Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Research Articles

Ward-based in situ simulation: lessons learnt from a UK District General Hospital

IntroductionIn situ simulation (ISS) enables multiprofessional healthcare teams to train for real emergencies in their own working environment and identify latent patient safety threats. This study aimed to determine ISS...

Assessing the quality of chest compressions with a DIY low-cost manikin (LoCoMan) versus a standard manikin: a quasi-experimental study in primary education.

Extending the access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training to a wider public is an important step in increasing survivability of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. However, often price and maintenance of CPR manikins are barriers that prevent training at schools. This study aims to evaluate the learning of hands-only (HO) CPR by practicing with a low-cost manikin (LoCoMan) with visual qualitative feedback and to compare the results with the skills acquired by practice on a conventional manikin. A quasi-experimental study with 193 schoolchildren (10 to 12years old) who were allocated to two groups: the LoCoMan group was taught via an integrative approach (science combined with physical education (PE)) and practiced on a handmade manikin, and a control group practiced in a traditional setting with a commercial manikin (Resusci Junior, Laerdal, Norway). All participants practiced for 1 hands-on skill session before performing a post-test on an instrumented CPR manikin. The outcomes including HO-CPR performance variables were compared between groups. The LoCoMan and control groups both achieved acceptable percentage of HO-CPR quality (57% and 71%, p = 0.004). Among 6th-graders, there were no significant differences in HO-CPR quality between LoCoMan 68% and control 71%, p = 0.66. The control group achieved better chest compression depth while the LoCoMan group showed more compressions with adequate chest recoil. Conclusion: Schoolchildren are able to build and use a low-cost manikin with visual feedback. The integrative learning approach used in this study may be a feasible alternative methodology for training and learning HO-CPR in schools when commercial manikins are not available. What is Known: • Access to CPR training should be universal and independent of age, location, financial means, or access to qualified instructors. • Scientific societies promote the implementation of CPR in schools, so that teachers and schoolchildren can play a multiplier role in their environment, but the gap in CPR learning is related to cultural, economic factors or access to resources and materials. What is New: • LoCoMan may be a useful device for teaching and learning CPR in schoolchildren from the age of 10 and upwards. • LOCOMAN shows that it is feasible and possible to build a low-cost manikin (about €5 in the European Region) and to integrate it into an integrative educational project, and outlines how this could be done. this approach can be an incentive for teachers to attempt teaching CPR, but also for education outside the formal environment.

Underlying reasons for sex difference in survival following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest - a mediation analysis.

Previous studies have indicated a poorer survival among women following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), but the mechanisms explaining this difference remains largely uncertain.This study aimed to assess the survival after OHCA among women and men and explore the role of potential mediators, such as resuscitation characteristics, prior comorbidity, and socioeconomic factors. This was a population-based cohort study including emergency medical service-treated OHCA reported to the Swedish Registry for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in 2010-2020, linked to nationwide Swedish healthcare registries. The relative risks (RR) of 30-day survival were compared among women and men, and a mediation analysis was performed to investigate the importance of potential mediators. 43,226 OHCAs were included, of which 14,249 (33.0%) were women. Women were older and had a lower proportion of shockable initial rhythm. The crude 30-day survival among women was 6.2% compared to 10.7% for men (RR 0.58, 95% CI = 0.54-0.62). Stepwise adjustment for shockable initial rhythm attenuated the association to RR 0.85 (95% CI = 0.79-0.91). Further adjustments for age and resuscitation factors attenuated the survival difference to null (RR 0.98; 95% CI = 0.92-1.05). Mediation analysis showed that shockable initial rhythm explained approximately 50% of the negative association of female sex on survival. Older age and lower disposable income were the second and third most important variables, respectively. Women have a lower crude 30-day survival following OHCA compared to men. The poor prognosis is largely explained by a lower proportion of shockable initial rhythm, older age at presentation and lower income.

ECMO management for severe pulmonary embolism with concurrent cerebral hemorrhage: a case report

BackgroundAcute pulmonary embolism (APE) is a common and potentially fatal cardiovascular disease that can lead to sudden cardiac arrest in severe cases. When conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation measures fail to achieve the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in patients with APE, venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) becomes a viable therapeutic option. As an advanced life support treatment, ECMO ensures the perfusion of critical organs, providing sufficient time for interventions necessary for ROSC.Case introductionWe report the case of a patient who experienced cardiac arrest due to pulmonary embolism. During the treatment, the patient received two sessions of external cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) as supportive care and experienced cerebral hemorrhage. Ultimately, the patient improved and was discharged following support from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), careful anticoagulation strategies, and intervention with balloon pulmonary angioplasty.ConclusionECMO can serve as an important life support technology for patients with severe APE. Through a cautious anticoagulation therapy, not only was the ECMO support successfully maintained but also was further deterioration of cerebral hemorrhage effectively prevented. For patients with concurrent main pulmonary artery embolism and bleeding, balloon pulmonary angioplasty may be an option.

Prehospital Ground and Helicopter-Based Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ECPR) Reduce Barriers to ECPR: A GIS Model

ABSTRACT Introduction Evidence suggests that Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (ECPR) can improve survival rates for nontraumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). However, when ECPR is indicated over 50% of potential candidates are unable to qualify in the current hospital-based system due to geographic limitations. This study employs a Geographic Information System (GIS) model to estimate the number of ECPR eligible patients within the United States in the current hospital-based system, a prehospital ECPR ground-based system, and a prehospital ECPR Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS)-based system. Methods We constructed a GIS model to estimate ground and helicopter transport times. Time-dependent rates of ECPR eligibility were derived from the Resuscitation Outcome Consortium (ROC) database, while the Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival (CARES) registry determined the number of OHCA patients meeting ECPR criteria within designated transportation times. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) response time, ECPR candidacy determination time, and on-scene time were modeled based on data from the EROCA trial. The combined model was used to estimate the total ECPR eligibility in each system. Results The CARES registry recorded 736,066 OHCA patients from 2013 to 2021. After applying clinical criteria, 24,661 (3.4%) ECPR-indicated OHCA were identified. When considering overall ECPR eligibility within 45 minutes from OHCA to initiation, only 11.76% of OHCA where ECPR was indicated were eligible in the current hospital-based system. The prehospital ECPR HEMS-based system exhibited a four-fold increase in ECPR eligibility (49.3%), while the prehospital ground-based system showed a more than two-fold increase (28.4%). Conclusions The study demonstrates a two-fold increase in ECPR eligibility for a field-deployable ground-based system and a four-fold increase for a prehospital ECPR HEMS-based system compared to the current hospital-based OHCA system. This novel GIS model can inform future ECPR implementation strategies, optimizing systems of care.

Organ donation after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a nationwide retrospective cohort study

BackgroundLimited data are available on organ donation practices and recipient outcomes, particularly when comparing donors who experienced cardiac arrest and received extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) followed by veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) decannulation, versus those who experienced cardiac arrest without receiving ECPR. This study aims to explore organ donation practices and outcomes post-ECPR to enhance our understanding of the donation potential after cardiac arrest.MethodsWe conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study using data from the Japan Organ Transplant Network database, covering all deceased organ donors between July 17, 2010, and August 31, 2022. We included donors who experienced at least one episode of cardiac arrest. During the study period, patients undergoing ECMO treatment were not eligible for a legal diagnosis of brain death. We compared the timeframes associated with each donor’s management and the long-term graft outcomes of recipients between ECPR and non-ECPR groups.ResultsAmong 370 brain death donors with an episode of cardiac arrest, 26 (7.0%) received ECPR and 344 (93.0%) did not; the majority were due to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The median duration of veno-arterial ECMO support after ECPR was 3 days. Patients in the ECPR group had significantly longer intervals from admission to organ procurement compared to those not receiving ECPR (13 vs. 9 days, P = 0.005). Lung graft survival rates were significantly lower in the ECPR group (log-rank test P = 0.009), with no significant differences in other organ graft survival rates. Of 160 circulatory death donors with an episode of cardiac arrest, 27 (16.9%) received ECPR and 133 (83.1%) did not. Time intervals from admission to organ procurement following circulatory death and graft survival showed no significant differences between ECPR and non-ECPR groups. The number of organs donated was similar between the ECPR and non-ECPR groups, regardless of brain or circulatory death.ConclusionsThis nationwide study reveals that lung graft survival was lower in recipients from ECPR-treated donors, highlighting the need for targeted research and protocol adjustments in post-ECPR organ donation.

Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Intensity of Care at the End of Life for Patients With Lung Cancer: A 13-Year Population-Based Study.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Disparities in lung cancer mortality among racial and ethnic minorities are well documented. Less is known as to whether racial and ethnic minority patients with lung cancer experience higher rates of intensity of care at the end of life (EOL) compared with non-Hispanic White (NHW) patients. We conducted a population-based analysis of patients 18 years and older with a lung cancer diagnosis who died between 2005 and 2018 using the California Cancer Registry linked to patient discharge data abstracts. Our primary outcome was intensity of care in the last 14 days before death (defined as any hospital admission or emergency department [ED] visit, intensive care unit [ICU] admission, intubation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation [CPR], hemodialysis, and death in an acute care setting). We used multivariable logistic regression models to evaluate associations between race and ethnicity and intensity of EOL care. Among 207,429 patients with lung cancer who died from 2005 to 2018, the median age was 74 years (range, 18-107) and 106,821 (51%) were male, 146,872 (70.8%) were NHW, 1,045 (0.5%) were American Indian, 21,697 (10.5%) were Asian Pacific Islander (API), 15,490 (7.5%) were Black, and 22,325 (10.8%) were Hispanic. Compared with NHW patients, in the last 14 days before death, API, Black, and Hispanic patients had greater odds of a hospital admission, an ICU admission, intubation, CPR, and hemodialysis and greater odds of a hospital or ED death. Compared with NHW patients, API, Black, and Hispanic patients who died with lung cancer experienced higher intensity of EOL care. Future studies should develop approaches to eliminate such racial and ethnic disparities in care delivery at the EOL.

Advanced life support interventions during intra-operative cardiac arrest among adults as reported to the 7th National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists.

Few existing resuscitation guidelines include specific reference to intra-operative cardiac arrest, but its optimal treatment is likely to require some adaptation of standard protocols. We analysed data from the 7th National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists to determine the incidence and outcome from intra-operative cardiac arrest and to summarise the advanced life support interventions reported as being used by anaesthetists. In the baseline survey, > 50% of anaesthetists responded that they would start chest compressions when the non-invasive systolic pressure was < 40-50 mmHg. Of the 881 registry patients, 548 were adult patients (aged > 18 years) having non-obstetric procedures under the care of an anaesthetist, and who had arrested during anaesthesia (from induction to emergence). Sustained return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in 425 (78%) patients and 338 (62%) were alive at the time of reporting. In the 365 patients with pulseless electrical activity or bradycardia, adrenaline was given as a 1 mg bolus in 237 (65%). A precordial thump was used in 14 (3%) patients, and although this was associated with return of spontaneous circulation at the next rhythm check in almost three-quarters of patients, in only one of these was the initial rhythm shockable. Calcium (gluconate or chloride) and 8.4% sodium bicarbonate were given to 51 (9%) and 25 (5%) patients, but there were specific indications for these treatments in less than half of the patients. A thrombolytic drug was given to 5 (1%) patients, and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation was used in 9 (2%) of which eight occurred during cardiac procedures. The specific characteristics of intra-operative cardiac arrest imply that its optimal treatment requires modifications to standard advanced life support guidelines.

Age-Related Quality of Life in Cardiac Surgical Patients with Extracorporeal Life Support.

The rationale of the study was to analyze the impact of age on quality of life (QoL) in patients who had undergone cardiac surgery with consecutive extracorporeal life support (ECLS) treatment. The study population consisted of 200 patients, operated upon between August 2006 and December 2018. The patient cohort was divided into two groups following an arbitrary cutoff age of 70 years. Comparative outcome analysis was calculated utilizing the European Quality of Life-5-Dimensions-5-Level Version (EQ-5D-5L). A total of 113 patients were 70 years or less old (group young), whereas 87 patients were older than 70 years (group old). In 45.7% of cases, the ECLS system was established during cardiogenic shock and external cardiac massage. The overall survival-to-discharge was 31.5% (n = 63), with a significantly better survival in the younger patient group (young = 38.9%; old = 21.8%, p = 0.01). Forty-two patients (66%) responded to the QoL survey after a median follow-up of 4.3 years. Older patients reported more problems with mobility (y = 52%; o = 88%, p = 0.02) and self-care (y = 24%; o = 76%, p = 0.01). However, the patients' self-rated health status utilizing the Visual Analogue Scale revealed no differences (y = 70% [50-80%]; o = 70% [60-80%], p = 0.38). Likewise, the comparison with an age-adjusted German reference population revealed similar QoL indices. There were no statistically significant differences in the EQ-5D-5L index values related to sex, number of comorbidities, and emergency procedures. Despite the limited sample size due to the high mortality rate especially in elderly, the present study suggests that QoL of elderly patients surviving ECLS treatment is almost comparable to younger patients.

Risk of sepsis after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock from the RESCUE registry

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Objectives It is known that the incidence of sepsis is higher in patients receiving extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO). In particular, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is performed in emergency situations, which may increase the likelihood of non-aseptic management compared to routine procedures. So, we investigated the association of ECPR and incidence of sepsis in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock (CS). Background Pre- and post-ECPR sepsis are associated with increased mortality, and it is known that the occurrence of sepsis after ECPR is higher than in conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). However, it is not well known whether ECPR has a higher incidence of sepsis than ECMO insertion in non-CPR conditions. Method The SMART-RESCUE study is a multi-center, retrospective and prospective registry of patients that presented with CS. Between January 2014 and December 2018, 1,247 patients with CS were enrolled from 12 major centers in Korea. The incidence of sepsis was compared by dividing into two groups according to whether or not ECPR was performed. Patients with ECMO duration less than 48 hours were excluded. Result Total of 231 patients(mean age 59.46 years, men 67.70%, mead follow-up duration 136.5 days) were analyzed into ECPR group(n=95, 60.7 ± 13.0 years, men 75.8%) and non-ECPR group(n=136, 58.6 ± 15.5 years, men 65.4%) respectively. ECPR group showed lower SBP, lower DBP, lower HR, more shock caused by ischemia, more smoking, lower LVEF, higher Hb, higher serum Na, lower AST, higher Peak troponin I, higher vasoactive inotropic score, higher ICMP portion. After 1:1 propensity score matching corrected for height, SBP, DBP, Hb, initial pump flow, Na, ICMP, vasoactive inotropic score, difference remained in SBP, DBP, HR, cause of shock. Sepsis incidence was 7.4%. The risk for sepsis incidence was not different between two groups(7.4% vs 6.3%, adjusted OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.38-3.65, p=0.774). Conclusion ECPR procedure does not increase sepsis compared to ECMO insertion not in CPR state in patients with cardiogenic shock. Keyword: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, sepsis, cardiogenic shockBaseline characteristicsAdjusted outcomes

Molecular Autopsy With Banked Cord Blood Reveals Brugada Syndrome in Past Sudden Death Case.

Molecular autopsy has recently been gaining attention as a means of postmortem diagnosis; however, it is usually performed using the victim's blood sample at the time of death. Here, we report the first case of a deceased infant with Brugada syndrome whose diagnosis was made with banked cord blood. A seemingly healthy 1-year-old male infant collapsed while having a fever; this collapse was witnessed by his mother. Despite cardiopulmonary resuscitation, he died of ventricular fibrillation. No abnormalities of cardiac structure were identified on autopsy. Genomic samples were not stored at the time because of a lack of suspicion for familial arrhythmia. Five years later, his sister showed Brugada electrocardiogram pattern while febrile from Kawasaki disease. Their father showed a spontaneous type 1 Brugada electrocardiogram pattern. A heterozygous SCN5A p.R893C variant was found by genetic testing in the proband's father and sister. Furthermore, the proband's genetic testing was performed using his banked cord blood, which identified the same variant. Family history of Brugada syndrome with an SCN5A-R893C variant and clinical evidence led to a postmortem diagnosis of Brugada syndrome in the proband. Identification of this variant in this case later contributed to verifying SCN5A-R893C as a pathogenic variant through data accumulation. Banked cord blood may prove useful for conducting molecular autopsies in previously undiagnosed cases of sudden death in which genomic samples were not stored.

Temporal and regional trends of case-fatality in patients hospitalized with acute respiratory distress syndrome in Germany

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Aims Significant progress has been made in understanding the pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, ARDS it is still a life-threatening medical condition with a high mortality rate. Little is known about temporal trends and regional variations in Germany. Methods We analyzed data on the characteristics, comorbidities and in-hospital outcomes for all hospitalized patients with ARDS in Germany between 2005 and 2019. Diagnoses were coded according to the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision with German Modification (ICD-10-GM), and diagnostic, surgical or interventional procedures according to the German Procedure Classification (OPS, surgery and procedures codes. The computed study analyses were performed on our behalf by the Research Data Center of the Federal Statistical Office and the Statistical Offices of the federal states in Wiesbaden, Germany. Results Overall, 8,369,723 inpatients aged ≥18 years were included in this analysis; among these, 155,872 (1.9%) were codes with the diagnosis of ARDS. The annual number of ARDS cases increased from 7,286 in 2005 to 13,722 in 2019 in parallel with a significant decrease of in-hospital mortality. Overall, 74,751 (48.0%) patients with ARDS died during the in-hospital stay and in-hospital case-fatality grew exponentially with age. Independent predictors of in-hospital fatality with an OR &amp;gt;2 were age ≥70 years, necessity of ECMO, severe liver disease, acute renal failure, dialysis, shock and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. Most patients with ARDS were treated in hospitals in urban areas (n=56,582) with a high case-fatality rate (49.7%), but also with concomitant high proportion rate of mechanical ventilation (23.7%) compared to hospitals in suburban or rural areas. Conclusion The number of patients with ARDS increased markedly in Germany between 2005 and 2019, in parallel with a decrease of in-hospital fatality. Our findings may suggest that general management of ARDS have improved over time and might draw more attention to predictors for in-hospital fatality in patients hospitalized with ARDS. The need for mechanical ventilation and a poor outcome was more likely in urban areas – this might be accentuated by patient transfer to specialized high care centers usually located in urban settings.

The effect of scenario-based training versus video training on nurse anesthesia students’ basic life support knowledge and skill of cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a quasi-experimental comparative study

BackgroundPerforming CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is an extremely intricate skill whose success depends largely on the level of knowledge and skill of Anesthesiology students. Therefore, this research was conducted to compare the effect of the scenario-based training method as opposed to video training method on nurse anesthesia students’ BLS (Basic Life Support) knowledge and skills.MethodsThis randomized quasi-experimental study involved 45 nurse anesthesia students of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran in 2022–2023. The practical room of the university formed the research environment. The participants were randomly divided into three groups of scenario-based training, video training, and control. Data were collected by a knowledge questionnaire and a BLS skill assessment checklist before and after the intervention.ResultsThere was a significant difference between the students’ scores of BLS knowledge and skill before and after the educational intervention in both SG (scenario group) (p < 0.001) and VG (video group) (p = 0.008) (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was observed in this regard in the CG (control group) (p = 0.37) (p = 0.16). Also, the mean scores of BLS knowledge and skills in the SG were higher than those in the VG (p < 0.001).ConclusionGiven the beneficial impact of scenario-based education on fostering active participation, critical thinking, utilization of intellectual abilities, and learner creativity, it appears that this approach holds an advantage over video training, particularly when it comes to teaching crucial subjects like Basic Life Support.

Intravenous angiotensin II as an add-on to standard of care vasopressors in patients with refractory shock on mechanical circulatory support: a single centre retrospective case series

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background Refractory shock is life-threatening condition characterized by hypotension with mean arterial pressure (MAP) less than 65 mmHg and end-organ dysfunction, despite volume resuscitation and high doses of vasopressors. Mortality rates in refractory shock exceeds 90%. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a non-catecholamine vasopressor that targets the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system by agonism of the angiotensin type 1 receptors. Ang II has been studied in settings of vasodilatory shock, however there is paucity of data regarding the usage of Ang II in patients with preexisting heart failure or in patients requiring mechanical circulatory support (MCS), either short term such as venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) or long term such as left ventricular assist device (LVAD) (1,2). Purpose This report is aimed to analyse baseline characteristics of patients who have received Ang II from the moment it became available in our institution (January 2023). Methods Five patients were included in this retrospective analyses. Demographic, clinical and laboratory parameters as well as hourly changes of vasopressors doses, MAP, lactates, and diuresis were collected and analysed. Results Median age of 5 included patients, 4 of whom were male, was 53 years old (range 18-57). The most common comorbidities were chronic kidney disease (n=3), diabetes mellitus (n=3) and arterial hypertension (n=3), treated with valsartan as chronic therapy. All patients presented with severe shock. 4 patients were on VA-ECMO support, 1 had additionally implanted Impella for left ventricular unloading and 2 had implanted LVAD. All patients had severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (median 15%, range 10-25%). In 4 cases vasopressors were initiated due to sepsis and in 1 case during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Median values prior to administration of Ang II were as following: MAP 51 mmHg (range 41-56 mmHg), lactates 6.7 mmol/L (range 2.4-10.7 mmol/L) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score 9 (range 5-11). Four hours following administration of Ang II median MAP was 61 mmHg (range 54-77 mmHg). Patient who ultimately survived had better response to Ang II, with median rise of MAP of 22 mmHg (range 12-22 mmHg). In contrast, patients who ultimately died didn’t respond to Ang II, with rise of MAP of only 2.5 mmHg. Median duration of Ang II administration was 52 h (range 20-96 h). 60% of patients are alive up to the present day. Complete patient data are shown in Table 1. Hourly changes of vasopressor doses and MAP are shown in Figure 1. Conclusion Ang II is an effective vasopressor with rapid effect. This case series suggests that it may be considered as salvage treatment option in patients on MCS with refractory shock. Patients who responded to Ang II had better survival, similar to previous findings. Therefore, Ang II should be considered in earlier phases of shock when maximum doses of vasopressors have not yet been reached.

Characterization and mid-term outcomes of current out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients admitted to intensive cardiovascular care units

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements Type of funding sources: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): Consell Català de Resuscitació. Background Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) accounts the 50% of cardiovascular deaths. Being aware of characteristics and outcomes of our OHCA population is important in order to apply measures in the weaker areas to improve the results of the process. Purpose To investigate current outcomes, at 6-month follow-up, of patients admitted to an Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU) in a mediterranean area during the 2020s. Current characteristics, prehospital management and factors related to outcomes were also analyzed. Methods PCR-Cat was a prospective observational multicentre registry. OHCA patients admitted to the ICCU of 8 hospitals were included from October/2020 to December/2021. Those who survived with good neurological status, no disabilities, and remained independent for usual life activities, were classified as Good Outcome (GO). Those patients who died or had a poor neurological status, with high dependency or rested in permanent vegetative status were classified as Poor Outcome (PO). A multinomial logistic regression was done to analyze the factors independently related to PO. Results 288 patients were included, only 50 (17.36%) were women. At 6-month follow-up, 48.95% of patients had GO. Most events happened in the first month (Figure 1). The cause of death was neurological in 72.9%. Patients with PO were significantly older (63.74 vs. 58.88, p=0.003) and had more comorbidities (Table 1A). The most frequent location was on a public space (54.84%) and most were witnessed (88.93%). Cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers were initiated by a bystander in 69.18% until EMS arrival, being only 20.79% done by an experienced bystander. The medium no-flow time was low (2 min) but total time until ROSC was of 28 min. First rhythm was shockable in 80%, but an automatic external defibrillator was only used in 58% of cases. Statistically significant lower values of first pH and higher values of first lactate, glucose and creatinine were related to PO (Table 1B). Patients with PO had a higher APACHE II (26 vs. 20, p&amp;lt;0.001) and SOFA (10.39 vs. 7.14, p&amp;lt;0.001) scores at admission, and required a longer time on mechanical ventilation (6 vs. 3.5 days, p=0.001). The main cause of the OHCA was acute coronary syndrome (53.82%), followed by chronic coronary syndrome (7.64%) and dilated myocardiopathy (7.64%). In the multinomial logistic regression, older age (p=0.005), male sex (p=0.016), previous stroke (p=0.046), longer ROSC time (p&amp;lt;0.001) and non-shockable first rhythm (p&amp;lt;0.001) were independently related to PO. Receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers by an experienced bystander was related to a reduction of 17 min of ROSC (p=0.001). Conclusions Less than a half of patients admitted to an ICCU because of an OHCA had GO at 6-month follow-up. Age, male sex, previous stroke, longer ROSC time and non-shockable first rhythm were factors independently related to PO. Interventions addressed to reduce ROSC time are urgently needed.

The Role of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Pediatric Intraoperative Cardiac Arrest

The Role of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Pediatric Intraoperative Cardiac Arrest

Predicting survival with scales for in-hospital extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is a rescue option in cardiac arrest (CA) refractory to advanced life support. Patient selection is challenging, and anecdotal scores are specific to this situation. Purpose Our objective was to analyse the usefulness of different scales used in shock and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenator (VA-ECMO) support in in-hospital ECPR. Methods Retrospective analysis of consecutive ECPR cases in a referal center. The ECPR alert includes in-hospital cardiologist/intensivist, on-call interventional cardiologist/cardiac surgeon for cannulation, and on-call perfusionist. We analysed hospital survival based on our own and other literature-based mortality scales calculated prior to VA-ECMO implantation: SCAI, INTERMACS, CardShock, CSS, SAVE-ECMO, RESCUE-IHCA. Results Out of 222 VA-ECMO implanted, we included 66 ECPR cases between 2014-oct 2023. Baseline, admission and ECPR characteristics are collected in the table. Overall in-hospital survival was 16.7% (n=11) (cerebral performance cathegory 1-2). We developed a sumative mortality scale including factors related to survival in our population and the literature (lactate &amp;gt;10.05, &amp;gt;60 minutes CA, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and on-call time for ECPR alert activation) (figure A). This scale was significantly related to survival to discharge (figure A). Regarding the scales and their association with survival, only RESCUE-IHCA showed a trend towards statistical significance (16 [15] points in survivors vs 19 [15] in died patients, p=0.096). The remaining scores showed no relationship with survival to discharge: SAVE-ECMO -15,73±4.8 in survivors vs -14,07±4.1 in died patients (p= 0.301), CSS 10,09±1.9 vs 10.40±2.7 (p=0.651), CardShock 4.82±1.3 vs 5.27±1.2 (p=0.287). INTERMACS (all patients 1) and SCAI classification (all patients stage E) are not valid for discriminating survival in this situation. We compared the scales using the ROC curve for hospital survival, and we found that our own scale had the best discriminatory ability (Figure B). Conclusions Scales developed for shock or VA-ECMO support were not significantly related to survival in patients undergoing in-hospital ECPR. The specific ECPR scale RESCUE-IHCA, and our own scale developed in this population showed better discriminatory ability in survival to discharge.Table.Baseline, admission and ECPRFigure.A: Own scale. B: ROC curves

Management and outcome of high-risk pulmonary embolism in intensive care units: results from a retrospective single-center analysis

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Background High-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) patients are exposed to hemodynamic/multiorgan compromise including hypotension, cardiogenic shock and/or cardiac arrest (CA). Few data exist on management and outcome in patients admitted to intensive care units (ICU) with high-risk PE. Purpose We sought to analyse the epidemiology, management and outcome of patients admitted to ICU due to high-risk PE. Methods Retrospective monocentric analysis of adult patients with high-risk PE admitted from 2017 to 2023; COVID-19 patients were excluded. Demographic, clinical presentation, management and outcome data have been collected. Descriptive analysis comparing means adjusted for organ involvement severity and Cox regression were performed. Results 85 patients (55 male, 63±12 years old, BMI 29.06± 6) were included in the analysis. All patients received the diagnosis through the computed tomography angiography except 4 of them who underwent extra-corporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) and the diagnosis was made with trans-oesophageal echocardiography. Overall mortality was 32%, eCPR rate was 9%. 92% were treated with adrenergic drugs (norepinephrine 78%, dobutamine 65%, epinephrine 35%); 7 patients required VA-ECMO due to CA. 42 patients received mechanical ventilation (MV) during the first 12 hours; those patients had higher rate of CS (p &amp;lt;0.001), higher lactates (mean difference 1.45±3.2; p &amp;lt;0.001), higher SOFA and SAPS II scores (respectively, mean difference 12.5±0.49 and 7.9±3.4; p 0.004). 75 patients underwent systemic thrombolysis. 10 patients with contraindication to systemic thrombolysis, underwent catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT); in 6 cases CDT was preceded by mechanical suction thrombectomy. Patients undertaking CDT had higher SOFA score at admission (mean difference 2.45±1.6; p 0.04), worsen creatinine (p &amp;lt;0.001), lower PaCO2 (mean difference -0.54±5.3; p 0.01), higher PaO2 (mean difference 28.7±6.5; p 0.009), higher bilirubin (mean difference 3.2±1.6; p &amp;lt;0.001) and lower systolic blood pressure (mean difference -6.8±3.36; p 0.01). At the Cox regression, higher lactates (HR 1.45 [0.40-0.99], p 0.004, panel A), lower glomerular filtration rate (HR 1.1 [1.02-1.09], p 0.001, panel B), higher bilirubin (HR 2.6 [1.20-6.03,] p 0.016), higher ALT (HR 1.07 [0.95-0.99], p 0.04), lower PaO2/FiO2 ratio (HR 1.1 [0.97-0.99], p 0.024, panel C), MV (HR 1.1 [0.78-7.58], p 0.04, panel D) and VA-ECMO (HR 2.5 [1.25-3.54], p 0.002) were associated with increased mortality; CDT was associated with lower mortality (HR 0.82 [0.68-1.89], p 0.04). Conclusions High-risk PE was burdened by high mortality. Signs of worsen organ failure and respiratory and mechanical support are associated with increased mortality. In this monocentric population the use of CDT was performed when systemic thrombolysis contraindicated and it was associated with favourable outcome, although the small sample (10%) should warn contextualization in results’ interpretation.

Comparing Different Training Methods in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation CPR: A Narrative Review

Comparing Different Training Methods in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation CPR: A Narrative Review

Knowledge and attitudes towards performing resuscitation among seniors - a population-based study

BackgroundCardiac arrest constitutes a critical medical emergency necessitating swift intervention to reinstate normal heart rhythm and prevent harm to vital organs. The pivotal role of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in influencing survival rates is well recognized. With older adults being the most common group to witness such events, it’s curcial to understand their attitudes and knowledge about performing CPR. Additionally, understanding if health status has an influence can help in tailoring education for specific seniors needs.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was sent to University of the Third Age (UTA) students. The survey comprised sections focusing on demographic data, CPR knowledge, automated external defibrillator (AED) knowledge, first aid training, and readiness to perform CPR and use AEDs. Participants’ health conditions were also assessed through multiple-choice options.ResultsWe received 456 responses. Significant awareness of emergency numbers and cardiac arrest recognition was revealed. However, knowledge gaps persisted, particularly in compression rates. Most participants comprehended AED usage, yet training primarily relied on theoretical approaches. Health conditions notably affected CPR readiness, with associations between specific chronic diseases and willingness to perform CPR.ConclusionsAddressing knowledge gaps and tailoring education for elderly needs are crucial for improving survival rates. Future research should explore barriers to bystander CPR during out-of-hospital cardiac arrests to further enhance survival prospects.