Background and objectivesNowadays mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) is the standard of care in treatment of patients after cardiac arrest. Beside the protective effect on neurological recovery, MTH may interfere with metabolic and hemodynamic variables. We therefore investigated fluid balance and lactate/glucose levels during MTH.Materials and methodsA total of 88 patients treated with MTH were included. Initial values at admission and 24 h thereafter for lactate and glucose were collected. Furthermore, fluid intake, diuresis, and cumulative doses of insulin and vasopressors were recorded. The data were compared to a historical control group consisting of 56 patients treated in the era prior to MTH.ResultsLactate levels did not differ between the two groups. There was also no difference in the need of insulin. Patients with MTH received significantly more fluids in the first 24 h (4800 vs. 3500 ml/24 h, p?=?0.0001) and required higher doses of norepinephrine (2 vs. 0 mg/24 h, p?=?0.02). Diuresis was not different compared to the control group (2075 vs. 2025 ml, p?=?0.93).ConclusionOur data suggest that patients treated with MTH have a pronounced need of fluids and vasopressors. Lactate monitoring may be feasible during MTH. |
