Prophylactic hypothermia in TBI - RCT

[Melclin]

Yesterday I had a lecture at uni from an Intensive care specialist from the Alfred hospital (one of the two level 1 trauma centres in the state) on TBI.

Amongst other things he mentioned a new randomised control trial that was starting here in Melbourne, with the intention of rolling it out to other centres around Australia and New Zealand, in due course.

The study is on prophylactic hypothermia in patients with severe TBI. The pts enrolled in the study would be have approx 2 L of 4 celsius [39F] NS infused (with a target tympanic temp of 35C, [95F]) by paramedics in the field and be kept at that temperature for at least three, and up to eight, days in the ICU. Pts will be less than 60yrs and as I understand it, will not have spinal injuries. Neurological outcomes will be assessed at 6 months and the trial will continue for three years.

Pretty exciting stuff I reckon.

LINK - http://www.vni.com.au/capacitybuild...6/t/capacitybuilding/title/dr-alistair-nichol

 

[rescue99]

It is very interesting subject that has been talked about here for years. Not sure if there are any active field trials going on. It does make sense since hypothermia is so widely used in the hospital setting already. Thanks for the link.

 

[Melclin]

I excited to see research involving such a strong level of evidence in the pre-hospital setting. The RSI prospective randomized control trial here concluded recently I think, and the results (the interim ones anyway) were very positive regarding Prehospital RSI.

It's good to see complex emergency care research integrating paramedic practice and not just starting in the ED.