Abstract 124: Levels of Catecholamines in the Plasma of Patients With Cardiopulmonary Arrest

Abstract

Purpose: The efficacy of epinephrine (Ep) administration to patients with cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) remains controversial, and correlation between plasma levels of catecholamines and prognosis in CPA patients is unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the importance of the plasma levels of catecholamines at the time of admission to the hospital prior to the administration of Ep in CPA patients. Methods: This was a prospective, observational clinical study, approved by the ethics committee of Gunma University Hospital. Patients with CPA transferred to our hospital were enrolled prospectively between July 2014 and July 2017. The levels of catecholamines (Ep, norepinephrine [NEp], and dopamine [DOA]) and vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone [ADH]) in the plasma were measured using blood samples obtained at the time of admission to our hospital (prior to the administration of Ep). Patients were divided into two groups: the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)(+) group and the ROSC(-) group. The levels of these agents in the plasma and the conditions of resuscitation were compared between these two groups. Results: Blood samples were obtained from 170 patients. In 48 patients, the cause of CPA was cardiogenic and Ep was not administered prior to admission to the hospital. The ROSC(+) and ROSC(-) groups included 14 and 34 patients, respectively. The frequency of prehospital defibrillation was significantly higher in the ROSC(+) group, whereas prehospital resuscitation time was significantly shorter in the ROSC(+) group. Moreover, the levels of Ep and NEp in the plasma were significantly lower in the ROSC(+) group. Conclusions: Increased levels of Ep in the plasma may not be associated with the acquisition of ROSC in patients with cardiogenic CPA.