Targeted temperature management post arrest: how long?

Findings from a recent trial:

Question Does targeted temperature management at 33°C for 48 hours result in better neurologic outcome compared with standard 24-hour targeted temperature management in unconscious patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest?

Findings In this randomized clinical trial enrolling 355 adults with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, there was no significant difference in favorable neurologic outcome at 6 months for those treated for 48 hours (69%) vs 24 hours (64%) (difference, 5%).

Meaning Prolonged targeted temperature management at 33°C did not result in better neurologic outcome; however, the study may have had limited power to detect clinically important differences, and further research may be warranted.