[Post-cardiac arrest syndrome in children].

The occurrence of post-cardiac arrest syndrome may lead to death in some children who have recovered from a cardiac arrest. The post-cardiac arrest syndrome includes systemic ischaemia/reperfusion response, brain injury, myocardial dysfunction, and persistence of the precipitating pathology. The main cause of death is brain injury. Management includes strictly control of ventilation, oxygen therapy and haemodynamics associated with protection of the brain against any secondary injury: management of seizures, control of glycaemia and central temperature. Mild hypothermia should be considered in comatose children after cardiac arrest.