Episodes Of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Research Articles

Deep Learning Strategy for Sliding ECG Analysis during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Influence of the Hands-Off Time on Accuracy.

This study aims to present a novel deep learning algorithm for a sliding shock advisory decision during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and its performance evaluation as a function of the cumulative hands-off time. We retrospectively used 13,570 CPR episodes from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) interventions reviewed in a period of interest from 30 s before to 10 s after regular analysis of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Three convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with raw ECG input (duration of 5, 10, and 15 s) were applied for the shock advisory decision during CPR in 26 sequential analyses shifted by 1 s. The start and stop of chest compressions (CC) can occur at arbitrary times in sequential slides; therefore, the sliding hands-off time (sHOT) quantifies the cumulative CC-free portion of the analyzed ECG. An independent test with CPR episodes in 393 ventricular fibrillations (VF), 177 normal sinus rhythms (NSR), 1848 other non-shockable rhythms (ONR), and 3979 asystoles (ASYS) showed a substantial improvement of VF sensitivity when increasing the analysis duration from 5 s to 10 s. Specificity was not dependent on the ECG analysis duration. The 10 s CNN model presented the best performance: 92-94.4% (VF), 92.2-94% (ASYS), 96-97% (ONR), and 98.2-99.5% (NSR) for sliding decision times during CPR; 98-99% (VF), 98.2-99.8% (ASYS), 98.8-99.1 (ONR), and 100% (NSR) for sliding decision times after end of CPR. We identified the importance of sHOT as a reliable predictor of performance, accounting for the minimal sHOT interval of 2-3 s that provides a reliable rhythm detection satisfying the American Heart Association (AHA) standards for AED rhythm analysis. The presented technology for sliding shock advisory decision during CPR achieved substantial performance improvement in short hands-off periods (>2 s), such as insufflations or pre-shock pauses. The performance was competitive despite 1-2.8% point lower ASYS detection during CPR than the standard requirement (95%) for non-noisy ECG signals. The presented deep learning strategy is a basis for improved CPR practices involving both continuous CC and CC with insufflations, associated with minimal CC interruptions for reconfirmation of non-shockable rhythms (minimum hands-off time) and early treatment of VF (minimal pre-shock pauses).

Temporal analysis of continuous chest compression rate and depth performed by firefighters during out of hospital cardiac arrest

BackgroundQuality of chest compressions (CC) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) often do not meet guideline recommendations for rate and depth. This may be due to the fatiguing nature of physically compressing a patient’s chest, meaning that CPR quality reduces over time. ObjectiveThis analysis investigates the effect of CPR duration on the performance of continuous CCs delivered by firefighters equipped with CPR feedback devices. MethodsData were collected from a first responder group which used CPR feedback and automatic external defibrillator devices when attending out-of-hospital cardiac arrest events. Depth and rate of CC were analysed for 134 patients. Mean CC depth and rate were calculated every 5 s during two-minute episodes of CPR. Regression models were created to evaluate the relationship between applied CC depth and rate as a function of time. ResultsMean (SD) CC depth during the investigation was 48 (9) mm. An inverse relationship was observed between CC depth and CPR duration, where CC depth decreased by 3.39 mm, over two-minutes of CPR (p < 0.001). Mean (SD) CC rate was 112.06 (5.87) compressions per minute. No significant relationship was observed between CC rate and CPR duration (p = 0.077). Mean depth was within guideline range for 33.58% of patient events, while guideline rate was observed in 92.54% of cases. ConclusionsA reduction in CC depth was observed during two-minutes of continuous CCs while CC rate was not affected. One third of patients received a mean CC depth within guideline range (50 to 60 mm).

Does patient age and BMI affect temporal changes in depth-force relationship during CPR?

Abstract Introduction A strong non-linear relationship exists between chest compression (CC) force and depth during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest events. A decrease in the depth-force (DF) relationship over time and cumulative number of CC has been described for both human and animal subjects. The effect of patient demographics such as age and body mass index (BMI) in the DF relationship during CPR is not as widely explored. Purpose The aim of the present study was to analyse the temporal effect of patient demographics (i.e. age and BMI) in the DF relationship during the performance of CPR. Methods Data were collected from a first responder group based in Texas, USA. Responders were instructed to use a CPR depth feedback device (Laerdal CPRmeter) and an automated external defibrillator (AED; HeartSine SAM 350P) when attending sudden cardiac arrest events. The AED was configured with a shock protocol separated by 2-minute episodes of CPR and rescuer CC depth and rate were guided by the CPR depth feedback device. Patient demographic data was captured at the cardiac arrest scene. CC depth and force data were extracted from Laerdal CPRmeter and processed for 171 patient events. The depth-force ratio (DFR) was calculated as mean depth local maxima divided by mean force local maxima (mm/kgf). Data processing and statistical analyses were performed with R version 3.7.3. Patient age was available for 169 events (median (IQR) = 63 (53–76) years). Age was categorised in two groups: 18–64 (n=87) and 65+ years (n=82). Patient BMI was estimated for 149 patients (median (IQR) = 25.84 (22.58–31.05) kg/m2). BMI was categorised as: Underweight (gUW, BMI &amp;lt;18.5, n=13), Normal (gN, 18.5 ≤ BMI &amp;lt;25, n=54), Overweight (gOW, 25 ≤ BMI &amp;lt;30, n=37) and Obese (gOB, BMI ≥30, n=45). Results No statistically significant differences in mean event duration were found in the age groups (t-test, p=0.368) or the BMI groups (ANOVA, p=0.309). A multiple linear regression model was applied to the data to assess the effect of time and age or BMI on the DFR. At the beginning of the events, no statistically significant differences were found in DFR between age groups (p=0.092). Time had no effect on the change in DFR for 18–64 age group (p=0.110) but the rate of change between the 18–64 and 65+ age groups was significantly different (p&amp;lt;0.010). For BMI and using gN as reference, there were significant differences in DFR between all BMI groups except gUW at the beginning of the events. Time had a significant effect in DFR during events for gUW, gN and gOB (p&amp;lt;0.050), but no common trend in temporal change was identified. Conclusions Temporal changes in DFR appear to be significantly affected by patient age. Tailoring CC force or depth to patient demographics during CPR events may be required for some patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: Private company. Main funding source(s): HeartSine Technologies Ltd, Belfast, UK

Evaluation of comprehensiveness and reliability of electronic health records concerning resuscitation efforts within academic intensive care units: a retrospective chart analysis

BackgroundAccording to the literature, the validity and reliability of medical documentation concerning episodes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is suboptimal. However, little is known about documentation quality of CPR efforts during intensive care unit (ICU) stays in electronic patient data management systems (PDMS). This study analyses the reliability of CPR-related medical documentation within the ICU PDMS.MethodsIn a retrospective chart analysis, PDMS records of three ICUs of a single university hospital were searched over 5 y for CPR check marks. Respective datasets were analyzed concerning data completeness and data consistency by comparing the content of three documentation forms (physicians’ log, nurses’ log, and CPR incident form), as well as physiological and therapeutic information of individual cases, for missing data and plausibility of CPR starting time and duration. To compare data reliability and completeness, a quantitative measure, the Consentaneity Index (CI), is proposed.ResultsOne hundred sixty-five datasets were included into the study. In 9% (n = 15) of cases, there was neither information on the time points of CPR initiation nor on CPR duration available in any data source. Data on CPR starting time and duration were available from at least two data sources in individual cases in 54% (n = 90) and 45% (n = 74), respectively. In these cases, the specifications of CPR starting time did differ by a median ± interquartile range of 10.0 ± 18.5 min, CPR duration by 5.0 ± 17.3 min. The CI as a marker of data reliability revealed a low consistency of CPR documentation in most cases, with more favorable results, if the time interval between the CPR episode and the time of documentation was short.ConclusionsThis study reveals relevant proportions of missing and inconsistent data in electronic CPR documentation in the ICU setting. The CI is suggested as a tool for documentation quality analysis and monitoring of improvements.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Interfacility Transport: An International Report Using the Ground Air Medical Quality in Transport (GAMUT) Database.

Background With the regionalization of specialty care, there is an increasing need for interfacility transport from local to regional hospitals. There are very limited data on rates of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during medical transport and relationship between transport-specific factors, such as transport program type and need of CPR during transport of critically ill patients. We present the first, multicenter, international report of CPR during medical transport using the large Ground and Air Medical qUality Transport (GAMUT) database. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the GAMUT database from January 2014 to March 2017 for CPR during transport. We determined the overall CPR rate and CPR rates for adult, pediatric, and neonatal transport programs. The rate of CPR per total transports was expressed as percentage, and then, Spearman's rho nonparametric associations were determined between CPR and other quality metrics tracked in the GAMUT database. Examples include advanced airway presence, waveform capnography usage, average mobilization time from the start of referral until en route, 1st attempt intubation success rate, and DASH1A intubation success (definitive airway sans hypoxia/hypotension on 1st attempt). Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, and in the presence of overall significance, post hoc Bonferroni adjusted z tests were performed. Results There were 72 programs that had at least one CPR event during the study period. The overall CPR rate was 0.42% (777 CPR episodes/184,272 patient contacts) from 115 programs reporting transport volume and CPR events from the GAMUT database during the study period. Adult, pediatric, and neonatal transport programs (n = 57, 40 and 16, respectively) had significantly different CPR rates (P < 0.001) i.e., 0.68% (555/82,094), 0.18% (138/76,430), and 0.33% (73/21,823), respectively. Presence of an advanced airway and mobilization time was significantly associated with CPR episodes (P < 0.001) (Rs = +0.41 and Rs = −0.60, respectively). Other transport quality metrics such as waveform capnography, first attempt intubation, and DASH1A success rate were not significantly associated with CPR episodes. Conclusion The overall CPR rate during medical transport is 0.42%. Adult, pediatric, and neonatal program types have significantly different overall rates of CPR. Presence of advanced airway and mobilization time had an association with the rate of CPR during transport.

Abstract 481: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: The Effect of Fatigue on Professional Rescuers During Continuous Chest Compressions

Introduction: It is reported that quality of chest compressions (CC) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for both professional and non-professional rescuers often do not meet guideline requirements. Devices which provide feedback on the quality of CCs are designed to reduce the incidence of suboptimal compressions and promote the administration of effective CCs. Objective: This analysis investigates the effect of CPR duration on the performance of continuous CCs delivered by professional rescuers. Methods: Data were collected from a first responder group based in Texas, USA. Responders were instructed to use a CPR depth feedback device (Laerdal CPRmeter) and an automatic external defibrillator (AED; HeartSine SAM 350P) when attending sudden cardiac arrest events. The AED was configured with a shock protocol separated by 2-minute episodes of CPR and rescuer CC depth and rate were guided by the CPR depth feedback device. CC depth and rate data were processed for 174 patient events. Each CPR episode was divided into 4-analysis windows, 30-seconds in duration. Mean CC depth and rate data was calculated for each window. There were 1433 observations of CC depth and rate available for analysis across 414 CPR episodes. The data was fitted by a multiple linear regression model to assess the effect of CPR duration on CC performance. Results: The mean CC depth at the beginning of an event was 49.01 +/-0.51 mm. CC depth decreased by 0.82 mm, for each passing 30-second interval (p &lt; 0.001). The mean CC rate at the beginning of an event was 111.17 +/- 0.33 compression per minute (CPM). No significant difference was observed between CC rate and duration of continuous CCs (p = 0.896) however there was a significant increase in CC rate observed of 0.408 CPM for each elapsed 2-minute CPR episode (p = 0.011). Conclusion: A reduction in CC depth was observed within each CPR episode, which may be indicative of fatigue during continuous CCs. Although a reduction of 3.28 mm throughout a 2-minute period of CPR may be clinically insignificant, this effect was observed within a trained rescuer group with CPR feedback. Further research is required to assess the effect of fatigue in non-professional responders.

The effect of an International competitive leaderboard on self-motivated simulation-based CPR practice among healthcare professionals: A randomized control trial

BackgroundLittle is known about how best to motivate healthcare professionals to engage in frequent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) refresher skills practice. A competitive leaderboard for simulated CPR can encourage self-directed practice on a small scale. The study aimed to determine if a large-scale, multi-center leaderboard improved simulated CPR practice frequency and CPR performance among healthcare professionals. MethodsThis was a multi-national, randomized cross-over study among 17 sites using a competitive online leaderboard to improve simulated practice frequency and CPR performance. All sites placed a Laerdal® ResusciAnne or ResusciBaby QCPR manikin in 1 or more clinical units – emergency department, ICU, etc. – in easy reach for 8 months. These simulators provide visual feedback during 2-minute compressions-only CPR and a performance score. Sites were randomly assigned to the intervention for the first 4-months or the second 4-months. Following any CPR practice by a healthcare professional, participants uploaded scores and an optional ‘selfie’ photo to the leaderboard. During the intervention phase, the leaderboard displayed ranked scores and high scores earned digital badges. The leaderboard did not display control phase participants. Outcomes included CPR practice frequency and mean compression score, using non-parametric statistics for analyses. ResultsNine-hundred nineteen participants completed 1850 simulated CPR episodes. Exposure to the leaderboard yielded 1.94 episodes per person compared to 2.14 during the control phase (p = 0.99). Mean CPR performance participants did not differ between phases: 90.7 vs. 89.3 (p = 0.19). ConclusionA competitive leaderboard was not associated with an increase in self-directed simulated CPR practice or improved performance.

Abstract 120: Epidemiology and Outcomes of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Events in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Introduction: Limited data exists regarding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Objectives included determining the incidence, demographics, diagnoses, and outcomes of infants who require CPR across 10 NICUs in San Antonio, Texas. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of in-NICU CPR events requiring chest compressions for 1 minute from 2012 - 2017. Included NICUs provided the following levels of care: two level IV, two high acuity level III, four low acuity level III, and two level II. Case identification occurred by reviewing death summaries and CPR coding in the electronic medical record. Results: In total, 139 infants (81 or 58% male) required 211 episodes of CPR. CPR incidence per 1000 patient days was 0.68, 0.37, 0.02 and 0 among level IV, high acuity level III, low acuity level III, and level II NICUs, respectively. Median birth weight was 945 (IQR 630, 2243) grams, gestational age at birth 27 (IQR 24, 34) weeks and age at CPR 11 (IQR 1, 42) days. Only 27 events (13%) occurred in term infants. Ninety-three CPR events (44%) had a primary respiratory etiology, 38 (18%) circulatory, 36 (17%) infectious, and 24 (11%) metabolic. Term and preterm infants had significantly different CPR etiologies (p=0.036). Circulatory etiologies were more common in term infants (37% vs 15%) with respiratory etiologies being less common (33.3% vs 46.2%). The most common rhythm documented leading to initiation of CPR was bradycardia (63%), followed by asystole (19%), and pulseless electrical activity (14%). The median duration of CPR was 10 (IQR 4, 25.5) minutes and chest compressions 8 (IQR 3, 18) minutes. While 135 of 211 CPR events (64%) had ROSC, only 22 of 139 patients (16%) survived to hospital discharge. The rate of ROSC among Level IV NICUs was significantly higher than in high acuity level III NICUs (68.2% vs 51.9%, p = 0.034). Conclusions: NICU CPR events occur most commonly in premature infants and are respiratory in origin. Bradycardia is the most common initial rhythm requiring CPR in the NICU. The incidence of CPR and the rate of ROSC are higher in level IV than level III NICUs. Further investigation is needed into factors associated with ROSC for in-NICU CPR.

End-tidal carbon dioxide output in manual cardiopulmonary resuscitation versus active compression-decompression device during prehospital quality controlled resuscitation: a case series study

BackgroundActive compression–decompression (ACD) devices have enhanced end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) output in experimental cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) studies. However, the results in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients have shown inconsistent outcomes,...

Outcomes of In-Hospital Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Among Patients With Cancer.

To review all episodes where an emergency code was called in a cancer-specialized hospital in Pakistan and to assess survival to discharge among patients who received a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We reviewed demographic and clinical data related to all "code blue" calls over 3 years. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to test the association of clinical characteristics with the primary outcome of survival to discharge. A total of 646 code blue calls were included in the analysis. The CPR was performed in 388 (60%) of these calls. For every 20 episodes of CPR among patients with cancer of all ages, only 1 resulted in a patient's survival to discharge, even though in 52.2% episodes there was a return of spontaneous circulation. No association was found between the type of rhythm at initiation of CPR and likelihood of survival to discharge. The proportion of patients with advanced cancer surviving to discharge after in-hospital CPR in a low-income country was in line with the reported international experience. Most patients with cancer who received in-hospital CPR did not survive to discharge and did not appear to benefit from resuscitation. Advance directives by patients with cancer limiting aggressive interventions at end of life and proper documentation of these directives will help in provision of care that is humane and consonant with patients' wishes for a dignified death. Patients' early appreciation of the limited benefits of CPR in advanced cancer is likely to help them formulate such advance directives.

Trends in in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation and survival in adults receiving maintenance dialysis.

Understanding cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) practices and outcomes can help to support advance care planning in patients receiving maintenance dialysis. To characterize patterns and outcomes of in-hospital CPR in US adults receiving maintenance dialysis. This national retrospective cohort study studied 663,734 Medicare beneficiaries 18 years or older from a comprehensive national registry for end-stage renal disease who initiated maintenance dialysis from January 1, 2000, through December 31, 2010. Receipt of in-hospital CPR from 91 days after dialysis initiation through the time of death, first kidney transplantation, or end of follow-up on December 31, 2011. Incidence of CPR and survival after the first episode of CPR recorded in Medicare claims during follow-up. The annual incidence of CPR for the overall cohort was 1.4 events per 1000 in-hospital days (95% CI, 1.3-1.4). A total of 21.9% CPR recipients (95% CI, 21.4%-22.3%) survived to hospital discharge, with a median postdischarge survival of 5.0 months (interquartile range, 0.7-16.8 months). Among patients who died in the hospital, 14.9% (95% CI, 14.8%-15.1%) received CPR during their terminal admission. From 2000 to 2011, there was an increase in the incidence of CPR (1.0 events per 1000 in-hospital days; 95% CI, 0.9-1.1; to 1.6 events per 1000 in-hospital days; 95% CI, 1.6-1.7; P for trend <.001), the proportion of CPR recipients who survived to discharge (15.2%; 95% CI, 11.1%-20.5%; to 28%; 95% CI, 26.7%-29.4%; P for trend <.001), and the proportion of in-hospital deaths preceded by CPR (9.5%; 95% CI, 8.4%-10.8%; to 19.8%; 95% CI, 19.2%-20.4%; P for trend <.001), with no substantial change in duration of postdischarge survival. Among a national cohort of patients receiving maintenance dialysis, the incidence of CPR was higher and long-term survival worse than reported for other populations.

Abstract 115: Video Review and Time-Motion Analysis of the Causes of No-Flow Intervals as Recorded by Accelerometer During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Objectives: Accelerometer (Q-CPR) has been developed and promoted to monitor the quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Although the device registers the occurrence of no-flow intervals, it does not provide comprehensive information on the causes leading to these no-flow intervals. This study is aimed to analyze causes leading to CPR interruptions registered by Q-CPR by reviewing corresponding video recordings of the resuscitation sessions. Methods: Accelerometer recordings (Q-CPR, Philips) of 20 CPR episodes from December 2010 to April 2014 in a tertiary university ED were obtained. Frequency, timing, duration, and types of no-flow intervals, defined as no-flow duration &gt;= 1.5 seconds, were reviewed. Video recordings of the corresponding CPR sessions were reviewed. Causes leading no flow intervals registered by Q-CPR were categorized and analyzed. Results: The duration of CPR reviewed for the cases averaged 8.59 minutes (range 2.23 - 19.04 minutes). No-flow intervals (pauses &gt;= 1.5 seconds) occurred 122 times (averaged one interruption every 1.27 minutes of CPR) with an average no-flow intervals of 6.45 seconds (range 1.54 - 51.50 seconds). Through detail review of the video-recordings corresponding to the no-flow intervals registered by Q-CPR, the leading causes of no-flow intervals are associated with pulse checks for pulseless electric activity- PEA (19.5%), pre-shock pauses (13.9%), ultrasound exam (11.6%) and intubation (9.6%), as displayed in the following chart. Conclusion: Video recording and time-motion analysis provide detailed information on the causes leading to no-flow intervals registered by QCPR, and could complement information acquired by Q-CPR. Measures should be taken to address leading causes of CPR interruption, especially pulse checks for PEA and pre-shock pauses, to promote quality of CPR.

Multiple In-Hospital Resuscitation Efforts in the Elderly

The objective of this study was to determine the characteristics and survival rates of patients receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation more than once during a single hospitalization. We analyzed inpatient Medicare data from 1992 to 2005 identifying beneficiaries 65 years old and older who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation more than once during the same hospitalization. We examined patient and hospital characteristics, survival to hospital discharge, factors associated with survival to discharge, median survival, and discharge disposition. We analyzed data from 421,394 patients who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation during the study period. Four lakh thirteen thousand four hundred three patients received cardiopulmonary resuscitation once during a hospitalization and survival was 17.7% with median survival after discharge being 20.6 months. There were 7,991 patients who received cardiopulmonary resuscitation more than once during the same hospitalization; 8.8% survived the efforts, and median survival after leaving the hospital was 10.5 months. Patients who received more than one episode of cardiopulmonary resuscitation during a hospitalization were significantly less likely to go home after discharge. Greater age, black race, higher burden of chronic illness, and receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a larger or metropolitan hospital were associated with lower survival among patients receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation more than once. Undergoing multiple cardiopulmonary resuscitation events during a hospitalization is associated with substantially reduced short- and long-term survival compared with patients who undergo cardiopulmonary resuscitation once. This information may be useful to clinicians when discussing end-of-life care with patients and families of patients who have experienced return of spontaneous circulation following in-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation but remain at risk for recurrent cardiac arrest.

Efficience of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Emergency Medical Service and University Hospital

Summary Introduction.Survival rate among patients with cardiac arrest remains unclear. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is just the first step toward the goal of complete recovery from cardiac arrest. It depends on quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) during resuscitation and factors of postresuscitation care. Regular CPR analysis has not been carried out in Latvia. Aim of the study was to evaluate survival rate among patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and in-hospital cardiac arrest. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in the State Emergency service of Latvia and Pauls Stradins Clinical University Hospital during 15 months in 2010/2011. There were 221 adult patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest and 162 adult patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and performed CPR included in retrospective research. The information was analyzed by medical records. The obtained results were expressed in percents and compared, using the Pearson’s Chi-square (Pearson χ2) test. Results. The short-term ROSC was achieved among patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in 62 cases and among patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) in 186 cases. Survival to discharge was achieved in 20.3% among patients with OHCA and 15.8% among patients with IHCA. The most commonly used CPR algorithm was pulseless electrical activity/asystole (72 - 73%). Short-term ROSC was achieved most frequently by ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia (41.3-56%), but the largest number of unsuccessful CPR episodes was observed by pulseless electrical activity/ asystole. Conclusion. Results of CPR were different among patients with OHCA and IHCA. ROSC is rhythm-specific outcome.

Characterization of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Pediatric Cardiac Arrest in the United States: Analysis of the Kids’ Inpatient Database

To characterize the overall use, cost, and outcomes of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as an adjunct to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) among hospitalized infants and children in the United States, retrospective analysis of the 2000, 2003, and 2006 Kids' Inpatient Database (KID) was performed. All CPR episodes were identified; E-CPR was defined as ECMO used on the same day as CPR. Channeling bias was decreased by developing propensity scores representing the likelihood of requiring E-CPR. Univariable, multivariable, and propensity-matched analyses were performed to characterize the influence of E-CPR on survival. There were 8.6 million pediatric hospitalizations and 9,000 CPR events identified in the database. ECMO was used in 82 (0.9 %) of the CPR events. Median hospital charges for E-CPR survivors were $310,824 [interquartile range (IQR) 263,344-477,239] compared with $147,817 (IQR 62,943-317,553) for propensity-matched conventional CPR (C-CPR) survivors. Median LOS for E-CPR survivors (31 days) was considerably greater than that of propensity-matched C-CPR survivors (18 days). Unadjusted E-CPR mortality was higher relative to C-CPR (65.9 vs. 50.9 %; OR 1.9, 95 % confidence interval 1.2-2.9). Neither multivariable analysis nor propensity-matched analysis identified a significant difference in survival between groups. E-CPR is infrequently used for pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest. Median LOS and charges are considerably greater for E-CPR survivors with C-CPR survivors. In this retrospective administrative database analysis, E-CPR did not significantly influence survival. Further study is needed to improve outcomes and to identify patients most likely to benefit from this resource-intensive therapy.

Abstract 204: Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Supported Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Is Not Associated with Increased Survival Compared to Conventional Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Pediatric In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in the United States

INTRODUCTION: Survival after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in children remains poor. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) during or shortly after CPR (E-CPR) has been advocated as a strategy to improve outcomes. However, previous studies have been limited by lack of a conventional CPR (C-CPR) control group. HYPOTHESIS: E-CPR is associated with improved survival to hospital discharge compared with C-CPR. METHODS: Retrospective review of the 2000, 2003, and 2006 Kids' Inpatient Database, a large nationally representative database of pediatric hospital admissions, was performed. All episodes of CPR were identified; E-CPR was defined as the use of ECMO on the same day as CPR. Propensity scores were constructed reflecting the likelihood of E-CPR with arrest. Univariate, multivariable, and propensity matched analyses were performed to assess the influence of E-CPR on survival. RESULTS: Out of 8.6 million pediatric hospitalizations, 9,000 CPR events were identified, of which 82 were E-CPR (0.9%). Factors associated with E-CPR use included age &gt; 1 year, congenital heart disease, myocarditis, and hospitalization in a children's hospital (p&lt;0.001 for all). E-CPR was associated with higher hospital charges (median $187,661, interquartile range (IQR) $107,865 - $311,196) compared to C-CPR (median $23,157, IQR $5,875 - $92,004) (p&lt;0.001). Overall, hospital mortality was significantly higher with E-CPR (65.9%) compared to C-CPR (50.9%) (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2 - 2.9). Other factors associated with increased mortality after CPR included age &gt; 1 year, sepsis, congenital heart disease, and acute renal failure (p&lt;0.001 for all). Multivariable analysis controlling for age, hospital type, and comorbid conditions revealed no survival difference between E-CPR and C-CPR (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.6-1.5). Propensity matched analysis also demonstrated similar survival between E-CPR and C-CPR (OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.4-1.2). CONCLUSIONS: E-CPR is rarely utilized for pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest in the US. E-CPR was not associated with improved survival compared to C-CPR. However, E-CPR was associated with an 8 fold increase in hospital charges. Further study is needed to identify patients most likely to benefit from this resource-intensive therapy.

Traumatic mitral valve rupture

A previously healthy 42-year-old man was admitted to our emergency department after a horse had kicked him in his left chest 2 h earlier. At the trauma scene he was conscious but confused and dyspnoeic. A left thoracostomy was performed and he was transferred to our hospital. Upon arrival, he was awake with a heart rate of 120 beats/min, palpable peripheral pulses, normal breath sounds, and bruises across his lower sternum and left ribcage. Shortly after arrival, he became restless with increasing shortness of breath. The systolic blood pressure decreased to 70 mmHg and his heart rate increased to 140 beats/min, while peripheral pulse oximetry indicated significant oxyhaemoglobin desaturation. An endotracheal intubation was performed and the patient developed massive frothy lung oedema fluid. Chest radiography was interpreted as bilateral lung contusion (Fig. 1) and his electrocardiogram showed sinus rhythm, 75 beats/min, with STT depression in inferolateral leads (Fig. 2). Due to progressive hypoxia, mechanical ventilator pressures were increased. His haemodynamic state further deteriorated into pulseless electrical activity requiring high-dose inotropes and two episodes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed but was complicated because of difficulties in obtaining accurate windows and because of the nervous tension in the emergency department resuscitation room. Finally pericardial tamponade was excluded and no other abnormalities were observed, but colour Doppler was not used. The patient was transferred to the ICU with the diagnoses of bilateral lung contusion and possible myocardial contusion. Because of further respiratory deterioration he was placed in a prone position and a transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed. This time, a massive mitral insufficiency was observed due to a complete avulsion of the anterolateral papillary muscle (Figs. 3 and 4). Mitral valve replacement was readily carried out. Because of massive pulmonary congestion the patient failed to wean from cardiopulmonary bypass and veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was instituted until haemodynamic stabilisation at day 4. Unfortunately, there was no neurological recovery after cessation of sedation and a brain CT scan revealed massive bilateral ischaemic stroke. After excluding other causes for his neurological state, further therapy was withheld and the patient died.

Design of near-optimal waveforms for chest and abdominal compression and decompression in CPR using computer-simulated evolution

To discover design principles underlying the optimal waveforms for external chest and abdominal compression and decompression during cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). A 14-compartment mathematical model of the human cardiopulmonary system is used to test successive generations of randomly mutated external compression waveforms during cardiac arrest and resuscitation. Mutated waveforms that produced superior mean perfusion pressure became parents for the next generation. Selection was based upon either systemic perfusion pressure (SPP = thoracic aortic minus right atrial pressure) or upon coronary perfusion pressure (CPP = thoracic aortic pressure minus myocardial wall pressure). After simulations of 64,414 individual CPR episodes, 40 highly evolved waveforms were characterized in terms of frequency, duty cycle, and phase. A simple, practical compression technique was then designed by combining evolved features with a constant rate of 80 min(-1) and duty cycle of 50%. All ultimate surviving waveforms included reciprocal compression and decompression of the chest and the abdomen to the maximum allowable extent. The evolved waveforms produced 1.5-3 times the mean perfusion pressure of standard CPR and greater perfusion pressure than other forms of modified CPR reported heretofore, including active compression-decompression (ACD)+ITV and interposed abdominal compression (IAC)-CPR. When SPP was maximized by evolution, the chest compression/abdominal decompression phase was near 70% of cycle time. When CPP was maximized, the abdominal compression/chest decompression phase was near 30% of cycle time. Near-maximal SPP/CPP of 60/21 mmHg (forward flow 3.8 L/min) occurred at a compromise compression frequency of 80 min(-1) and duty cycle for chest compression of 50%. Optimized waveforms for thoraco-abdominal compression and decompression include previously discovered features of active decompression and interposed abdominal compression. These waveforms can be used by manual (Lifestick-like) and mechanical (vest-like) devices to achieve short periods of near normal blood perfusion non-invasively during cardiac arrest.

Outcome and cost implications of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the medical intensive care unit of a comprehensive cancer center.

Intensive care unit (ICU) resources are frequently utilized in the supportive care of hospitalized patients with cancer. Patients with cancer reportedly have poor outcomes from cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and patient care costs of CPR applied to patients already receiving life support in an ICU. The medical records of patients who developed cardiac arrest and underwent CPR in the ICU of a comprehensive cancer center between 1993 and 2000 were reviewed. ICU charges after the first episode of CPR were analyzed. There were 5,196 admissions to the ICU during this time; 406 (8%) of the patients underwent CPR; 67% had hematologic malignancies or had undergone hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: 256 patients (63%) died at the time of the arrest, and in 150 (37%) spontaneous circulation was restored. There were 104 patients (26%) who survived more than 24 hours but ultimately died during their hospitalization; their mean time to death was 4.3 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.9-5.6), and mean ICU charges were $45,877 (95% CI $24,802-$66,952). Seven patients (2%) survived to be discharged. Patients who survived after CPR and were discharged from the hospital were those who had acute ventricular dysrhythmias and were resuscitated promptly. The application of CPR to cancer patients receiving life support is costly and typically does not lead to long-term survival. Cancer patients requiring admission to an ICU should receive full supportive care short of resuscitation. Providing assurances that care will remain appropriate, aggressive, and in accordance with the patient's and family's wishes can optimize compassionate care while avoiding futile life-sustaining interventions.

Beneficial effects of vasopressin in prolonged pediatric cardiac arrest: a case series

Children who suffer cardiac arrest have a poor prognosis. Based on laboratory animal studies and clinical data in adults, vasopressin is an exciting new vasopressor treatment modality during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In particular, vasopressin has resulted in short term resuscitation benefits as a ‘rescue’ pressor agent in the setting of prolonged out-of-hospital CPR for ventricular fibrillation in adults. This retrospective series presents the first evidence for resuscitation benefit of bolus vasopressin therapy in the specific setting of pediatric cardiac arrest. All episodes of CPR initiated in a 120-bed tertiary care children's hospital over a three-year period (1997–2000) were reviewed. Four children in the pediatric ICU received vasopressin boluses as rescue therapy during six cardiac arrest events, following failure of conventional CPR, advanced life support, and epinephrine vasopressor therapy. Return of spontaneous circulation for greater than 60 min occurred in three of four patients (75%) and in four of six CPR events (66%) following vasopressin administration. Two of four vasopressin recipients survived >24 h; one survived to hospital discharge and one had withdrawal of supportive therapies following family discussion. Our observations are AHA level 5 (retrospective case series) evidence that vasopressin administration may be beneficial during prolonged pediatric cardiac arrest. Such reports should pave the way for prospective clinical trials comparing vasopressor medications in the setting of pediatric cardiac arrest.