Cerebral Bloodflow and Carbondioxide Reactivity During Mild Therapeutic Hypothermia in Patients After Cardiac Arrest

Cerebral Bloodflow and Carbondioxide Reactivity During Mild Therapeutic Hypothermia in Patients After Cardiac Arrest

Survivors of a cardiac arrest frequently develop severe postanoxic encephalopathy. Derangements in cerebral blood after return of spontaneous circulation play an important role in the pathogenesis of postanoxic encephalopathy. In the present study we examine the effect of mild therapeutic hypothermia on cerebral blood flow and carbondioxide reactivity in patients after cardiac arrest.

Inclusion Criteria:

• adult patients
• GCS after return of circulation < 7
• Induced mild hypothermia for 24 hours
• primary rhythm ventricular fibrillation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Thrombolysis
• Cardiogenic shock with expected survival < 24 hrs
• Pregnancy
• No informed consent