PS-C20-5: WARM IV INFUSION IN HYPERTENSIVE URGENCY

Abstract

Background: Hypertensive Urgency is defined as marked elevation in systemic blood pressure without any evidence of end organ damage. At present, the condition is managed with intravenous (IV) antihypertensives, of which most common is Sodium Nitroprusside. Aim: In this abstract we explore the possibility of slow IV infusion of warm (37–38oC) Normal Saline along with IV antihypertensives for a better and faster management of Hypertensive Urgency. Content: The slow IV will gradually increase the core body temperature of the patient while preventing fluid overload. Homeostatic regulation of Systemic Blood Pressure is maintained by an intricate network of correlated mechanisms, most of which are temperature dependent. The raised body temperature will be useful to control the Blood Pressure through the following mechanisms - Cardiac Output: reduces as core body temperature increases. Baroreflex: decreased post-synaptic adrenergic vasoconstrictor responses. Chemoreceptors: vascular responsiveness to adrenergic receptor stimulation reduces at higher temperatures. RAAS: Kosunen et al recorded reduced Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressures at raised body temperatures despite increased levels of Angiotensin II & Aldosterone. Endothelin: Serum concentration of Endothelin-I reduces at higher temperatures. Sweat: Thermal stimulation of sweat gland will help excretion of both salt and water, thus maintaining the sodium balance. VEGF: VEGF-A, a potent vasodilator, is increased during elevated body temperature. However, apart from Blood Pressure, a change in core body temperature causes change in many other parameters as well, which must be considered during this discussion. Coagulation profile - Valeri et al noted no change in in-vivo coagulation states till 100oF Effect on other visceral organs - Internal visceral organs like Liver, Kidneys and Brain were not affected till 100oF Infection Control - Core body temperature close to 100oF has also been found to have a protective role against invasive fungal infections in the ICU Discussion: Though the effects of various antihypertensive drugs to raised body temperatures need to be tested, the above points prove that introducing a protocol of warm IV saline Infusion in patients of Hypertensive Urgency may be extremely beneficial, and also prevent clinical inertia.