PATHOPHYSIOLOGY OF HYPOTHERMIA: GIT, HEPATIC, RENAL, METABOLIC, CNS

Dear Gagarians!!

Here is my part for my pathophysiology of hypothermia!! X) Amlah would be uploading the other systems that are affected
RENAL
Decreased tubular function (cold diuresis)
COLD DIURESIS: Renal cell dysfunction, decreased levels of ADH leads to production of large volume of dilute urine (cold diuresis). Diuresis accompanied with fluid leakage to interstitial tissues causes hypovolaemia

GIT
Elevated amylase
Body’s adaptation to generate heat by elevating the amylase to digest food for metabolism

HEPATIC
Reduced hepatic function
Blood shunted towards heart and brain, lack of blood = lack of function

METABOLIC
Decreased adrenal activity: CNS activity drops with temperature, adrenal gland is a modified ganglion, and hence activity drops
Delayed wound healing: sluggish flow of blood due to cold diuresis would account for the delay in wound healing
Decreased metabolism in lactate and citrate: cold conditions, enzymes below optimal working temperature
Hyperkalaemia: damaged cells and renal dysfunction

NEUROLOGIC
Decreased consciousness progressing to coma: CNS activity drops, metabolism drops, repolarization drops (enzymes to break down the neurotransmitters), <20 degree Celsius brain= brain dead on EEG
Absent motor and reflex functions:
CNS activity drops, affects the whole brain.