Abstract
In the management of severe pediatric brain injury, attention has previously been paid to brain edema, ICP elevation and low cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). However, in the acute stage within 3-6 hours after trauma, brain hypoxia and hyperglycemia associated with diffuse brain injury are often observed. We have pointed out brain thermo-pooling (elevation of brain tissue temperature) and brain hypoxia caused by defective release of oxygen from hemoglobin (due to decrease in red blood cell enzyme (DPG)) as a new mechanism of brain injury. To treat these pathologic changes, we have developed a brain hypothermia treatment, the major purpose of which is to prevent brain hypoxia, brain thermo-pooling, neurohormonal changes causing cytokine encephalopathy, and a selective, radical-mediated damage of the dopamine A10 nervous system. The brain tissue temperature is initially adjusted to 35 degrees C with adequate cerebral oxygenation, followed by brain hypothermia at 34 degrees C for 1 weeks to prevent brain hypoxia, free radical reactions, brain edema and ICP elevation. What is most difficult in the pediatric brain hypothermia treatment is to maintain metabolic balance in the injured brain tissue and pulmonary infections associated with an immune crisis. When a rapid elevation of serum glucose is noted it is critical to lower the value because glucose quickly penetrates the blood-brain barrier and increases pyruvate and lactate by inhibiting the TCA cycle metabolism. Thus, hyperglycemia during brain hypothermia treatment is one of the major target of management. Another problem is immune crisis associated with secondary pulmonary infections. To prevent them, early enteral nutrition and replacement of L-arginine were most useful, as well as preconditioning for rewarming as follows: serum albumin > 3.0 g/dl; lymphocyte > 1500/mm3; T-H (CD4) lymphocytes > 55%; serum glucose, 120-140 mg/dl; vitamin A > 50 mg/dl; Hb > 12 g/dl and 2,3 DPG, 10-15 mumol/gHb; O2 ER, 23-25% and AT-III, > 100%. The clinical benefit of this therapy is still controversial.
