Induction of moderate hypothermia (28°C to 32°C) before
cardiac arrest has been used successfully since the 1950s to
protect the brain against the global ischemia that occurs
during some open-heart surgeries. Successful use of therapeutic
hypothermia after cardiac arrest in humans was also
described in the late 1950s1–3 but was subsequently abandoned
because of uncertain benefit and difficulties with its
use.4 Since then, induction of hypothermia after return of
spontaneous circulation (ROSC) has been associated with improved
functional recovery and reduced cerebral histological
deficits in various animal models of cardiac arrest.5–8 Additional
promising preliminary human studies have been completed.9–16
At the time of publication of the Guidelines 2000 for Cardiopulmonary
Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, the
evidence was insufficient to recommend use of therapeutic
hypothermia after resuscitation from cardiac arrest.