• T Steiner, T Friede, A Aschoff, P D Schellinger, S Schwab, and W Hacke.
• Department of Neurology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany. thorsten_steiner@med.uni-heidelberg.de
• Stroke. 2001 Dec 1; 32 (12): 2833-5.

Background And PurposeModerate hypothermia has been found to reduce intracranial pressure (ICP) significantly in patients who have severe middle cerebral artery infarction. However, during passive rewarming, ICP continuously rises and some patients suffer transtentorial herniation.MethodsWe investigated the question of whether slower rewarming leads to slower increase in ICP and slower decrease in cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP). Furthermore, we studied feasibility of slow, controlled rewarming. ICP, CPP, and core body temperature were monitored continuously. Achievement of rewarming protocol was assessed by hit rate of temperature target intervals. Side effects of hypothermia were assessed.ResultsRates of change of both ICP and CPP were correlated significantly with increase in temperature (ICP r=0.62, P=0.002; CPP r=-0.50, P=0.017). In feasibility analysis of 13 controlled rewarmed patients, hit rate of temperature target intervals was 63% (median; range 48% to 81%); hit rate within the target interval or below was 79% (median; range 62% to 94%).ConclusionsSlow, controlled rewarming is feasible and may be used for ICP and CPP control after moderate hypothermia for space-occupying infarction.

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