Cold injury syndrome and neurodevelopmental changes in survivors.

Background: The aim of this study was to extend and develop knowledge of the clinical parameters of cold injury syndrome (CIS) in hypothermic infants and newborns, so that morbidity, mortality, and neurodevelopmental disturbances associated with the condition can be reduced.

Methods: This retrospective, 10-year cohort study investigated 103 hypothermic infant and newborn patients (aged 0-60 days) admitted to the Pediatric Department between January 1, 1976 and December 31, 1985. Medical records of 67 survivors and 36 children who died were analyzed. Of the survivors, 24 consented to undergo assessment of neuropsychological and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Results: At presentation, all patients manifested cold skin and limbs, while 96 (93.2%) were sleepy, hypotonic and inactive. Cyanosis with bradycardia, bradypnea, and apneic crisis (AC) was observed in 80 (77.7%) patients, and 65 (63.1%) demonstrated diffuse intravascular coagulation (DIC). Pulmonary hemorrhage, AC, respiratory distress syndrome, and DIC represented the primary causes of death. Higher body temperatures on admission reduced the risk of death. Of the 24 patients assessed for neuropsychological and neurodevelopmental outcomes, all but one had normal intellectual capabilities, whereas 16 (66.7%) showed signs of neurodevelopmental disturbances.

Conclusions: The severity of hypothermia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia with DIC correlates with prognosis and death rate. Hypothermia in infants and newborns can cause psychological and neurodevelopmental disturbances in survivors.