Abstract
Objective Therapeutic hypothermia is an established therapeutic regimen in severely asphyxiated
term neonates. The amount of cerebral injury is reduced resulting in an improved neurologic
outcome. Therapeutic hypothermia-induced side effects mostly affect the circulatory
system, kidney, and liver. However, asphyxia and hypothermia in itself reduce the
hemostatic capacity of each individual organism.
Study Design A case of a neonate with severe asphyxia and purpura fulminans after hypothermia
is described.
Results and Conclusion Although purpura fulminans cannot be attributed to hypothermia solely, the influence
of hypothermia on hemostasis may have promoted severe coagulopathy with a fatal outcome.
Further studies are necessary to reveal therapeutic hypothermia as a trigger for severe
coagulopathies in asphyxiated neonates, especially in those with sepsis and overt
coagulopathy prior to therapeutic hypothermia.
Keywords
asphyxia - therapeutic hypothermia - sepsis - purpura fulminans
