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Arterial pressure is not reflective of right ventricular function in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy treated with therapeutic hypothermia

Journal of Perinatology volume 43, pages 162–167 (2023)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Aim

to evaluate the correlation of recovery of arterial pressure with physiological recovery among patients with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy undergoing therapeutic hypothermia.

Methods

At 24 h postnatal age, we compared 53 neonates of whom 22 (41%) were inotrope-treated to those untreated with cardiovascular medications.

Results

Inotrope-treated patients had persistent severe right ventricular (RV) dysfunction and evidence of abnormal brain tissue oxygen delivery, despite recovered arterial pressure.

Conclusion

Arterial pressure is not reflective of RV function and the need for inotropic agents may be reflective of abnormal brain tissue oxygen delivery.

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Fig. 1: Relationship between arterial pressure and echocardiography measures by inotrope treatment status [yellow = inotrope treated; purple = untreated].

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Data availability

Data upon which conclusions are based will be made available on reasonable request to the PI.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA

    R. E. Giesinger & P. J. McNamara

  2. The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada

    R. E. Giesinger & P. J. McNamara

  3. Department of Paediatrics, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland

    A. F. El-Khuffash

  4. Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA

    P. J. McNamara

Authors
  1. R. E. Giesinger
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  2. A. F. El-Khuffash
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  3. P. J. McNamara
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Contributions

REG collected data, did analysis, wrote the first draft of the manuscript. AFE participated in study design, analysis, review and approval of the final manuscript. PJM participated in study design, analysis, review and approval of the final manuscript

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Correspondence to P. J. McNamara.

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Giesinger, R.E., El-Khuffash, A.F. & McNamara, P.J. Arterial pressure is not reflective of right ventricular function in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy treated with therapeutic hypothermia. J Perinatol 43, 162–167 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-022-01567-3

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