Hypothermia: a double-edged sword.
Therapeutic hypothermia is currently used to reduce neurological ischemic damage in postcardiac arrest patients. Nevertheless, it has been associated with relevant side effects such as infections, bleeding, hypotension and hyperkalemia. Although hypothermia-induced coronary spasm is rare, its occurrence needs to be considered attentively as it adds a high risk of ventricular arrhythmias and cardiac arrest in patients with already-existing critical heart conditions.
Clinical and Experimental Department of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
Maria Chiara
MC
Todaro
Lilia
L
Oreto
Anjan
A
Gupta
Tanvir
T
Bajwa
Bijoy K
BK
Khandheria
D003329:Coronary Vasospasm / Q000209:etiology*; D006323:Heart Arrest / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007036:Hypothermia, Induced / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013318:Stroke Volume / Q000502:physiology; D018487:Ventricular Dysfunction, Left / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology