Post-cardiac arrest encephalopathy

Semin Neurol. 2011 Apr;31(2):216-25. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1277991. Epub 2011 May 17.

Abstract

Brain injury continues to be a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in patients resuscitated after cardiac arrest. During periods of hypoxia and ischemia, numerous mechanisms contribute to the initial and secondary injury of the brain. Though many drugs and therapies have been evaluated for neuroprotection, only therapeutic hypothermia has been proven to be effective. Accurate prognostication after cardiac arrest is essential, and can be achieved with careful neurologic examination and several ancillary tests utilizing neurophysiology, neuroimaging, and biochemistry. Practice guidelines are now available for prognostication and postresuscitation care, with emphasis on improving survival and quality of life. Also reviewed are a wide spectrum of postarrest neurologic complications and their targeted treatments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain Injuries / complications
  • Brain Injuries / physiopathology
  • Brain Injuries / therapy
  • Encephalitis / etiology*
  • Encephalitis / physiopathology*
  • Encephalitis / therapy
  • Heart Arrest / complications*
  • Heart Arrest / physiopathology*
  • Heart Arrest / therapy
  • Humans
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Neuroprotective Agents