The Particulars: Previous studies have shown that induced hypothermia (IH) helps improve neurologic outcomes in patients after they experience a cardiac arrest. Few studies have looked at clinical predictors of neurologic outcomes of IH in this patient population.
Data Breakdown: Researchers conducted a study that involved patients who survived 24 hours after IH for cardiac arrest. Of these patients, 41% attained a good neurologic outcome after IH. No significant predictors of mortality were found. However, underlying COPD, diabetes, and seizures were associated with poor neurologic outcomes.
Take Home Pearls: Many patients who undergo IH after a cardiac arrest appear to achieve good neurologic outcomes. Underlying COPD, diabetes, and seizures appear to predict poor neurologic outcomes in patients who undergo IH following cardiac arrest.
