Date of Award
2018
Degree Type
Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review
Degree Name
Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant
Department
Physician Assistant Studies
Department Chair
John Cavenagh, MBA, PhD, PA-C
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not therapeutic hypothermia is an effective treatment in improving survival rates in pediatric patients that have suspected brain injuries.
Study Design: Two randomized control trials and one cohort analysis published in 2015 to 2016 were selected based on their relevance to the clinical question.
Data Sources: Studies were obtained by searching PubMed, OVID, Medline databases. All articles were published in English and peer viewed journals.
Outcome Measured: The outcome measured was survival rates at 12-month post injury compared between the groups that received therapeutic hypothermia or normotherapy in pediatric patients.
Results: All three studies reviewed did not find a statistically significant improvement in survival rates at 12 months with the use of therapeutic hypothermia in pediatric patients with brain injuries. There was a variation between studies on therapeutic hypothermia technique and duration utilized, injury to treatment times, as well as type of brain injury sustained.
Conclusions: The results of the systematic review of the three studies showed that therapeutic hypothermia does not improve survival rates at the 12-month mark following an acute brain injury in pediatric patients at this time. However, it should be stated that further investigation in the subject matter should include similar hypothermia therapy techniques, faster injury to treatment times, and larger sample sizes.
Recommended Citation
Kelder, Brittany J., "Is Hypothermia Therapy An Effective Treatment In Improving Survival Rates In Pediatrics Patients That Have Suspected Brain Injuries?" (2018). PCOM Physician Assistant Studies Student Scholarship. 339.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/pa_systematic_reviews/339