[Therapeutic hypothermia after cardiopulmonary resuscitation - pro and con].
After successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), mild therapeutic hypothermia remains the only intervention with a fair evidence of improving outcomes. Randomized controlled trials reported a clinically important benefit, at least for selected victims of cardiac arrest. Therapeutic cooling was associated with higher rates of survival without severe neurological impairment, by 15 absolute percent as compared to controls. Among those delivering acute and intensive care, three of four remain sceptical or do not use therapeutic hypothermia. Is this reluctance justified?
Pechlaner
Christoph
C
Klinische Abteilung für Allgemeine Innere Medizin, Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin I, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Osterreich. christoph.pechlaner@i-med.ac.at
Joannidis
Michael
M
D000328:Adult; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000401:mortality / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007036:Hypothermia, Induced / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011379:Prognosis; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors