Changes in laboratory parameters indicating cell necrosis and organ dysfunction in asphyxiated neonates on moderate systemic hypothermia

Aim: Asphyxia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in term infants. In addition to cerebral injury other organs are also distressed due to hypoxic-ischaemic insult. Systemic hypothermia has a beneficial effect on brain injury. We tested the impact of hypothermia on hypoxic damage of other internal organs. Methods: Asphyxiated term neonates (n = 21) were randomised to groups treated with hypothermia (n = 12) and normothermia (n = 9). Hypothermia (33-34 degrees C) was initiated within 6 h of life, and maintained for 72 h. We determined serum transaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, uric acid, creatinine levels and diuresis during 6, 24, 48 and 72 postnatal hours. Results: Area under curve values of aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), uric acid and creatinine during the investigated period and alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) value at 72 h were lower in neonates on hypothermia than in those on normothermia. Renal failure and liver impairment affected less hypothermic than normothermic neonates (3/12 vs. 7/9, p = 0.03, 3/12 vs. 6/9 p = 0.08, respectively). Four of the 12 hypothermic and 6 of the 9 normothermic neonates developed multiorgan failure. Conclusions: These results suggest that systemic hypothermia may protect against cell necrosis and tissue dysfunction of internal organs after neonatal asphyxia.