therapeutic hypothermia
Pronunciation: ther-uh-PYOO-tik HY-poh-THUR-mee-uh
Controlled cooling of body temperature to protect the brain from injury after cardiac arrest or other hypoxic events.
Full Definition
Therapeutic hypothermia is a neuroprotective treatment that involves deliberate cooling of a patient's core body temperature to 32-34°C following cardiac arrest, severe hypoxic-ischemic events, or certain types of brain injury. In pediatric patients, this intervention aims to reduce metabolic demands, limit inflammatory responses, and decrease secondary brain injury. The cooling process must be carefully controlled and monitored, typically lasting 12-24 hours followed by gradual rewarming. Therapeutic hypothermia has shown benefit in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and is being studied for other pediatric neurological emergencies, though protocols differ significantly from adult applications.
Usage
Usage note: Specify target temperature range and duration. Distinguish from accidental hypothermia and routine fever management.
In Context
- "Therapeutic hypothermia was initiated immediately following successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest." — PICU admission note
- "The neonate received 72 hours of therapeutic hypothermia for moderate-to-severe HIE following birth asphyxia." — Neonatal intensive care summary