Body Cooling
(Therapeutic Hypothermia)
The process of body cooling is recommended for some newborns who have experienced hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, a brain injury caused by inadequate blood flow and low oxygen levels to the brain following a difficult or traumatic delivery at birth. These infants may meet the required criteria for treatment with this intervention. The method of body cooling is used to preserve cells and to slow or cease the progression of brain damage that may be occurring.
Body cooling means just that, bringing the infant’s temperature down between 92.3°F and 94.1°F. While this process might sound scary to the infant’s parents or caregivers, the medical staff at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital have experienced substantial results from the body cooling procedures performed here.
Urgent Needs Are Met With Urgent Care
With hypoxic brain injury, every second counts. For patients who need to be transported to our facility, we have the capability to begin the body cooling process immediately during transport. This high level of care sets our facility apart from some other hospitals. Whether transporting via ambulance or helicopter, we can begin the process to slow or stop brain injury without losing precious time.
Body cooling is carefully performed under strict guidelines instilled for the safe initiation and knowledgeable management of the process. The process involves constant monitoring of the infant’s vital signs, oxygen, and electrolyte levels. Our staff understands that the decision to place your infant under body cooling is a crucial and difficult one. They’ll explain to you and your family the benefits and risks of the procedure and answer any concerns you have to help you feel confident in your decision.
