Following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, targeted hypothermia did not affect societal participation or cognitive function at 24 months compared with normothermia; most recovery occurred within 6 months.

Question Does hypothermia after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest affect societal participation or cognitive functioning at 24 months post arrest, and how do these outcomes evolve over time?

Findings This follow-up of the randomized clinical Targeted Hypothermia vs Targeted Normothermia After Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest trial found no significant differences in societal participation or cognitive functioning between targeted hypothermia and normothermia at 24 months. Overall recovery was limited beyond 6 months.

Meaning Targeted hypothermia compared with normothermia did not affect outcomes 24 months post arrest, suggesting no longer-term effect of hypothermia for the explored outcomes; 6 months may suffice as an end point when assessing functional or cognitive outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.