[Modification of body temperature as clinical therapeutics. Hypothermia]

The application of cold therapy is called thermotherapy Can distinguish two major forms: local and general. At the local level is widely used in the field of physical rehabilitation, rheumatology and various surgical specialties. However the evidence on issues relating to its potential benefits, physiological reason underlying its action, or application form is not sufficiently supported. Regarding the application of cold techniques, higher expectations are focused on hypothermia induced or therapeutic, for its significant neuroprotective effects after ischemia secondary to cardiac arrest. Interest in hypothermia begins in the third decade of the twentieth century the first scientific report on induced hypothermia was published in 1945 and described its application in patients with TBI. In the following decades appeared critical research on their application, but also great shadows of its benefits. The development of protocols and the great advances in the care provided in ICUs, have increased the capacity to prevent and control the side effects of the application of this therapy Based on the literature review, describing the main uses of therapeutic hypothermia, the major indications of these techniques and the evidence of its benefits and complications arising from their use.