Best evidence topic report. Therapeutic hypothermia after out of hospital cardiac arrest.
A short cut review was carried out to establish whether therapeutic hypothermia improves outcome in comatose post cardiac arrest patients. Altogether 176 papers were found using the reported search, of which four presented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The author, date and country of publication, patient group studied, study type, relevant outcomes, results and study weaknesses of these best papers are tabulated. A clinical bottom line is stated.
Foëx
Bernard A
BA
Department of Emergency Medicine, Manchester Royal Infirmary, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9WL, UK.
Butler
John
J
D001925:Brain Damage, Chronic / Q000517:prevention & control; D003128:Coma / Q000628:therapy; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007036:Hypothermia, Induced; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis