[Therapeutic hypothermia].

The use of therapeutic hypothermia has been shown to improve survival and neurological outcome following cardiac arrest. Patients with traumatic brain injury or ischemic stroke also responded positively to therapeutic hypothermia, which may be induced by various procedures including surface cooling, endovascular cooling catheter and cold infusion. Possible side effects include infection and hemorrhage, as well as changes in water and electrolyte levels. It is the aim of this article to provide an overview of studies to date, as well as practical guidance for the application of therapeutic hypothermia.