Therapeutic hypothermia as a bridge to transplantation in patients with fulminant hepatic failure

Rev Bras Ter Intensiva. 2015 Jan-Mar;27(1):72-6. doi: 10.5935/0103-507X.20150012. Epub 2015 Mar 1.
[Article in English, Portuguese]

Abstract

The most important topics in fulminant hepatic failure are cerebral edema and intracranial hypertension. Among all therapeutic options, systemic induced hypothermia to 33 - 34ºC has been reported to reduce the high pressure and increase the time during which patients can tolerate a graft. This review discusses the indications and adverse effects of hypothermia.

Os tópicos mais importantes na falência hepática fulminante são o edema cerebral e a hipertensão intracraniana. Dentre todas as opções terapêuticas, tem sido relatado que a hipotermia sistêmica induzida em níveis entre 33 - 34ºC reduz a elevação da pressão e aumenta o tempo durante o qual os pacientes podem tolerar um enxerto. Esta revisão discutiu as indicações e os efeitos adversos da hipotermia.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Brain Edema / etiology
  • Brain Edema / prevention & control
  • Humans
  • Hypothermia, Induced / methods*
  • Intracranial Hypertension / etiology
  • Intracranial Hypertension / prevention & control
  • Liver Failure, Acute / complications
  • Liver Failure, Acute / therapy*
  • Liver Transplantation / methods*