Mechanisms of action, physiological effects, and complications of hypothermia

Background: Mild to moderate hypothermia (32–35°C) is the first treatment with proven efficacy for postischemic neurological injury. In recent years important insights have been gained into the mechanisms underlying hypothermia's protective effects; in addition, physiological and pathophysiological changes associated with cooling have become better understood. Objective: To discuss hypothermia's mechanisms of action, to review...