Ketone Bodies after Cardiac Arrest: A Narrative Review and the Rationale for Use

This narrative review appraises the scientific literature on ketone bodies after cardiac arrest, where survivors suffer anoxic brain injury with profound and enduring metabolic impairment. It notes that the ketogenic diet and exogenous ketone supplementation have been associated with neuroprotective effects in conditions including refractory epilepsy, neurodegenerative disorders, cognitive impairment, focal cerebral ischemia and traumatic brain injuries. It lists attributes of ketone bodies that may suit the post-arrest setting: anti-inflammatory effects, reduced oxidative stress, improved mitochondrial function, a glucose-sparing effect and enhanced cardiac function.