Total body hypothermia increases dispersion of ventricular repolarization

J. Jason Sims, Stevin A. Dubin, John Vender, Allison W. Miller, Michael R. Ujhelyi

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Total body hypothermia is used to slow metabolic processes, thereby reducing oxygen and glucose utilization during surgery. However, ventricular fibrillation (VF) with subsequent circulatory collapse limits this therapy. We hypothesize that hypothermia may promote VF by increasing dispersion of ventricular repolarization, a known proarrhythmic condition. Methods: 17 swine were randomized to a hypothermia group (n=8) or a control group (n=9). Action potential duration at 90% repolarization was measured at 6 ventricular sites using monophasic action potential probes. Dispersion of repolarization was calculated as the maximum difference between the 6 sites. Effective refractory periods at 2 myocardial sites, and paced QRS duration were also measured. Electrophysiologic parameters were determined at baseline (normothermia=38°-40°C) and during treatment with total body hypothermia (30°C) or no temperature change for control. Hypothermia was induced by circulating ice water through anterior and posterior surgical thermal blankets. Results: The graph below represents the mean±SEM of dispersion of repolarization (*=p=0.002). Hypothermia significantly lengthened repolarization at each myocardial site by an average of 11±0.6% (data not shown). However, hypothermia also increased dispersion of repolarization by 87% (see graph). Similar to repolarization, refractoriness was increased by 9.5±0.5%. As expected, hypothermia also decreased global conduction as measured by paced QRS duration (88±2ms to 111±4ms, p=0.002). These changes were associated with an increase in the incidence of pacing induced VF, from 0% at baseline to 100% during hypothermia. Electrophysiologic parameters did not change in the control group. Conclusions: Hypothermia may promote VF by increasing dispersion of ventricular repolarization. Dispersion of repolarization in conjunction with slow conduction would provide an excellent substrate for reentrant arrhythmias.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)A108
JournalCritical care medicine
Volume27
Issue number1 SUPPL.
StatePublished - 1999

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Total body hypothermia increases dispersion of ventricular repolarization'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this