ZOLL Thermogard XP IVTM Physician Manual - Manual (Page 14)

ZOLL IVTM™ System Physicians' Manual
600248-001 Rev 3 13
Cool Line Catheter
Fever Management – The Standard of Care
Fever management has become a standard of care in the neuro-ICU. According to
American Heart Association guidelines established for the management of patients
with acute ischemic stroke and spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, body temper-
ature should be maintained at a normal level [3][4].
Standard Methods of Fever Reduction
Standard fever management in the majority of major medical centers in the U.S.
consists of antipyretic drug therapy using acetaminophen or ibuprofen, and
external/physical cooling. Physical cooling includes surface cooling with water or air-
filled cooling blankets, ice packs, nasogastric or rectal lavage, or alcohol baths.
Pharmacological agents such as acetaminophen, aspirin, other nonsteroidal anti-
inflammatory agents, and corticosteroids appear to inhibit the febrile response by
inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, thus interfering with prostaglandin-mediated action
on the hypothalamus. In most clinical practices, antipyretic drugs are often prescribed
to combat temperatures greater than 38.5
°C.
External cooling by different methods, such as using rotary fans and sponging the
body surface with water, are also used.