest Secondary to Accidental Hypothermia: Who Should We Resuscitate? Air Med J 2020; 39:205-211. [PMID: 32540113 DOI: 10.1016/j.amj.2019.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2019] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac arrest with a degree of concurrent hypothermia is not a rare presentation. This presentation, often in remote areas, poses a challenge for the prehospital physician because the cause of the arrest will significantly alter decision making and prognostication. Survival from cardiac arrest secondary to accidental hypothermia is significantly greater than that of normothermic arrests when appropriate triage and management decisions are made. The complexity of this decision benefits from a specific algorithm to follow in the event of such a casualty presenting. This article systematically reviews the literature on cardiac arrest secondary to accidental hypothermia and provides recommendations in addition to a novel algorithm to aid the responding prehospital clinician in deciding if a hypothermic resuscitation standard operating procedure should be implemented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Willmore
- Institute of Pre-Hospital Care at London's Air Ambulance, The Royal London Hospital, London, UK.
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5
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Dow J, Giesbrecht GG, Danzl DF, Brugger H, Sagalyn EB, Walpoth B, Auerbach PS, McIntosh SE, Némethy M, McDevitt M, Schoene RB, Rodway GW, Hackett PH, Zafren K, Bennett BL, Grissom CK. Wilderness Medical Society Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia: 2019 Update. Wilderness Environ Med 2019; 30:S47-S69. [PMID: 31740369 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
To provide guidance to clinicians, the Wilderness Medical Society convened an expert panel to develop evidence-based guidelines for the out-of-hospital evaluation and treatment of victims of accidental hypothermia. The guidelines present the main diagnostic and therapeutic modalities and provide recommendations for the management of hypothermic patients. The panel graded the recommendations based on the quality of supporting evidence and a balance between benefits and risks/burdens according to the criteria published by the American College of Chest Physicians. The guidelines also provide suggested general approaches to the evaluation and treatment of accidental hypothermia that incorporate specific recommendations. This is the 2019 update of the Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia: 2014 Update.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Dow
- Alaska Regional Hospital Anchorage, Anchorage, AK; National Park Service: Alaska Region, Anchorage, AK.
| | - Gordon G Giesbrecht
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, Departments of Anesthesia and Emergency Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Daniel F Danzl
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, KY
| | - Hermann Brugger
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM), Bolzano, Italy; Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, EURAC Research, Bolzano, Italy
| | | | - Beat Walpoth
- Service of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Paul S Auerbach
- Departments of Emergency Medicine and Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Scott E McIntosh
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | | | | | | | - George W Rodway
- School of Nursing, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA
| | - Peter H Hackett
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Altitude Research Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO; Institute for Altitude Medicine, Telluride, CO
| | - Ken Zafren
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM), Bolzano, Italy; Departments of Emergency Medicine and Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
| | - Brad L Bennett
- Military & Emergency Medicine Department, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD
| | - Colin K Grissom
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Intermountain Medical Center and the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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6
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Mair P, Gasteiger L, Mair B, Stroehle M, Walpoth B. Successful Defibrillation of Four Hypothermic Patients with Witnessed Cardiac Arrest. High Alt Med Biol 2019; 20:71-77. [DOI: 10.1089/ham.2018.0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Peter Mair
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Lukas Gasteiger
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Birgit Mair
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Mathias Stroehle
- Department of General and Surgical Critical Care Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Beat Walpoth
- Emeritus, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Geneva University, Geneva, Switzerland
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7
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Abstract
Accidental hypothermia is an unintentional drop in core temperature to 35°C or below. Core temperature is best measured by esophageal probe. If core temperature cannot be measured, the degree should be estimated using clinical signs. Treatment is to protect from further heat loss, minimize afterdrop, and prevent cardiovascular collapse during rescue and resuscitation. The patient should be handled gently, kept horizontal, insulated, and actively rewarmed. Active rewarming is also beneficial in mild hypothermia but passive rewarming usually suffices. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be performed if there are no contraindications to resuscitation. CPR may be delayed or intermittent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Zafren
- Alaska Department of Health and Social Services, State of Alaska, Juneau, AK, USA; International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM), Zürich, Switzerland; Department of Emergency Medicine, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA, USA; Alaska Native Medical Center, Anchorage, AK, USA.
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8
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Paal P, Gordon L, Strapazzon G, Brodmann Maeder M, Putzer G, Walpoth B, Wanscher M, Brown D, Holzer M, Broessner G, Brugger H. Accidental hypothermia-an update : The content of this review is endorsed by the International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM). Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med 2016; 24:111. [PMID: 27633781 PMCID: PMC5025630 DOI: 10.1186/s13049-016-0303-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This paper provides an up-to-date review of the management and outcome of accidental hypothermia patients with and without cardiac arrest. METHODS The authors reviewed the relevant literature in their specialist field. Summaries were merged, discussed and approved to produce this narrative review. RESULTS The hospital use of minimally-invasive rewarming for non-arrested, otherwise healthy, patients with primary hypothermia and stable vital signs has the potential to substantially decrease morbidity and mortality for these patients. Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) has revolutionised the management of hypothermic cardiac arrest, with survival rates approaching 100 % in some cases. Hypothermic patients with risk factors for imminent cardiac arrest (temperature <28 °C, ventricular arrhythmia, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg), and those who have already arrested, should be transferred directly to an ECLS-centre. Cardiac arrest patients should receive continuous cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during transfer. If prolonged transport is required or terrain is difficult, mechanical CPR can be helpful. Delayed or intermittent CPR may be appropriate in hypothermic arrest when continuous CPR is impossible. Modern post-resuscitation care should be implemented following hypothermic arrest. Structured protocols should be in place to optimise pre-hospital triage, transport and treatment as well as in-hospital management, including detailed criteria and protocols for the use of ECLS and post-resuscitation care. CONCLUSIONS Based on new evidence, additional clinical experience and clearer management guidelines and documentation, the treatment of accidental hypothermia has been refined. ECLS has substantially improved survival and is the treatment of choice in the patient with unstable circulation or cardiac arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Paal
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Innsbruck University Hospital, Anichstr. 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Barts Heart Centre, St Bartholomew’s Hospital, West Smithfield, Barts Health NHS Trust, Queen Mary University of London, KGV Building, Office 10, 1st floor, West Smithfield, London, EC1A 7BE UK
- International Commission of Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM), Kloten, Switzerland
| | - Les Gordon
- Department of Anaesthesia, University hospitals, Morecambe Bay Trust, Lancaster, UK
- Langdale Ambleside Mountain Rescue Team, Ambleside, UK
| | - Giacomo Strapazzon
- International Commission of Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM), Kloten, Switzerland
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, EURAC research, Drususallee 1, Bozen/Bolzano, Italy
| | - Monika Brodmann Maeder
- International Commission of Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM), Kloten, Switzerland
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, EURAC research, Drususallee 1, Bozen/Bolzano, Italy
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Gabriel Putzer
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Innsbruck University Hospital, Anichstr. 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Beat Walpoth
- Department of Surgery, Cardiovascular Research, Service of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Michael Wanscher
- Department of Cardiothoracic Anaesthesia and Intensive Care 4142, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Doug Brown
- International Commission of Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM), Kloten, Switzerland
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Michael Holzer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gregor Broessner
- Department of Neurology, Neurologic Intensive Care Unit, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hermann Brugger
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Innsbruck University Hospital, Anichstr. 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, EURAC research, Drususallee 1, Bozen/Bolzano, Italy
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9
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Zafren K, Giesbrecht GG, Danzl DF, Brugger H, Sagalyn EB, Walpoth B, Weiss EA, Auerbach PS, McIntosh SE, Némethy M, McDevitt M, Dow J, Schoene RB, Rodway GW, Hackett PH, Bennett BL, Grissom CK. Wilderness Medical Society practice guidelines for the out-of-hospital evaluation and treatment of accidental hypothermia: 2014 update. Wilderness Environ Med 2015; 25:S66-85. [PMID: 25498264 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2014.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
To provide guidance to clinicians, the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) convened an expert panel to develop evidence-based guidelines for the out-of-hospital evaluation and treatment of victims of accidental hypothermia. The guidelines present the main diagnostic and therapeutic modalities and provide recommendations for the management of hypothermic patients. The panel graded the recommendations based on the quality of supporting evidence and the balance between benefits and risks/burdens according the criteria published by the American College of Chest Physicians. The guidelines also provide suggested general approaches to the evaluation and treatment of accidental hypothermia that incorporate specific recommendations. This is an updated version of the original Wilderness Medical Society Practice Guidelines for the Out-of-Hospital Evaluation and Treatment of Accidental Hypothermia published in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine 2014;25(4):425-445.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Zafren
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM) (Dr Zafren).
| | - Gordon G Giesbrecht
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, Departments of Anesthesia and Emergency Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada (Dr Giesbrecht)
| | - Daniel F Danzl
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, KY (Dr Danzl)
| | - Hermann Brugger
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM) (Dr Zafren); European Academy Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Bolzano, Italy (Dr Brugger)
| | - Emily B Sagalyn
- University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV (Dr Sagalyn)
| | - Beat Walpoth
- Service of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (Dr Walpoth)
| | - Eric A Weiss
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (Drs Weiss and Auerbach)
| | - Paul S Auerbach
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA; Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (Drs Weiss and Auerbach)
| | - Scott E McIntosh
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Drs McIntosh, Némethy, and McDevitt)
| | - Mária Némethy
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Drs McIntosh, Némethy, and McDevitt)
| | - Marion McDevitt
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Drs McIntosh, Némethy, and McDevitt)
| | - Jennifer Dow
- Alaska Regional Hospital, Anchorage, AK; Denali National Park and Preserve, AK (Dr Dow)
| | | | - George W Rodway
- Division of Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, NV (Dr Rodway)
| | - Peter H Hackett
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Altitude Research Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO; Institute for Altitude Medicine, Telluride, CO (Dr Hackett)
| | - Brad L Bennett
- Military & Emergency Medicine Department, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Bethesda, MD (Dr Bennett)
| | - Colin K Grissom
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Intermountain Medical Center and the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Dr Grissom)
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10
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Zafren K, Giesbrecht GG, Danzl DF, Brugger H, Sagalyn EB, Walpoth B, Weiss EA, Auerbach PS, McIntosh SE, Némethy M, McDevitt M, Dow J, Schoene RB, Rodway GW, Hackett PH, Bennett BL, Grissom CK. Wilderness Medical Society practice guidelines for the out-of-hospital evaluation and treatment of accidental hypothermia. Wilderness Environ Med 2014; 25:425-45. [PMID: 25443771 DOI: 10.1016/j.wem.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
To provide guidance to clinicians, the Wilderness Medical Society (WMS) convened an expert panel to develop evidence-based guidelines for the out-of-hospital evaluation and treatment of victims of accidental hypothermia. The guidelines present the main diagnostic and therapeutic modalities and provide recommendations for the management of hypothermic patients. The panel graded the recommendations based on the quality of supporting evidence and the balance between benefits and risks/burdens according the criteria published by the American College of Chest Physicians. The guidelines also provide suggested general approaches to the evaluation and treatment of accidental hypothermia that incorporate specific recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken Zafren
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (Drs Zafren, Weiss, and Auerbach); International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM) (Drs Zafren and Brugger).
| | - Gordon G Giesbrecht
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Recreation Management, Departments of Anesthesia and Emergency Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada (Dr Giesbrecht)
| | - Daniel F Danzl
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Louisville, School of Medicine, Louisville, KY (Dr Danzl)
| | - Hermann Brugger
- International Commission for Mountain Emergency Medicine (ICAR MEDCOM) (Drs Zafren and Brugger); European Academy Institute of Mountain Emergency Medicine, Bolzano, Italy (Dr Brugger)
| | - Emily B Sagalyn
- University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV (Dr Sagalyn)
| | - Beat Walpoth
- Service of Cardiovascular Surgery, University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (Dr Walpoth)
| | - Eric A Weiss
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (Drs Zafren, Weiss, and Auerbach)
| | - Paul S Auerbach
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA (Drs Zafren, Weiss, and Auerbach)
| | - Scott E McIntosh
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Drs McIntosh, Némethy, and McDevitt)
| | - Mária Némethy
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Drs McIntosh, Némethy, and McDevitt)
| | - Marion McDevitt
- Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Drs McIntosh, Némethy, and McDevitt)
| | - Jennifer Dow
- Alaska Regional Hospital, Anchorage, AK (Dr Dow); Denali National Park and Preserve, AK (Dr Dow)
| | | | - George W Rodway
- Division of Health Sciences, University of Nevada, Reno, NV (Dr Rodway)
| | - Peter H Hackett
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Altitude Research Center, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver, CO (Dr Hackett); Institute for Altitude Medicine, Telluride, CO (Dr Hackett)
| | - Brad L Bennett
- Military & Emergency Medicine Department, F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences Bethesda, MD (Dr Bennett)
| | - Colin K Grissom
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Intermountain Medical Center and the University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT (Dr Grissom)
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11
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Kot P, Botella J. [Cardiac arrest due to accidental hypothermia and prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation]. Med Intensiva 2010; 34:567-70. [PMID: 20096958 DOI: 10.1016/j.medin.2009.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2009] [Revised: 11/27/2009] [Accepted: 12/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In cardiac arrest produced by accidental hypothermia, cardiopulmonary resuscitation must be prolonged until normal body temperature is achieved. There are different rewarming methods. In theory, the more invasive ones are elective in patients with cardiac arrest because of their higher rewarming speed. However, it has not been proven that these methods are better than the non-invasive ones. We present a case report of a patient with cardiac arrest due to accidental hypothermia who was treated without interruption for three hours with heart massage. This is the longest successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation known up-to-date in Spain. In order to rewarm the body, a combination of non-invasive methods was used: active external rewarming with convective warm air, gastric and bladder lavage with warm saline solution and intravenous warm saline infusion. This case shows that it is possible to treat hypothermic cardiac arrest successfully through these rewarming methods, which are both easy to apply and feasible in any hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Kot
- Unidad de Medicina Intensiva, Hospital Universitario La Fe, Valencia, España.
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