X-Message-Number: 24116
From: "Basie" <>
Subject: Head-cooling Device 
Date: Wed, 19 May 2004 22:27:42 -0400

Head-cooling Device Prevents Brain Damage In Oxygen-deprived Infants, Says
New Study
New York, NY (May 7, 2004) -- A head-cooling device called CoolCap prevents
brain damage in some oxygen-deprived newborn babies, providing the first
evidence in humans that many birth-related neurological problems can be
reversed, according to an international multi-center clinical trial that
included physician-scientists at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of
NewYork-Presbyterian, the only New York City medical center to participate
in the study. The results were presented this week at the annual meeting of
the Society for Pediatric Research in San Francisco.

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Related sections: Health & Medicine
Mind & Brain



Using brain wave analysis at birth, researchers identified those babies who
might benefit from treatment. In the group of infants with moderate to
severe injury, the percentage of babies that experienced an unfavorable
outcome (death or neuro-developmental disability) was significantly reduced
from 66 percent to 48 percent by the cooling. In addition, there was a trend
to a reduction in mortality in the cooled infants.

"While more research is needed, the findings offer hope that this
condition -- which affects thousands of babies worldwide -- might be
treatable," says Dr. Richard Polin, director of the Neonatal Intensive Care
Unit at Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital of NewYork-Presbyterian and
professor of Pediatrics at Columbia University College of Physicians &
Surgeons. Dr. Polin was a member of the study's Scientific Advisory
Committee.

The CoolCap regulates the temperature of the infant's head by circulating
cold water inside a thin plastic cap that is held in place by a fabric hat.
Using water temperatures between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit, the infant's
normal body temperature is cooled to 94 degrees. Dr. Polin explains that
while it is not yet understood how the treatment works, factors may include
reducing brain metabolism, reducing brain inflammation, preventing
brain-cell death, and reducing potentially harmful toxins released after
brain injury.

As part of the study, randomized infants were fitted with the CoolCap for 72
hours. A daily neurological examination was performed for the first 72
hours, then repeated at one week, and again at the time of discharge. At 18
months, infants had a neurological assessment by a pediatrician and
developmental assessment by a psychologist, as well as visual and auditory
testing.

Between one and two of every 1,000 newborn babies are at risk of brain
damage during the birth process. Those who survive can be left with
conditions such as cerebral palsy or cognitive impairment.

The CoolCap is manufactured by Olympic Medical Corp of Seattle. The company
sponsored the trial.

Editor's Note: The original news release can be found here.

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