Loading...
Animal models and small studies in children and adults suggest a benefit for hypothermia therapy in the treatment of severe traumatic brain injury. In an international trial, researchers compared outcomes in children (age range, 1–17 years) with traumatic brain injury who were randomized to either hypothermia therapy for 24 hours (32.0°C–33.0°C) or normothermia (36.5°C–37.5°C). Eligible patients had Glasgow Coma Scale scores ≤8 at the scene or in the emergency department, needed mechanical ventilation, and had evidence of acute brain injury on computed tomography scan. Patients who were screened more than 8 hours after injury or who had refractory shock, nonaccidental injury, high cervical spinal cord injury, or acute isolated epidural hema…