Reanimatology and its urgent problems.

Reanimatology is a science aimed at preventing central nervous system (CNS) destruction and completely restoring function after terminal states and clinical death. The most important present trends in reanimatology are the study of the limits of ischemic tolerance by cerebral cortical neurons and investigations into the basic mechanisms of pathology and viability during and after hypoxia. After terminal states there are changes in the content, electrophoretic patterns and physico-chemical properties of brain proteins, and in lysosomal and cytoplasmic hydrolase activities. Cell membrane permeability is increased and brain ATP content is decreased. At 14 to 21 days after resuscitation, brain RNA and later DNA levels are reduced, reflecting posthypoxic cerebral dysfunction. Guidelines for the prevention and therapy of postresuscitation encephalopathy are presented. There seem to be specific indications and contraindications for brain stimulation versus depression during recovery. There are advanced methods for treating clinical death. Treatments of postresuscitation pulmonary, cardiovascular, and renal complications using hemodialysis and blood detoxification appear promising.