Reflow syndrome
Encyclopedia
Reflow Syndrome is a potentially fatal condition that can occur after blood pools in a part of the body (typically the legs) for a prolonged period, such as during suspension trauma
. Toxins build up in the pooled blood, and when it returns to the body (for instance, when the patient is allowed to lie down), serious problems or death can occur.
When blood pools in an area, oxygen and nutrients in the blood are quickly depleted. Once that happens, nearby cells switch to anaerobic respiration
, burning fat for energy. This produces toxic waste products, which normally would be harmlessly removed, since anaerobic respiration normally only occurs during extreme exercise, when there is rapid blood flow. In a situation like suspension trauma, the toxins build up in the pooled blood to dangerous levels. If the patient is laid flat or allowed to lie down, the blood will suddenly rush back to the body, and the toxins, as well as the lack of oxygen, can cause cardiac arrest and severe damage to the liver, kidneys, and brain.
Other treatments may include providing supplemental oxygen, and dialysis.
Suspension trauma
Suspension trauma , also known as harness hang syndrome , or orthostatic incompetence is an effect which occurs when the human body is held upright without any movement for a period of time...
. Toxins build up in the pooled blood, and when it returns to the body (for instance, when the patient is allowed to lie down), serious problems or death can occur.
When blood pools in an area, oxygen and nutrients in the blood are quickly depleted. Once that happens, nearby cells switch to anaerobic respiration
Anaerobic respiration
Anaerobic respiration is a form of respiration using electron acceptors other than oxygen. Although oxygen is not used as the final electron acceptor, the process still uses a respiratory electron transport chain; it is respiration without oxygen...
, burning fat for energy. This produces toxic waste products, which normally would be harmlessly removed, since anaerobic respiration normally only occurs during extreme exercise, when there is rapid blood flow. In a situation like suspension trauma, the toxins build up in the pooled blood to dangerous levels. If the patient is laid flat or allowed to lie down, the blood will suddenly rush back to the body, and the toxins, as well as the lack of oxygen, can cause cardiac arrest and severe damage to the liver, kidneys, and brain.
Treatment
The most important treatment for reflow syndrome is to prevent it in the first place by not allowing the patient to lie down, even for a moment, following suspension trauma or any other situation where blood has pooled in the legs for an extended period of time. Instead, the patient should be placed in a seated position, with the thighs horizontal, so that the blood can gradually return to the body. The patient should remain in a seated position for 30 minutes following release from suspension, regardless of whether they are conscious or not. The only exception to this is if cardiac arrest occurs, in which case it will be necessary to lay them down to perform CPR.Other treatments may include providing supplemental oxygen, and dialysis.
See also
- Suspension TraumaSuspension traumaSuspension trauma , also known as harness hang syndrome , or orthostatic incompetence is an effect which occurs when the human body is held upright without any movement for a period of time...
, a situation that commonly leads to reflow syndrome - Reperfusion injuryReperfusion injuryReperfusion injury is the tissue damage caused when blood supply returns to the tissue after a period of ischemia or lack of oxygen. The absence of oxygen and nutrients from blood during the ischemic period creates a condition in which the restoration of circulation results in inflammation and...
, a similar but separate condition
External links
- Suspension Trauma Article on Suspenseion Trauama, which also deals with prevention and treatment of Reflow Syndrome