Document Detail


Hypothermia and neurological outcome after cardiac arrest: state of the art.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  18289413     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Multi-centred studies in patients who remain comatose after cardiac arrest and also in newborn babies with perinatal asphyxia have clearly demonstrated that mild hypothermia (32-34 degrees C) can improve neurological outcome after post-anoxic injury. This represents a highly promising development in the field of neurocritical care. This review discusses the place of mild therapeutic hypothermia in the overall therapeutic strategy for cardiac arrest patients. Cooling should not be viewed in isolation but in the context of a 'treatment bundle,' which together can significantly improve outcome after cardiac arrest. Favourable outcomes of 50-60% are now routinely achieved in many centres in patients with witnessed arrest and an initial rhythm of ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia. These results have been achieved by combining a number of therapeutic strategies, including early and effective resuscitation with greater emphasis on continuing chest compressions throughout various procedures (including resumption of compressions immediately after defibrillation even if rhythm has been restored) as well as prevention of hypoxia and hypotension in all stages following restoration of spontaneous circulation. Regarding the use of hypothermia, early induction and proper management of side-effects are the key elements of successful implementation. Treatment should include the rapid infusion of 1500-3000 mL of cold fluids to induce hypothermia and prevent hypovolaemia and hypotension. Educational activities to increase awareness and acceptance of new therapeutic options and European Resuscitation Council guidelines are urgently required.
Authors:
K H Polderman
Related Documents :
2316833 - Cardiac arrest after isoflurane anaesthesia in a patient with duchenne's muscular dystr...
7469153 - The electronic clipboard: an automated system for accurately recording events during a ...
14760993 - Subepicardial aneurysm following ventriculotomy closure of ventricular septal rupture d...
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Review    
Journal Detail:
Title:  European journal of anaesthesiology. Supplement     Volume:  42     ISSN:  0952-1941     ISO Abbreviation:  Eur J Anaesthesiol Suppl     Publication Date:  2008  
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2008-02-21     Completed Date:  2008-09-09     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  8804068     Medline TA:  Eur J Anaesthesiol Suppl     Country:  England    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  23-30     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Intensive Care, Utrecht, The Netherlands. k.polderman@umcutrect.nl
Export Citation:
APA/MLA Format     Download EndNote     Download BibTex
MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Anoxia
Clinical Trials as Topic
Heart Arrest / complications*
Humans
Hypotension
Hypothermia, Induced*
Hypovolemia
Infant
Infant, Newborn
Multicenter Studies as Topic
Nervous System Diseases / complications,  diagnosis*
Tachycardia, Ventricular
Temperature
Treatment Outcome
Ventricular Fibrillation

From MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine


Previous Document:  Advances in intracerebral haemorrhage management.
Next Document:  Devices for rapid induction of hypothermia.