Spontaneous Hypothermia As an Indicator of Early Diffuse Anoxic Brain Injury in Post-Cardiac Arrest Patients
Sydney V. Palka, Jenna A. Gonillo-Davis, Benjamin P. George, Daryl C. McHugh- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
OBJECTIVES:
To determine the association between spontaneous hypothermia (SH), defined as initial post-resuscitation core body temperature less than 34°C, and diffuse anoxic brain injury (DABI) on initial CT scan of the head (CTH) in post-cardiac arrest patients.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:
This was a retrospective, observational cohort study. This study was performed at the University of Rochester Medical Center Strong Memorial Hospital. All in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with return of spontaneous circulation admitted between January 1, 2022, and October 31, 2022, were included.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES:
The primary outcomes were the odds of DABI on initial CTH for patients with SH compared with patients without SH post-cardiac arrest using a multivariable logistic regression controlling for patient covariates including basic demographics and arrest features. DABI on initial CTH was measured qualitatively and quantitatively using neuroradiologist interpretation and calculated gray-white matter ratio of the basal ganglia, respectively. Secondary outcome measures included length of stay (LOS), inpatient mortality, and those who underwent withdrawal of life-sustaining therapy (WOLST) or progression to brain death.
RESULTS:
Out of the observed 150 cases of cardiac arrest, 31 patients (21%) had SH. Of the 128 patients who had an initial CTH performed, 27 (21%) had DABI. The adjusted odds ratio of DABI on initial CTH associated with SH was 3.55 (95% CI, 1.08–11.64;
CONCLUSIONS AND REVELANCE:
Patients presenting with SH after cardiac arrest may be at greater risk of early DABI on initial CTH compared with those with higher body temperatures in the post-arrest period. Recognition of early SH may help to risk stratify post-cardiac arrest patients at highest risk of DABI.