Application and research progress of mild hypothermia in cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation

Abstract

The cerebral resuscitation is the most important aim in advanced cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation (CPCR). Cerebral function protection after cardiac arrest (CA) is important to improve survival rates including those after the discharge. Therapeutic mild hypothermia maybe the only method that can improve neurological function of patients following resuscitation after CA, which was recommended as one of treatment strategies for unconscious patients after successful resuscitation in 2010 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care. Although there are many cooling methods of inducing hypothermia, each has some advantages or shortcomings. There were many controversies on the choice, which need further research. We make a summary and analysis about the mechanism of therapeutic mild hypothermia, the possible complications at different stages and the clinical application of mild hypothermia, such as the evaluation before therapeutic mild hypothermia and the choice of hypothermia protocol and cooling methods, to provide guidance for clinical mild hypothermia therapy. Key words: Cardiac arrest; Cardiopulmonary cerebral resuscitation; Mild hypothermia; Neurological outcome