Current status of cerebral protection with mild-to-moderate hypothermia after traumatic brain injury.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this article is to review the current status of protective effects of mild-to-moderate hypothermia on traumatic brain injury. RECENT FINDINGS More than 30 clinical studies have reported effects of therapeutic hypothermia on outcome of traumatic brain injury and cerebral ischemia. Only one clinical trial of short-term mild hypothermia did not show any effect in patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Long-term mild hypothermia may be useful for severe traumatic brain-injured patients. SUMMARY Mild-to-moderate hypothermia plays a significant role in cerebral protection after traumatic brain injury.