Study of therapeutic hypothermia (32 to 35°C) for intracranial pressure reduction after traumatic brain injury (the Eurotherm3235Trial): outcome of the pilot phase of the trial

Table 3 Reasons for exclusion during the pilot phase of the Eurotherm3235Trial

Reason for exclusion	Number of patients	Percentage
ICP <20 mmHg	138	40
Other reason* (including decompressive craniectomy)	46	13
Age of patient	42	12
> 72 hours from initial head injury	41	12
Unlikely to survive 24 hours	20	6
Patient receiving induced hypothermia	12	4
Administration of barbiturate infusion	12	3
Temperature <34.0°C at hospital admission	11	3
No relative consent	7	2
Open traumatic head injury	8	2
No cooling device	5	1
Core temperature <36.0°C at randomization	4	1
Normal CT scan	2	1
Pregnancy	1	0
Total	349	100

*The category other includes decompressive crainiotomy (largest group), enrolled in another trial, no research staff available, multiple trauma, no relatives available, no permanent address, severe burns. CT computerized tomography, ICP intracranial pressure.

ISSN: 1745-6215