Journal of neurotrauma
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Journal of neurotrauma · Mar 2009
Biography Historical ArticleTherapeutic hypothermia: the Safar vision.
At the 2(nd) International Brain Hypothermia conference, in Miami, the late Dr. Peter Safar was honored for his many contributions to the field of therapeutic hypothermia. ⋯ This review addresses key historical events in the development and implementation of therapeutic hypothermia across a number of central nervous system insults. A discussion of future potential uses of this therapy in a variety of applications as part of the Safar vision is also presented.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Mar 2009
Biography Historical ArticleA tribute to Dr. Hubert L. Rosomoff: a pioneer in treatment of pain and use of hypothermia.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Mar 2009
ReviewClinical study of mild hypothermia treatment for severe traumatic brain injury.
Clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggest that mild hypothermia may improve the outcome of severe traumatic brain injured patients with intracranial hypertension when cooling is maintained for longer than 48 h. However, the results are not yet conclusive, and more RCTs are required. Mild hypothermia significantly decreases intracranial pressure (ICP) values when refractory intracranial hypertension cannot be controlled by conventional measures in patients with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Prolonged mild-to-moderate hypothermia may be associated with high incidence of pneumonia and hypokalemia, which should be prevented.
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Journal of neurotrauma · Mar 2009
ReviewHospital-based use of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest in adults.
Improving survival and brain function after initial resuscitation from cardiac arrest remains a critical challenge with few therapeutic options. The publication of several randomized controlled trials supporting the use of therapeutic hypothermia in cardiac arrest survivors has provided a remarkable opportunity to reduce mortality and neurologic disability from this leading cause of death. ⋯ This review will focus on the hospital-based application of therapeutic hypothermia in adult cardiac arrest survivors, with special attention to practical aspects of cooling, protocol development, and evaluation of recent data from "real world" experiences using hypothermia as a treatment option. Finally, remaining research questions and directions for future improvements in therapy will be discussed.