ORIGINAL ARTICLES: PDF OnlyShock due to profound hypothermia and alcohol ingestion Report of two casesRAHEJA, RAMESH MD; PURI, VINOD K. MD; SCHAEFFER, RICHARD C. JR PHD Author Information From the Critical Care Center, Department of Medicine, Mount Carmel Mercy Hospital, Detroit, MI 48235. Critical Care Medicine: September 1981 - Volume 9 - Issue 9 - p 644-646 Buy Abstract Cardiovascular failure (shock) associated with acute alcohol ingestion and severe hypothermia (core temperature 23 and 21°C) was studied in 2 patients. In each case, perfusion failure was associated with lactacidemia, severe bradycardia, and agonal respirations. Infusion of fluids and mechanical ventilation reversed shock and prevented a fatal outcome. One case, complicated by renal failure and volume overload with pulmonary edema, was managed with peritoneal dialysis. These findings suggest that perfusion failure associated with severe accidental hypothermia after acute alcohol ingestion is due to a combination of hypovolemia, bradycardia, and respiratory depression. © Williams & Wilkins 1981. All Rights Reserved.
