Use of Therapeutic Hypothermia in Postcardiac Arrest Patients by Emergency Departments

Abstract

Since 2003, resuscitation guidelines have recommended the use of induced hypothermia as a therapy for patients who achieve return of spontaneous circulation after cardiac arrest from ventricular fibrillation. The aim of this study was to survey emergency physicians across the United States on their use of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) after cardiac arrest. An 18-question survey was e-mailed to a sample of emergency physicians. Fifty-eight respondents completed the survey. Most (71%) were associated with an emergency medicine residency training program. Annual census ranged from 12,000 to >170,000 visits. TH is used by the majority (69%) of respondents, 79% of which report the presence of a formal institutional protocol. The majority of respondents use TH in arrest rhythms including but not limited to ventricular fibrillation, and 21% begin the process in the prehospital setting. To induce hypothermia, a majority of respondents use commercial cooling products. The average time to target temperature was 95 minutes. The majority of respondents report a goal temperature between 32°C and 34°C. A shivering protocol is used by 76% of respondents, and as a first line medication, 46% use benzodiazepines. For those who do not use TH or do not have a protocol in place, the reasons cited include "too expensive," "too difficult to implement," and "not enough science to warrant it." In this sample of practicing emergency physicians, TH after cardiac arrest is not being used as described in the original literature. Although awareness and implementation of TH have increased, there appears to be a wide variation in the application of this therapy.