[Therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest--a new link in the chain can save life]

Sudden, unexpected cardiac arrest is a common cause of death. Among patients who are successfully resuscitated, a majority dies without regaining consciousness. Therapeutic hypothermia has recently been shown to improve neurological outcome in two randomized studies and to improve survival in one of them. Based on the two studies, international evidence-based recommendations have been proposed and published (ILCOR). In this review we discuss the theoretical background of hypothermic neuroprotection and therapeutic implications. We propose that victims of cardiac arrest with return of spontaneous circulation and persistent unconsciousness are considered for hypothermia treatment and that data from treated patients are collected in a common website database (see: www.scctg.org) to allow further evaluation of the use of ICU resources, efficacy of hypothermia treatment and potential risks.