Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 29, 2025
08:22
In vitro Assessment of Myocardial Protection following Hypothermia-Preconditioning in a Human Cardiac Myocytes Model
Published on: October 27, 2020
3.4K
Electrocardiographic changes during therapeutic hypothermia: observational data from a single centre
Dovilė Jančauskaitė1, Robertas Samalavičius2, Sigita Glaveckaitė3,4
1Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania.
Acta Medica Lituanica
|February 5, 2020
Summary
Therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest causes temporary ECG changes like slower heart rate and altered QTc intervals. These reversible changes do not impact patient survival or neurological outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Critical Care Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Therapeutic hypothermia is crucial for post-cardiac arrest care, reducing hypoxic brain damage and improving survival.
- Hypothermia impacts the cardiac conduction system, necessitating evaluation of electrocardiographic (ECG) changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess ECG alterations during therapeutic hypothermia.
- To determine the impact of these ECG changes on patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 26 patients undergoing therapeutic hypothermia post-cardiac arrest.
- Data collected from Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos (2011-2015).
Main Results:
- Significant heart rate reduction (p=0.013), QRS shortening (p=0.041), and QTc prolongation (p<0.001) observed during cooling.
- Osborn waves noted in 5 patients, resolving upon rewarming.
- No significant association between ECG changes and unfavorable neurological outcome or mortality.
Conclusions:
- Therapeutic hypothermia induces reversible ECG changes post-cardiac arrest.
- These transient ECG alterations do not elevate in-hospital mortality risk or negatively affect neurological outcomes.
Keywords:
Osborn waveelectrocardiographyin-hospital mortalitytherapeutic hypothermiaunfavourable neurological outcomeMore Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:29Decreased Body Temperature
913
A decreased body temperature can occur in patients with hypothermia and frostbite. Heat loss with extended cold exposure overpowers the body's ability to create heat, resulting in hypothermia. Core temperature readings help classify hypothermia. Mild hypothermia is temperatures between 32 °C (89.6 °F) and 35°C (95 °F) and is caused by impaired thermoregulation. Moderate hypothermia is temperatures between 28 C (82.4 °F) and 32 °C (89.6 °F) caused by...
913
01:29Electrocardiogram
5.1K
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a critical diagnostic tool that records the electrical signals produced by the heart during each heartbeat. This recording is achieved through electrodes placed strategically on the arms, legs, and chest. The electrocardiograph amplifies these signals and produces 12 distinct tracings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the heart's electrical activity.
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and...
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and...
5.1K
01:19Assessing Body Temperature - Temporal Artery
943
Here is a stepwise guide to assessing the body temperature at the temporal artery using a temporal artery thermometer
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don a fresh pair of gloves to prevent cross-infection and ensure patient safety.
Step 2: Explain the procedure to the patient to establish trust. Clear communication establishes trust with the patient, ensures they understand what to expect, promotes cooperation, and enhances comfort during the procedure.
Step 3: Assess the patient's...
943