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Published Online, 18 May 2004, www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1D601.
 The Annals of Pharmacotherapy: Vol. 38, No. 7, pp. 1330. DOI 10.1345/aph.1D601
© 2004 Harvey Whitney Books Company.
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Hypothermia and Cerebral Ischemia: Mechanisms and Clinical Applications

Christopher Commichau, MD

Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology The Neurological Institute College of Physicians and Surgeons Columbia University New York, New York


Edited by Carolina M Maier PhD and Gary K Steinberg MD PhD. Published by Humana Press, Totowa, NJ, 2004. ISBN 0-89603-660-X. Clothbound, x + 188 pp. (23.5 x 15.5 cm), $99.50. www.humanapress.com

 

Published Online, May 18, 2004. www.theannals.com, DOI 10.1345/aph.1D601

Hypothermia is hot, and nowhere more so than in the neurosciences. It carries tremendous potential for neuroprotection in cerebral injury and is the subject of much research. The authors review the current state of mild hypothermia research and its clinical application. The text is a thorough, concise review of both basic and clinical studies that have advanced our understanding of hypothermia and its effects on the central nervous system. The chapters cover historical perspectives of hypothermia in clinical practice, experimental evidence of its benefit in animal models, and clinical application to global and focal ischemic injury as well as traumatic brain injury. Although the chapters overlap somewhat, presenting some of the same data, this does not detract from the usefulness of the text.

Overall, the book is well written and easy to read. The chapters are current, cover the most recent studies in hypothermia, and are thoroughly researched and sufficiently referenced. The authors are well qualified to pen such a text and, in many cases, are experts in the field and present their own research data. The principles and physiology of hypothermic neuroprotection are presented clearly. In reading this short text, those unfamiliar with hypothermia's application in the neurosciences will come away with a good grasp of the topic, and for those well versed in the topic it provides a good review. A discussion of the practical application of hypothermia and the many methods used or under development to achieve quick cooling of patients would add to the practical usefulness of this text. The issue of rewarming is touched upon, but could be more detailed, as could the delineation and treatment of complications encountered in the clinical arena. However, the purpose of the text is not to serve as a clinical "how-to" manual.

Hypothermia and Cerebral Ischemia is clearly unique with little to be compared to, possibly priced on the high end for the same reasons. The intended audience should be considerably broad. Neuroscientists, both basic and clinical, especially those involved with head trauma and cerebrovascular disease, will find this a welcome addition to their personal collection. Pharmacologists, anesthesiologists, cardiologists, and emergency department physicians may find this book of topical interest. It should be included in all medical libraries and selected residency programs.





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