Abstract: ObjectiveTo observe the effect of mild hypothermia on vital signs of the elderly patients with anterior circulation brain infarction (massive hemispheric infarction) and hyperpyrexia.Methods46 elderly patients with massive hemispheric infarction and hyperpyrexia within the first 24 hours after onset were randomly divided into the control group and the hypothermia group with 23 cases in each group. The patients of the hypothermia group were treated with mild hypothermia therapy (33℃～35℃). Those of the control group were treated with routine hypothermal treatment. The temperature and heart rate of all patients were measured after 10 days; the prognosis was evaluated according to mortality and scores of Neurological Deficit Scale (NDS).ResultsFor patients of the hypothermia group, the temperature and heart rate significantly reduced, death rate was significantly lower, the neurological function distinctly improved and prognosis was better than the control group after 10 days treatment ( P<0.05).Conclusion Mild hypothermia is safe and effective to elderly patients with massive hemispheric infarction and hyperpyrexia.

Key words: brain infarction, hyperpyrexia, hypothermia, prognosis