While a new technique called therapeutic hypothermia might sound a little scary, it is giving hope to infants at risk for brain injury where there have not been many options. Doctors have started wrapping at-risk newborns in cooling blankets to prevent brain damage, and it is proving to be quite effective.
The cooling wraps circulate water that keeps the baby’s arms and trunk area at 33.5 degrees, down from the standard 37 degrees. They are kept at this temperature for 3 days, after which they are slowly warmed back up over a 24-hour period.
The cooling blanket can reduce the chance of brain injury by 25 percent. Doctors still do not know why lowering body temperature slows damage to the brain, but the theory is that lower temperature slows the rate at which damage can occur.
According to Dr. Amit Mathur, neonatal ICU medical director at St. Louis Children’s Center, “This is a big deal. We’ve not had anything specific for the brain for decades.”
Regardless of what makes the therapy work, it is exciting to have an option for at risk newborns. If you have some thoughts on this amazing new therapy, or know of anyone who has used it, please comment below and tell us about it.
If your child has experienced a birth injury or birth defect that you feel was due to negligence, please contact our birth trauma lawyers today.