Targeted Temperature Management in Pregnant Patients after Cardiac Arrest: A Systematic Review

Targeted temperature management (TTM) is a standard care intervention following resuscitation, known to improve neurological outcomes in patients. However, there is a lack of comprehensive studies on the application of TTM, specifically therapeutic hypothermia, in pregnant patients. Considering the critical importance of maternal and fetal health, this study aimed to investigate the use of TTM in pregnant women following cardiac arrest.

This systematic review was conducted by searching multiple databases, including Web of Science, PubMed Central, MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, and Cochrane, up to October 2024. The search was conducted with no restrictions on time, place, or language. Articles were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria, which included case reports detailing the use of TTM in pregnant women after cardiac arrest. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Jonna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist for case reports.

A total of nine articles met the inclusion criteria. Among the reported cases, there was 1 (11.1%) case of maternal death and 2 (22.2%) cases of fetal death, neither of which appeared to be directly attributable to the use of hypothermia. Neurological outcomes were favorable for all surviving mothers and fetuses following the application of TTM. The most common maternal complications during hypothermia for mothers were decreased blood pressure and heart rate, occurring in 2 (22.2%) cases. For the fetuses, bradycardia was the most frequently reported complication, occurring in 5 (55.5%) cases.

The use of TTM in pregnant patients following cardiac arrest might be considered on a case-by-case basis with the involvement of a multidisciplinary team. Pregnancy does not appear to be an absolute contraindication for TTM. However, close fetal monitoring is essential to ensure fetal well-being during the procedure.