Untoward Effects in the Practice of Therapeutic Hypothermia: A Literature Update

Abstract

Induction of mild TH causes sinus tachycardia in order to increase oxygenation of the vital organs. Compartmental shifting from peripheral vasoconstriction to the core vasculature follows. Vasoconstrictionrelated increase in systemic vascular resistance ensues which, in turn, result in an increase in mean arterial pressure concomitant with a drop in heart rate and cardiac output [12,13]. Hypothermia has a positive inotropic effect which results from improved left ventricular filling