Association of temperature management strategy with fever in critically ill children after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Objective: To determine whether ICU temperature management strategy is associated with fever in children with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective cohort study at a quaternary Children's hospital between 1/1/2016-31/12/2020. Mechanically ventilated children (<18 y/o) admitted to Pediatric or Cardiac ICU (PICU/CICU) with ROSC after OHCA who survived at least 72 h were included. Primary exposure was initial PICU/CICU temperature management strategy of: (1) passive management; or (2) warming with an air-warming blanket; or (3) targeted temperature management with a heating/cooling (homeothermic) blanket. Primary outcome was fever (≥38°C) within 72 h of admission. Results: Over the study period, 111 children with ROSC after OHCA were admitted to PICU/CICU, received mechanical ventilation and survived at least 72 h. Median age was 31 (IQR 6-135) months, 64% (71/111) were male, and 49% (54/111) were previously healthy. Fever within 72 h of admission occurred in 51% (57/111) of patients. The choice of initial temperature management strategy was associated with occurrence of fever ( Conclusion: In critically ill children with ROSC after OHCA, ICU temperature management strategy is associated with fever. Use of a heating/cooling blanket with homeothermic feedback reduces fever incidence during post-arrest care.