On therapeutic hypothermia

Q: How much cerebral metabolism goes down with reduction of each 1*C?


Answer: About 7%

Rationale for the effects of hypothermia as a neuroprotectant based on the slowing of cellular metabolism. For every one degree Celsius drop in body temperature, cellular metabolism slows by about 7%. Probably hypothermia reduces the harmful effects of ischemia by decreasing the body’s need for oxygen. More recent data suggests that hypothermia affects pathways that extend beyond a decrease in cellular metabolism.