Building the pediatric targeted temperature management registry: initial experiences and insights

Background: Pediatric cardiac arrest is linked to poor outcomes, such as low survival rates and significant neurological disabilities.Effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation and high-quality post-resuscitation care are crucial, with targeted temperature management (TTM) being a key intervention.However, the evidence supporting TTM in pediatric populations, particularly in South Korea, is limited.Methods: We organized a multicenter initiative to establish a Pediatric TTM Registry, which collects comprehensive data on pediatric patients (aged 0-18 years) who underwent TTM following cardiac arrest.We are using the REDCap platform to gather information on patient demographics, clinical interventions, TTM protocols, and neurological outcomes.The development of the case report form involved regular meetings with representatives from the four participating centers.Results: The established case report form is divided into four groups: patient demographics, resuscitation-related parameters, post-resuscitation care-related parameters, and patient outcomes.As of October 2024, data from 41 pediatric patients have been collected. Conclusion:The Pediatric TTM Registry is dedicated to improving the management of pediatric cardiac arrest in Korea by collecting and analyzing data.This initiative will enable improvements in clinical practices, assist in the development of evidence-based TTM protocols specifically designed for pediatric patients, and ultimately improve outcomes for this vulnerable group.