Therapeutic Hypothermia After Cardiac Arrest Protocol

Therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest is an increasingly used strategy to improve outcomes after myocardial infarction. Most medical centers have developed protocols to be used by the emergency medicine, ICU, and nursing staffs. One representative protocol that is similar to the one used at the University of Chicago Medical Center is outlined below. Eligibility 1. status post cardiac arrest 2. return of spontaneous circulation within previous 6 hours 3. presence of coma (patient does not follow commands or open eyes to pain) 4. check pregnancy status in women < 50 and if positive contact Obgyn Exclusion Criteria 1. refractory shock (SBP , 90 mmHG on pressors and fluids) 2. refractory ventricular arrhythmia such as vfib, vtach or torsades 3. drug overdose 4. intoxication 5. stroke 6. hypoglycemia 7. infection 8. seizure 9. head trauma 10. assymetrical neurological clinical exam 11. significant pre-existing neurological impairment 12. DIC 13. liver failure 14. severe thrombocytopenia (20K) 15. pre-arrest life expectancy < 6 months The post Therapeutic Hypothermia After Cardiac Arrest Protocol appeared first on InsideSurgery Medical Information Blog.
Source: Inside Surgery - Category: Surgeons Authors: Tags: Cardiology Critical Care Source Type: blogs