Therapeutic hypothermia in resuscitated cardiopulmonary arrest

Abstract

Introduction: Applying hypothermia in the first hours to a comatose patient who has survived cardiopulmonary arrest helps minimizing brain injury and improves survival.

Objective: To determine the use-effectiveness of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest.

Method: Quasi-experimental research on hospitalized patients in the Intensive Care Unit at the «Hospital Arnaldo Milián Castro» in Santa Clara, Cuba, between January 2013 and September 2015. The sample consisted of 26 patients: 13 treated (study) and 13 non-treated (control). Variables studied were: age, sex, arrest scenario, comorbidities and Glasgow coma scale (on admission, during neurological recovery at 72 hours and at discharge).

Results: No significant differences were found between both groups. The average age was 63 and 57 years, respectively. Male (more than 60%) and out-of-hospital arrest location predominated. Higher incidence comorbidities were: high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes mellitus; as well as initial Glasgow coma scale score of 3 in both groups, often greater than 50%.

Conclusions: Therapeutic hypothermia-treated patients presented fewer neurological complications and lower mortality, despite having, in most cases, an initial non-shockable rhythm and longer arrest time.