Cardiac Arrest Patients Research Articles

Optimal weight-based epinephrine dosing for patients with a low likelihood of survival following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest patients presenting with non-shockable rhythms have a low probability of survival, and epinephrine is one of the few pharmaceutical options for this group. The recommended 1.0mg adult dose is extrapolated from early animal studies and lacks adjustment for patient weight. Although several prior studies have investigated "low-" and "high-" dose epinephrine, none have identified a benefit to either strategy. To identify an optimal weight-based epinephrine dose for return-of-spontaneous-circulation (ROSC) after a single bolus among patients with low likelihood of survival. Included were adult patients who experienced a witnessed, non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest prior to EMS arrival. Patients with shockable presenting rhythms or receiving bystander CPR were excluded. The AUROC was used to assess the predictive value of epinephrine dose (mg/kg) for ROSC following a single bolus. From the ROC curve, the optimal threshold dosage (OTD) was determined using the Youden Index. A logistic regression model calculated the adjusted odds ratio of OTD on ROSC. A total of 2,463 patients met inclusion criteria, of which 190 (7.7%) attained ROSC after the first epinephrine administration. The dosage AUROC for ROSC was 0.603 (p < 0.01). As calculated by the Youden index, the OTD was 0.013mg/kg. Patients receiving ≥ OTD were more likely to attain ROSC after a single epinephrine bolus (OR = 2.25,p < 0.001). Among patients with a low likelihood of survival, the optimal dose of epinephrine for attaining ROSC with a single bolus of epinephrine was 0.013mg/kg. These findings should inspire further investigation into optimal dosing strategies for epinephrine.

Multi-Modal Assessment of Cerebral Hemodynamics in Resuscitated Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients: A Case-Series.

We assessed the feasibility of concurrent monitoring of cerebral hemodynamics in adult, comatose out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients admitted to the National University Heart Centre Singapore from October 2021 to August 2023. Patients underwent continuous near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) monitoring in the first 72 h after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and 30-min transcranial Doppler ultrasound (TCD) monitoring at least once. With constant mechanical ventilatory settings and continuous electrocardiographic, pulse oximeter and end-tidal carbon dioxide monitoring, blood pressure was manipulated via vasopressors and cerebral autoregulation assessed by measuring changes in regional cerebral oxygenation (NIRS) and cerebral blood flow velocities (TCD) in response to changes in mean arterial pressure. The primary outcome was neurological recovery at hospital discharge. Amongst the first 16 patients (median age 61, 94% males), we observed four unique patterns: preserved cerebral autoregulation, loss of cerebral autoregulation, cardio-cerebral asynchrony and cerebral circulatory arrest. Patients with preserved cerebral autoregulation had lower levels of neuro-injury biomarkers (neurofilaments light and heavy) and the majority (86%) were discharged with good neurological recovery. Multi-modal assessment of cerebral hemodynamics after OHCA is feasible and derived patterns correlated with neurological outcomes. The between- and within-patient heterogeneity in cerebral hemodynamics calls for more research on individualized treatment strategies.

Development and evaluation of the model for acute kidney injury in patients with cardiac arrest after successful resuscitation

BackgroundThis study aims to construct a clinical prediction model and create a visual line chart depicting the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) following resuscitation in cardiac arrest (CA) patients. Additionally, the study aims to validate the clinical predictive accuracy of the developed model.MethodsData were retrieved from the Dryad database, and publicly shared data were downloaded. This retrospective cohort study included 347 successfully resuscitated patients post-cardiac arrest from the Dryad database. Demographic and clinical data of patients in the database, along with their renal function during hospitalization, were included. Through data analysis, the study aimed to explore the relevant influencing factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients after cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The study constructed a line chart prediction model using multivariate logistic regression analysis with post-resuscitation shock status (Post-resuscitation shock refers to the condition where, following successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation after cardiac arrest, some patients develop cardiogenic shock.), C reactive protein (CRP), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) identified as predictive factors. The predictive efficiency of the fitted model was evaluated by the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis showed that post-resuscitation shock status, CRP, LDH, and PAL were the influencing factors of AKI after resuscitation in CA patients. The calibration curve test indicated that the prediction model was well-calibrated, and the results of the Decision Curve Analysis (DCA) demonstrated the clinical utility of the model constructed in this study.ConclusionPost-resuscitation shock status, CRP, LDH, and ALPare the influencing factors for AKI after resuscitation in CA patients. The clinical prediction model constructed based on the above indicators has good clinical discriminability and practicality.

Monitoring of Cerebral Blood Flow Autoregulation after Cardiac Arrest.

Background: Cardiac arrest remains one of the leading causes of death. After successful resuscitation of patients in cardiac arrest, post-cardiac arrest syndrome develops, part of it being an impaired cerebral blood flow autoregulation. Monitoring cerebral blood flow autoregulation after cardiac arrest is important for optimizing patient care and prognosticating patients' survival, yet remains a challenge. There are still gaps in clinical implications and everyday use. In this article, we present a systematic review of studies with different methods of monitoring cerebral blood flow autoregulation after non-traumatic cardiac arrest. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed from 1 June 2024 to 27 June 2024 by using multiple databases: PubMed, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Inclusion criteria were studies with an included description of the measurement of cerebral blood flow autoregulation in adult patients after non-traumatic cardiac arrest. Results: A total of 16 studies met inclusion criteria. Our data show that the most used methods in the reviewed studies were near-infrared spectroscopy and transcranial Doppler. The most used mathematical methods for calculating cerebral autoregulation were cerebral oximetry index, tissue oxygenation reactivity index, and mean flow index. Conclusions: The use of various monitoring and mathematical methods for calculating cerebral blood flow autoregulation poses a challenge for standardization, validation, and daily use in clinical practice. In the future studies, focus should be considered on clinical validation and transitioning autoregulation monitoring techniques to everyday clinical practice, which could improve the survival outcomes of patients after cardiac arrest.

Early point-of-care echocardiography as a predictive factor for absence of return of spontaneous circulatory in out-of-hospital cardiac arrests: A multicentre observational study

IntroductionEarly assessment of the prognosis of a patient in cardiac arrest during cardiopulmonary resuscitation is highly challenging. This study aims to evaluate the predictive outcome value of early point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in out-of-hospital settings. MethodsThis observational, prospective, multicentre study’s primary endpoint was the positive predictive value (PPV) of POCUS cardiac standstill within the first 12 min of advanced life support (ALS) initiation in determining the absence of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed with adjustments for known predictive variables typically used in termination of resuscitation (TOR) rules. ResultsA total of 293 patients were analysed, with a mean age of 66.6 ± 14.6 years, and a majority were men (75.8%). POCUS was performed on average 7.9 ± 2.6 min after ALS initiation. Among patients with cardiac standstill (72.4%), 16.0% achieved ROSC compared with 48.2% in those with visible cardiac motions. The PPV of early POCUS cardiac standstill for the absence of ROSC was 84.0%, 95% CI [78.3–88.6]. In multivariable analysis, only POCUS cardiac standstill (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 3.89, 95% CI [1.86–8.17]) and end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) value ≤37 mmHg (aOR 4.27, 95% CI [2.21–8.25]) were associated with the absence of ROSC. ConclusionEarly POCUS cardiac standstill during CPR for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest was a reliable predictor of the absence of ROSC. However, its presence alone was not sufficient to determine the termination of resuscitation efforts.Trial registration:ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT 03494153. Registered March 29, 2018.

Long term functioning with poor neurologic outcome after cardiac arrest

AimAround six percent of comatose patients after cardiac arrest have a Cerebral Performance Categories score of three (CPC3) at six months after the arrest, classified as severe neurological disability. There is limited knowledge regarding the likelihood of further recovery in the cognitive, emotional, and quality of life domains. We aimed to estimate the probability of recovery towards independency. MethodsFrom a prospective Registry on comatose cardiac arrest patients admitted between 2013 and 2017 in two Dutch hospitals, we included patients with a CPC3 at six months after cardiac arrest. We followed patients up to November 2023. The primary outcome measure was the CPC score at time of follow up. Secondary outcomes were scores on questionnaires on cognition, mood, and quality of life according to the minimal dataset of acquired brain injury. ResultsIn our cohort of 667 patients, 29 (4.3%) had a CPC3 score at six months (median age 68 years, 83% male). At a median time of eight years after cardiac arrest, sixteen patients had died. Twelve of thirteen alive patients still had a CPC3 score (92%) and one a CPC2 (8%). Seven patients agreed with further interviewing, one showed independency in activities of daily living (14%). Six patients (86%) reported limitations due to physical and one (14%) due to emotional problems. All had severe cognitive impairment. Six (86%) missed cognitive rehabilitation. ConclusionOur study shows that while the probability of recovery towards independence for patients with severe neurological disability at six months after cardiac arrest is limited, most long-term survivors are satisfied with their quality of life.

Survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients admitted to the hospital during the Tokyo Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Japan

BackgroundThe influence of the Tokyo Summer Olympic/Paralympic Games on normal emergency medical system operations in Japan had not yet been fully elucidated. In this study, we examined whether out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients treated during the Tokyo Olympic/Paralympic Games had differences in outcomes. MethodsUsing the nationwide JAAM-OHCA Registry, we evaluated the outcomes of OHCA patients admitted to the hospital during the Tokyo Olympic/Paralympic Games (July 23 to Aug. 8 and Aug. 24 to Sept. 5) in 2021, compared to those during same the dates in 2020 (Term 1: July 23 to Aug. 8 and Aug. 24 to Sept. 5), those during the pre-Olympic/Paralympic term during the same weekdays in the weeks before the event (Term 2: June. 18 to July. 4 and July. 6 to July. 18), and those during the post-Olympic/Paralympic term during the same weekdays in the weeks after the event (Term 3: Sept. 10 to Sept. 26 and Sept. 28 to Oct. 10). The primary outcome was 30-day survival, and multivariable logistic analysis was performed, adjusted for age and sex. ResultsA total of 3,111 OHCA patients were included in the study period (786 in the Olympic/Paralympic group, 774 in Term 1, 747 in Term 2, and 804 in Term 3). Crude 30-day survivals were 7.4% (58/786), 9.3% (72/774), 6.8% (51/747), and 8.2% (66/804), respectively. Using the Olympic/Paralympic group as a reference, multivariable logistic analysis revealed that 30-day survivals in Term 1 (OR 1.27 95% CI 0.88–1.83p = 0.20), Term 2 (OR 0.92 95% CI 0.62–1.36p = 0.67), and Term 3 (OR 1.10 95% CI 0.76–1.59p = 0.63) did not differ significantly. ConclusionsNo significant differences in 30-day survival for OHCA patients admitted during the Tokyo Summer Olympic/Paralympic Games were identified.

Close Family Members or Cosurvivors of Cardiac Arrest Patients Need Support

Close Family Members or Cosurvivors of Cardiac Arrest Patients Need Support

Impact of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation on neurological prognosis and survival in adult patients after cardiac arrest: An individual pooled patient data meta-analysis

BackgroundWe aimed to estimate the effect of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) on neurological outcome and mortality, when compared to conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCPR), using an individual patient data meta-analysis (IPDMA). MethodsA systematic literature search was performed up to the 20th of October 2022 in the PubMed, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases. For observational studies with unmatched populations, a propensity score including age, location of arrest and initial rhythm was used to match ECPR and CCPR patients in a 1:1 ratio. The primary and secondary outcomes were unfavorable neurological outcome (Cerebral Performance Category of 3–5) and mortality, respectively, which were both collected at different time-points. ResultsData from 17 studies, including 2064 matched cardiac arrest (CA) patients (1031 ECPR and 1033 CCPR cases) were included. In comparison to CCPR, ECPR was associated with a decreased odds of unfavorable neurological outcome (847, 82.2% vs. 897, 86.8% − OR 0.68 [95%CI 0.53–0.87]; p = 0.002) and death (803, 77.9% vs. 860, 83.3% − OR 0.68 [95%CI 0.54–0.86]; p = 0.001). These results were consistent across most of the prespecified subgroups. Moreover, the odds of both unfavorable neurological outcome and mortality were significantly influenced by initial rhythm, cause of arrest and combinations of lactate levels on admission and duration of resuscitation. ConclusionsThis IPDMA showed that ECPR was associated with significantly lower rates of unfavorable neurological outcome and mortality in refractory CA. The overall effect could be influenced by CA characteristics and the severity of the initial injury.

The association of depression and patient and resuscitation characteristics with survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a cohort study.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a leading cause of death worldwide, with cardiovascular disease (CVD) being a key risk factor. This study aims to investigate disparities in patient/OHCA characteristics and survival after OHCA among patients with vs. without depression. This is a retrospective cohort study using data from the AmsteRdam REsuscitation Studies (ARREST) registry from 2008 to 2018. History of comorbidities, including depression, was obtained from the patient's general practitioner. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survival was defined as survival at 30 days post-OHCA or hospital discharge. Logistic regression models were used to obtain crude and adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for the association between depression and OHCA survival and possible effect modification by age, sex, and comorbidities. The potential mediating effects of initial heart rhythm and provision of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation were explored. Among 5594 OHCA cases, 582 individuals had pre-existing depression. Patients with depression had less favourable patient and OHCA characteristics and lower odds of survival after adjustment for age, sex, and comorbidities [OR 0.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.51-0.82], with similar findings by sex and age groups. The association remained significant among the Utstein comparator group (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.45-0.89) and patients with return of spontaneous circulation (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.42-0.85). Initial rhythm and bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation partially mediated the observed association (by 27 and 7%, respectively). Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with depression presented more frequently with unfavourable patient and OHCA characteristics and had reduced chances of survival. Further investigation into potential pathways is warranted.

Use of Analgesics and Sedatives in Nontraumatic Patients after Sudden Cardiac Arrest during the Peri-Resuscitation Period in the Emergency Department.

Background: While cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be life-saving for patients in cardiac arrest, it simultaneously puts them at risk for skeletal and soft tissue injuries. The prevalence of cardiovascular and thoracic wall injuries related to CPR varies significantly in the literature, from 21% to more than 78%. After restoration of circulation, ischemia-reperfusion brain injury ensues. Sedation is one of the interventions that can reduce its effects on brain cells. The purpose of this study was to analyse the use of analgesics and sedatives in nontraumatic patients after sudden cardiac arrest in the peri-resuscitation period in the emergency department. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. An analysis was performed on the electronic health records of 131 patients who underwent CPR, with ages ranging from 24 to 96 years. The study protocol was in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: Chest wall injuries were assessed based on the results of X-ray imaging (n = 39; 31%) and computed tomography (n = 87; 69%). Of the 126 cases, 17.5% had rib fractures and 6.3% had rib and sternal fractures. Almost 78% of the patients (n = 102) received sedatives and/or analgesics during the peri-resuscitation period. Monotherapy was used in 85 cases. Among these drugs the most frequently mentioned were midazolam (45.2%), fentanyl (26.8%), and propofol (20.8%). Conclusions: As only two-thirds of the patients received sedation and half received analgesics, there is still room for a broader incorporation of analgesia and sedation into peri-resuscitation care protocols.

Prognostic performance of gray-white matter ratio in adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients after receiving extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation

BackgroundGray-to-white matter ratio (GWR), measured by computed tomography (CT), is commonly used to predict poor neurological outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The prognostic performance of GWR in OHCA patients receiving extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is not known. MethodsThis study is a secondary analysis of data from the SAVE-J II registry, a retrospective, multicenter study. Participants were divided into four groups according to average GWR (aGWR) values ranging from 1.00 to 1.39, separated by 0.1 intervals. The aGWR values were calculated for bilateral basal ganglia, centrum semiovale, and high convexity obtained by head CT within 24 h after ECPR. Primary outcome was poor neurological outcomes at 30-day. ResultsIn total, 1,146 OHCA patients treated with ECPR were included in our analysis. Overall, participants with lower aGWR more likely had poor neurological outcomes, aGWR 1.00–1.09 (94.6%), aGWR 1.10–1-19 (87.8%), aGWR 1.20–1.29 (78.5%), and aGWR 1.30–1.39 (70.3%). Multivariable logistic regression showed that lower aGWR was associated with poor neurological outcome at 30-day, aGWR 1.30–1.39: reference, aGWR 1.00–1.09: adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 10.01 (95% confidence interval (CI) [3.58–27.99]), aGWR 1.10–1.19: aOR 4.83 (95% CI [2.31–10.12]), aGWR 1.20–1.29: aOR 2.16 (95% CI [1.02–4.55]). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis revealed that the prognostic performance of aGWR had an area under the curve of 0.628, 95% CI [0.59–0.66]). The aGWR threshold of 1.005 for predicting poor neurological outcome reached 100% specificity with 0.1% sensitivity. ConclusionEarly neuro-prognostication depending on GWR may not be sufficient after ECPR and requires a multimodal approach.

Alteration in early resting‑state functional MRI activity in comatose survivors of cardiac arrest: a prospective cohort study

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the characteristics of abnormal regional resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) activity in comatose patients in the early period after cardiac arrest (CA), and to investigate their relationships with neurological outcomes. We also explored the correlations between jugular venous oxygen saturation (SjvO2) and rs-fMRI activity in resuscitated comatose patients. We also examined the relationship between the amplitude of the N20-baseline and the rs-fMRI activity within the intracranial conduction pathway of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs).MethodsBetween January 2021 and January 2024, eligible post-resuscitated patients were screened to undergo fMRI examination. The amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF), fractional ALFF (fALFF), and regional homogeneity (ReHo) of rs-fMRI blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signals were used to characterize regional neural activity. Neurological outcomes were evaluated using the Glasgow–Pittsburgh cerebral performance category (CPC) scale at 3 months after CA.ResultsIn total, 20 healthy controls and 31 post-resuscitated patients were enrolled in this study. The rs-fMRI activity of resuscitated patients revealed complex changes, characterized by increased activity in some local brain regions and reduced activity in others compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05). However, the mean ALFF values of the whole brain were significantly greater in CA patients (P = 0.011). Among the clusters of abnormal rs-fMRI activity, the cluster values of ALFF in the left middle temporal gyrus and inferior temporal gyrus and the cluster values of ReHo in the right precentral gyrus, superior frontal gyrus and middle frontal gyrus were strongly correlated with the CPC score (P < 0.001). There was a strong correlation between the mean ALFF and SjvO2 in CA patients (r = 0.910, P < 0.001). The SSEP N20-baseline amplitudes in CA patients were negatively correlated with thalamic rs-fMRI activity (all P < 0.001).ConclusionsThis study revealed that abnormal rs-fMRI BOLD signals in resuscitated patients showed complex changes, characterized by increased activity in some local brain regions and reduced activity in others. Abnormal BOLD signals were associated with neurological outcomes in resuscitated patients. The mean ALFF values of the whole brain were closely related to SjvO2 levels, and changes in the thalamic BOLD signals correlated with the N20-baseline amplitudes of SSEP responses.Trial registrationNCT05966389 (Registered July 27, 2023).

Prospective evaluation of the relationship between cognition and recovery outcomes after cardiac arrest

PurposeCognitive function is often impaired for cardiac arrest (CA) survivors due to hypoxic-ischemic brain injury. Whether cognitive impairment at hospital discharge is associated with recovery defined as functional status and fatigue measured at 1-month post-discharge is not known. MethodsConsecutive CA patients admitted at an academic center (May 14, 2021–June 23, 2023) were assessed for cognitive impairment (modified Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status, TICS-m < 33) and depressive symptoms (8-item Patient Health Questionnaire) at hospital discharge. Poor functional status (primary outcome; modified Rankin Scale, mRS > 3) and fatigue severity (patient-reported outcome; Modified Fatigue Impact Scale) were assessed 1-month post-discharge. Hierarchical regressions tested associations of cognitive function with outcomes. ResultsOf 112 participants (mean age 54.4 ± 14.8; 38% female; 43% White race, 20% Black race, 29% Hispanic ethnicity) completing discharge TICS-m, 63 (56%) had indicated cognitive impairment, and 68 (61%) had poor 1-month functional outcome. Worse discharge cognitive function was independently associated with a higher risk of poor 1-month functional outcome (OR = 0.88, 95% CI [0.79, 0.98], p = 0.02) after adjusting for age, education, sex, race, ethnicity, length of hospital stay, comorbidities, and depressive symptoms. Fatigue severity lacked significant associations with cognitive function, but was associated with depressive symptoms (B = 1.03 [0.00, 2.05], p = 0.04). ConclusionCognitive function at discharge after CA was significantly and independently associated with functional outcome 1 month after hospital discharge. Psychological distress contributed to fatigue severity. This highlights the need for screening and addressing cognitive and emotional problems pre-hospital discharge.

Evaluating the effectiveness of a sliding window technique in machine learning models for mortality prediction in ICU cardiac arrest patients

Extensive research has been devoted to predicting ICU mortality, to assist clinical teams managing critical patients. Electronic health records (EHR) contain both static and dynamic medical data, with the latter accumulating during ICU stays. Existing models often rely on a fixed time window (e.g., first 24 h) for prediction, potentially missing vital post-24-hour data. The present study aims to improve mortality prediction for ICU patients following Cardiac Arrest (CA) using a dynamic sliding window approach that accommodates evolving data characteristics.Our cohort included 2331 CA patients, of whom 684 died in the ICU and 1647 survived. Applying the sliding window technique, we created six different time windows and used each separately for model training and validation. We compared our results to a baseline accumulative window.The different time windows created by the sliding window technique differed in their prediction performance and outperformed the baseline 24-hour window significantly. The XGBoost model outperformed all other models, with the 30–42 h time window achieving the best results (AUC = 0.8, accuracy = 0.77).Our work shows that the sliding window technique is effective in improving mortality prediction. We demonstrated how important time-window selection is and showed that enhancing it can save time and thus improve mortality prediction. These findings promise to improve the clinical team’s efficiency in prioritizing patients and giving greater attention to higher-risk patients.To conclude, mortality prediction in the ICU can be improved if we consider alternative time windows instead of the 24-hour window, which is currently the most widely accepted among scoring systems today.

Cerebrovascular events and thrombolysis in pulmonary embolism-induced cardiac arrest: a case series and key challenges

Background and purposeCerebrovascular events during thrombolysis in cardiac arrest (CA) caused by pulmonary embolism (PE) is a life-threatening condition. However, the balance between cerebrovascular events and thrombolytic therapy in PE-induced CA remains a great challenge.MethodsIn this study, we reported three unique cases regarding main concerns surrounding cerebrovascular events in thrombolytic therapy in PE-induced CA.ResultsThe patient in the case 1 treated with thrombolysis during CPR and finally discharged neurologically intact. The patient in the case 2 received delayed thrombolysis and died eventually. The patient in the case 3 was contraindicated to thrombolysis due to the complication of subarachioid hemorrahage and died within days.ConclusionsOur case series highlights three proposed approaches to consider before administering thrombolysis as a treatment option in PE-induced CA patients: (1) prolonging the resuscitation, (2) administering thrombolysis promptly, and (3) ruling out cerebrovascular events.

Serum lactate/creatinine ratio and acute kidney injury in cardiac arrest patients

ObjectivesSerum lactate and creatinine levels upon admission in cardiac arrest (CA) patients significantly correlate with acute kidney injury (AKI) post-restoration of autonomic circulation. However, the association between serum lactate/creatinine ratio (LCR) and AKI in this population remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between LCR at admission and cardiac arrest-associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI). Design and methodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of previously published data on CA patient resuscitation, categorizing them into tertiles based on LCR levels. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models and subgroup analyses were employed to investigate the association between LCR and CA-AKI. Non-linear correlations were explored using restricted cubic splines, and a two-piece wise logistic proportional hazards model for both sides of the inflection point was constructed. ResultsA total of 374 patients (72.19 % male) were included, with intensive care unit mortality, in-hospital mortality, and neurologic dysfunction rates of 51.87 %, 56.95 %, and 39.57 %, respectively. The overall CA-AKI incidence was 59.09 %. Multivariate logistic proportional hazards analysis revealed a negative association between LCR and CA-AKI incidence (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.85, 95 % confidence intervals [CI] = 0.78–0.93, P=0.001). Triple spline restriction analysis depicted an L-shaped correlation between baseline LCR and CA-AKI incidence. Particularly, a baseline LCR<0.051 was negatively associated with CA-AKI incidence (OR 0.494, 95 % CI=0.319–0.764, P=0.002). Beyond the LCR turning point, estimated dose–response curves remained consistent with a horizontal line. ConclusionsBaseline LCR in CA patients exhibits an L-shaped correlation with AKI incidence following restoration of autonomic circulation. The threshold for CA-AKI is 0.051. This finding suggests that LCR may aid in identifying CA patients at high risk of AKI.

A Simple Scoring System for Identifying Favorable Neurologic Outcomes Among Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients With Asystole

Study objectiveAsystole is the most common initial rhythm in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), but indicates a low likelihood of neurological recovery. This study aimed to develop a novel scoring system to be easily applied at the time of emergency department arrival for identifying favorable neurological outcomes in OHCA survivors with an asystole rhythm. MethodsThis study is a secondary analysis based on a previously collected nationwide database, targeting non-traumatic adult OHCA patients aged ≥ 18 years with an asystole rhythm who achieved Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) between January 2016 and December 2020. The primary outcome was a favorable neurological outcome defined as Cerebral Performance Categories scores of 1 or 2 at hospital discharge. A prediction model was developed through multivariable logistic regression analysis in a derivation cohort in the form of a scoring system (WBC-ASystole). The performance and calibration of the model were tested using an internal validation cohort. ResultsAmong 19,803 OHCA patients with survival to hospital admission, 6,322 had asystole, and 285 (4.5%) achieved good neurological outcomes. Factors associated with favorable outcomes included age, witness arrest, bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, time from call to hospital arrival, and prehospital ROSC achievement. The WBC-ASystole score, totaling 11 points, exhibited a predictive performance with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.80 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.76–0.83) and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.74–0.83) in the derivation and validation cohorts, respectively. After categorizing patients into three groups based on probability for good neurological outcomes, the sensitivity and specificity were as follows: 0.98 (95% CI: 0.97–0.99) and 0.09 (95% CI: 0.09–0.10) for the very low (WBC-ASystole: ≤2), 0.85 (95% CI: 0.82–0.89) and 0.54 (95% CI: 0.53–0.55) for the low (WBC-ASystole: 3–4), and 0.36 (95% CI: 0.34–0.39) and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.92–0.93) for fair predicted probability group (WBC-ASystole: ≥5). ConclusionsAlthough external validation studies must be performed, among OHCA with asystole, the WBC-ASystole scoring system may identify those patients who are likely to have a favorable neurological outcome.

Comment on Utsumi et al. Differences in Pathophysiology and Treatment Efficacy Based on Heterogeneous Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest. Medicina 2024, 60, 510.

We read with great interest the review article on pathophysiology and treatment based on different out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. We wish to present our comments on the threshold values for neuron-specific enolase (NSE) based on the initial rhythm and the misquoting of a few references in that article.

Sudden cardiac arrest in patients with cancer in the general population: insights from the Paris-SDEC registry

BackgroundData on the management of patients with cancer presenting with sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) are scarce. We aimed to assess the characteristics and outcomes of SCA according to cancer history.MethodsProspective,...