[Craniocerebral hypothermia in the acute period of ischemic stroke]

To determine the effect of craniocerebral hypothermia (CCH) on neurological deficit regression, hemodynamics, fever and functional outcome of therapy in patients with moderate ischemic stroke (IS).

This study included 60 patients with IS (the first day). The main group consisted of 30 patients who underwent CCH, and the comparison (control) group consisted of 30 patients without CCH. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), the modified Rankin Scale (mRs) were used. Recorded parameters were mortality, heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), axial temperature, cerebral temperature of the frontal cortex. Cerebral temperature was obtained noninvasively by using a RTM-01-RES radiothermometer (Russia). CCH (for 24 hours) in the main group was implemented by ATG-01 device (Russia). Results were recorded on the day of admission, after 24 hours and at discharge. In both groups, basic neuroprotective, hypotensive, antiplatelet and antiedemic therapy was administered.

No fatal outcomes were reported in both groups. Side-effects and complications of CCH were not recorded. In the main group, neurological deficit assessed by NIHSS decreased by 75% after the CCH procedure and by 93.75% at the time of discharge from the hospital. In patients of the comparison group, regression of neurological deficit was 35% on the second day and 55% at the day of discharge. The use of CCH suppressed systemic and cerebral hyperthermia. Functional outcome of therapy in the main group was higher compared to the comparison one. The dynamics in blood pressure and heart rate didn't differ in both groups.

A pronounced positive effect of CCH on the course of the acute period and therapy results in patients with IS was demonstrated.