Favorable Neurological Outcome Research Articles

Intraarrest transport, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and early invasive management in refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: an individual patient data pooled analysis of two randomised trials.

Refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) treated with standard advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) has poor outcomes. Transport to hospital followed by in-hospital extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) initiation may improve outcomes. We performed a pooled individual patient data analysis of two randomised controlled trials evaluating ECPR based approach in OHCA. The individual patient data from two published randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were pooled: ARREST (enrolled Aug 2019-June 2020; NCT03880565) and PRAGUE-OHCA (enrolled March 1, 2013-Oct 25, 2020; NCT01511666). Both trials enrolled patients with refractory OHCA and compared: intra-arrest transport with in-hospital ECPR initiation (invasive approach) versus continued standard ACLS. The primary outcome was 180-day survival with favourable neurological outcome (defined as Cerebral Performance Category 1-2). Secondary outcomes included: cumulative survival at 180 days, 30-day favourable neurological survival, and 30-day cardiac recovery. Risk of bias in each trial was assessed by two independent reviewers using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. Heterogeneity was assessed via Forest plots. The two RCTs included 286 patients. Of those randomised to the invasive (n=147) and standard (n=139) groups, respectively: the median age was 57 (IQR 47-65) and 58 years (IQR 48-66), and the median duration of resuscitation was 58 (IQR 43-69) and 49 (IQR 33-71) minutes (p=0.17). In a modified intention to treat analysis, 45 (32.4%) in the invasive and 29 (19.7%) patients in the standard arm survived to 180 days with a favourable neurological outcome [absolute difference (AD), 95% CI: 12.7%, 2.6-22.7%, p=0.015]. Forty-seven (33.8%) and 33 (22.4%) patients survived to 180 days [HR 0.59 (0.43-0.81); log rank test p=0.0009]. At 30 days, 44 (31.7%) and 24 (16.3%) patients had favourable neurological outcome (AD 15.4%, 5.6-25.1%, p=0.003), 60 (43.2%), and 46 (31.3%) patients had cardiac recovery (AD: 11.9%, 0.7-23%, p=0.05), in the invasive and standard arms, respectively. The effect was larger in patients presenting with shockable rhythms (AD 18.8%, 7.6-29.4; p=0.01; HR 2.26 [1.23-4.15]; p=0.009) and prolonged CPR (>45min; HR 3.99 (1.54-10.35); p=0.005). In patients with refractory OHCA, the invasive approach significantly improved 30- and 180-day neurologically favourable survival. None.

PO-05-008 NETWORK META-ANALYSIS OF THE COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF DOUBLE SEQUENTIAL EXTERNAL, VECTOR-CHANGE, AND STANDARD DEFIBRILLATION FOR REFRACTORY VENTRICULAR FIBRILLATION OUT-OF-HOSPITAL CARDIAC ARREST

Double sequential external defibrillation (DSED; rapid successive shocks from two defibrillators) and vector-change defibrillation (VCD; relocating defibrillation pads anteriorly-posteriorly) have been suggested to enhance clinical outcomes for patients with ventricular fibrillation (VF) refractory of standard defibrillation (SD). This systematic review and network meta-analysis aims to evaluate the comparative efficacy of DSED, VCD, and SD for refractory VF. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis synthesizing randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative observational studies, which were retrieved by systematically searching: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SCOPUS, and Cochrane through November 15th, 2022. R software netmeta and netrank package (R version 4.2.0) and meta-insight software were used to pool dichotomous outcomes using odds ratio (OR) presented with the corresponding confidence interval (CI). Our protocol was prospectively published in PROSPERO with ID: CRD42022378533. Five retrospective cohorts, one RCT, one pilot RCT, and one case-control study with a total of 1,784 patients were included in our analysis. A total of 439 patients (24.6%) received DSED, 205 patients (11.5%) received VCD, and 1140 patients (n= 63.9%) received SD. In the network meta-analysis, DSED was similar to SD in survival to hospital discharge (OR: 1.14 with 95% CI [0.55, 2.83]), favorable neurological outcome (defined as modified Rankin scale (mRS) or cerebral performance category (CPC) ≤2) (OR: 1.35 with 95% CI [0.46, 3.99]), return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (OR: 0.90 with 95% CI [0.53;1.54]), and VF termination (OR: 1.59 with 95% CI [0.92, 2.75]). Also, VCD was similar to SD in survival to hospital discharge (OR: 1.12 with 95% CI [0.27, 4.57]), favorable neurological outcome (OR: 1.01 with 95% CI [0.18, 5.75]), ROSC (OR: 1.06 with 95% CI [0.44, 2.55]), and VF termination (OR: 1.78 with 95% CI [0.95, 3.3]). In the pairwise meta-analysis, there was no difference between DSED and SD in survival to hospital admission (OR: 1.12 with 95% CI [0.58, 2.16]). There was no difference between the use of DSED and VCD compared to SD in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest secondary to refractory VF. However, the current evidence is still not conclusive, warranting further large-scale RCTs.

Differences in Automated External Defibrillator Types in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Treated by Police First Responders

Background: Police first responder systems also including automated external defibrillation (AED) has in the past shown considerable impact on favourable outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). While short hands-off times in chest compressions are known to be beneficial, various AED models use different algorithms, inducing longer or shorter durations of crucial timeframes along basic life support (BLS). Yet, data on details of these differences, and also of their potential impact on clinical outcomes are scarce. Methods: For this retrospective observational study, patients with OHCA of presumed cardiac origin and initially shockable rhythm treated by police first responders in Vienna, Austria, between 01/2013 and 12/2021 were included. Data from the Viennese Cardiac Arrest Registry and AED files were extracted, and exact timeframes were analyzed. Results: There were no significant differences in the 350 eligible cases in demographics, return of spontaneous circulation, 30-day survival, or favourable neurological outcome between the used AED types. However, the Philips HS1 and -FrX AEDs showed immediate rhythm analysis after electrode placement (0 [0-1] s) and almost no shock loading time (0 [0-1] s), as opposed to the LP CR Plus (3 [0-4] and 6 [6-6] s, respectively) and LP 1000 (3 [2-10] and 6 [5-7] s, respectively). On the other hand, the HS1 and -FrX had longer analysis times of 12 [12-16] and 12 [11-18] s than the LP CR Plus (5 [5-6] s) and LP 1000 (6 [5-8] s). The duration from when the AED was turned on until the first defibrillation were 45 [28-61] s (Philips FrX), 59 [28-81] s (LP 1000), 59 [50-97] s (HS1), and 69 [55-85] s (LP CR Plus). Conclusion: In a retrospective analysis of OHCA-cases treated by police first responders, we could not find significant differences in clinical patient outcomes concerning the respective used AED model. However, various differences in time durations (e.g., electrode placement to rhythm analysis, analysis duration, or AED turned on until first defibrillation) along the BLS algorithm were seen. This opens up the question of AED-adaptations and tailored training methods for professional first responders.

The correlation between intracranial arterial calcification and the outcome of reperfusion therapy.

Intracranial arterial calcification (IAC) is a risk factor of ischemic stroke. However, the relationship between IAC patterns and clinical outcome of ischemic stroke remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the correlation between IAC patterns and the effects of reperfusion therapy among acute stroke patients. Consecutive acute ischemic stroke patients who underwent reperfusion therapy were included. IAC was categorized as intimal or medial. Based on its involvement, IAC was further classified as diffuse or focal. Neurologic dysfunction was assessed by the National Institute of Health stroke scale (NIHSS). Clinical outcome including favorable neurologic outcome (FNO) and early neurologic deterioration (END) were assessed. Of 130 patients, 117 had IAC. Intimal IAC was identified in 74.6% of patients and medial IAC was present in 64.6% of patients. Diffuse IAC was present in 31.5% of patients. All diffuse IACs were medial pattern. Diffuse IAC was associated with higher baseline NIHSS (p = 0.011) and less FNO (p = 0.047). Compared with patients with focal or single diffuse IAC, patients with multiple diffuse IAC had higher baseline NIHSS (p = 0.002) and less FNO (p = 0.024). Multivariable linear regression (p < 0.001) and logistic regression (p = 0.027) suggested that multiple diffuse IAC was associated with higher baseline NIHSS and less FNO. No significant association was found between END and different IAC patterns. Multiple diffuse medial IAC may predict severer neurologic dysfunction and less favorable neurologic outcome after reperfusion therapy in acute stroke patients.

A resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging study of altered functional brain activity in cardiac arrest survivors with good neurological outcome.

To investigate the spontaneous brain activity alterations in survivors of cardiac arrest (CA) with good neurological outcome using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) with amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo) methods. Thirteen CA survivors with favorable neurological outcomes and 13 healthy controls (HCs) were recruited and underwent rs-fMRI scans. The ALFF and ReHo methods were applied to assess the regional intensity and synchronization of spontaneous brain activity. Correlation analyses were performed to explore the relationships between the mean ALFF and ReHo values in significant clusters and clinical parameters. The survivors of CA showed significantly decreased ALFF values in the left postcentral gyrus and precentral gyrus and increased ALFF values in the left hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus than HCs. Significantly decreased ReHo values were observed in the left inferior occipital gyrus and middle occipital gyrus in the patients. Mean ALFF values in the left hippocampus and parahippocampal gyrus were positively correlated with the time to return of spontaneous circulation (r = 0.794, p = 0.006) in the patient group. Functional activity alterations in the brain areas corresponding to known cognitive and physical impairments were observed in CA survivors with preserved neurological function. Our results could advance the understanding of the neurological mechanisms underlying the residual deficits in those patients.

Comparison the efficacy of amiodarone and lidocaine for cardiac arrest: A network meta-analysis.

There is no evidence that antiarrhythmic drugs can improve long-term survival or survival with favorable neurological outcomes in cardiac arrest patients. We did this network meta-analysis to comprehensively compare the efficacy of various antiarrhythmic drugs for cardiac arrest patients. We searched studies from inception until Nov 11, 2022 through PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, and Wanfang database. All studies comparing different antiarrhythmic drugs for cardiac arrest were included in this meta-analysis. Outcomes were survival to hospital discharge in cardiac arrest, survival to hospital admission/24 h and favorable neurological outcome. This network meta-analysis was performed by R software. Finally, a total of 9 studies (10,980 patients) were finally included in this network meta-analysis. Amiodarone (odd ratio [OR] 2.28, 95% credibility interval [CrI] 1.61-3.27) and lidocaine (OR 1.53, 95% CrI 1.05-2.25) was superior than placebo in terms of the survival to hospital admission/24 h with statistically significant. Amiodarone (OR 2.19, 95% CrI 1.54-3.14) and lidocaine (OR 1.58, 95% CrI 1.09-2.32) was superior than placebo in terms of the survival to hospital discharge with statistically significant. Amiodarone (OR 2.43, 95% CrI 1.61-3.68) and lidocaine (OR 1.62, 95% CrI 1.04-2.53) was superior than placebo in terms of the favorable neurological outcome with statistically significant. The surface under the cumulative ranking (SUCRA) shows that amiodarone ranked first (SUCRA, 99.6%), lidocaine ranked second (SUCRA, 49.6%), placebo ranked the last (SUCRA, 0.86%). Inverted funnel plot is essentially symmetrical, it is possible that this study has a small sample effect or a small publication bias. Amiodarone had the best effect on both survival to hospital admission, discharge and more favorable neurological outcome. Thus, amiodarone should be listed as first line drug for cardiac arrest. However, the quality of available evidence limits the formation of powerful conclusions regarding the comparative efficacy or safety of amiodarone or lidocaine used to treat cardiac arrest. Higher-quality randomized controlled trials are required for further research in future.

Early versus deferred coronary angiography following cardiac arrest. A systematic review and meta-analysis

AimThe role of early coronary angiography (CAG) in the evaluation of patients presenting with out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and no ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STE) pattern on electrocardiogram (ECG) has been subject to considerable debate. We sought to assess the impact of early versus deferred CAG on mortality and neurological outcomes in patients with OHCA and no STE. MethodsOVID MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cochrane Library Register were searched according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines from inception until July 18, 2022. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of patients with OHCA without STE that compared early CAG with deferred CAG were included. The primary endpoint was 30-day mortality. Secondary endpoints included mortality at discharge or 30-days, favourable neurology at 30-days, major bleeding, renal failure and recurrent cardiac arrest. ResultsOf the 7,998 citations, 5 RCTs randomizing 1524 patients were included. Meta-analysis showed no difference in 30-day mortality with early versus deferred CAG (OR 1.17, CI 0.91 – 1.49, I2 = 27%). There was no difference in favourable neurological outcome at 30 days (OR 0.88, CI 0.52 – 1.49, I2 = 63%), major bleeding (OR 0.94, CI 0.33 – 2.68, I2 = 39%), renal failure (OR 1.14, CI 0.77 – 1.69, I2 = 0%), and recurrent cardiac arrest (OR 1.39, CI 0.79 – 2.43, I2 = 0%). ConclusionsEarly CAG was not associated with improved survival and neurological outcomes among patients with OHCA without STE. This meta-analysis does not support routinely performing early CAG in this select patient cohort.

The Effect of Time to Treatment With Antiarrhythmic Drugs on Survival and Neurological Outcomes in Shock Refractory Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest.

Examining the association of time to treatment (drug or placebo) with survival to hospital discharge and neurologic outcome. Post hoc analysis of the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium Amiodarone, Lidocaine, Placebo randomized controlled trial. Emergency medical services enrolled patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) at multiple North American sites. Adults with nontraumatic OHCA and an initial rhythm of ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia refractory to at least one defibrillation attempt were included. None. We used logistic regression to examine the association of time to treatment with survival to hospital discharge and favorable neurologic status at discharge (modified Rankin Scale ≤ 3) for the three treatment groups including an interaction term between treatment and time to treatment to determine the effect of time on treatment effects. Time to treatment data were available for 2,994 out of 3,026 patients (99%). The proportion of patients who survived to hospital discharge decreased as time to drug administration increased, in amiodarone (odds ratio [OR], 0.91; 95% CI, 0.90-0.93 per min), lidocaine (OR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.91-0.96), and placebo (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.90-0.93). Comparing amiodarone to placebo, there was improved survival at all times of drug administration (OR, 1.32; 95% CI, 1.05-1.65). Comparing lidocaine to placebo, survival was not different with shorter times to drug administration (< 11 min), whereas survival was higher with lidocaine at longer times to drug administration with an interaction between treatment effect and time to treatment (p = 0.048). Survival with good neurologic outcome showed similar results for all analyses. Survival and favorable neurologic outcomes decreased with longer times to drug administration. Amiodarone improved survival at all time points whereas lidocaine improved survival only at later time points, compared with placebo.

Therapeutic Hypothermia Following Cardiopulmonary Arrest: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis with Trial Sequential Analysis.

The risk-benefit profile of therapeutic hypothermia is controversial with several randomized controlled trials providing conflicting results. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine if therapeutic hypothermia provides beneficial neurologic outcomes relative to adverse effects. MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of post-cardiac arrest patients comparing therapeutic hypothermia (~33 degrees Celsius) to normothermia or the standard of care (36 - 38 degrees Celsius). Data were collected using the Covidence systematic review software. Statistical analysis was performed by Review Manager software. Risk of bias, sensitivity, and heterogeneity were analyzed using the Cochran's Collaboration tool, trial sequential analysis (TSA) software, and I2 statistic respectively. A total of 1825 studies were screened and 5 studies (n=3614) were included. No significant differences existed between the hypothermia group and normothermia for favorable neurologic outcome (risk ratio [RR] 1.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97 to 1.41) or all-cause mortality (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.05). When compared to normothermia, the hypothermia group had greater risk of adverse effects (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.28), which was driven by the onset of arrhythmias. Subgroup analyses revealed that therapeutic hypothermia provided greater neurologic benefit in trials with a higher percentage of subjects with shockable rhythms (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.6 to 0.88). Trial sequential analysis revealed statistical futility for therapeutic hypothermia and favorable neurologic outcome, mortality, and adverse effects. Therapeutic hypothermia does not provide consistent benefit in neurologic outcome or mortality in the general cardiac arrest population. Patients with shockable rhythms may show favorable neurologic outcome with therapeutic hypothermia and further investigation in this population is warranted. Any potential benefit associated with therapeutic hypothermia must be weighed against the increased risk of adverse effects, particularly the onset of arrhythmias.

Association between prehospital advanced life support by emergency medical services personnel and neurological outcomes among adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A secondary analysis of the SAVE-J II study.

Early deployment of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is critical in treating refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients who are potential candidates for ECPR. The effect of prehospital advanced life support (ALS), including epinephrine administration or advanced airway, compared with no ALS in this setting remains unclear. This study's objective was to determine the association between any prehospital ALS care and outcomes of patients who received ECPR with emergency medical services-treated OHCA. This was a secondary analysis of data from the Study of Advanced Cardiac Life Support for Ventricular Fibrillation with Extracorporeal Circulation in Japan (SAVE-J) II study. Patients were separated into 2 groups-those who received prehospital ALS (ALS group) and those did not receive prehospital ALS (no ALS group). Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between prehospital ALS and favorable neurological outcomes (defined as Cerebral Performance Category scores 1-2) at hospital discharge. A total of 1289 patients were included, with 644 patients in the ALS group and 645 patients in the no ALS group. There were fewer favorable neurological outcomes at hospital discharge in the ALS group compared with the no ALS group (10.4vs 19.8%, p<0.001). A multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that any prehospital ALS care (adjusted odds ratios 0.47; 95% confidence interval 0.34-0.66; p<0.001) was associated with unfavorable neurological outcomes at hospital discharge. Prehospital ALS was associated with worse neurological outcomes at hospital discharge in patients treated with ECPR for OHCA. Further prospective studies are required to determine the clinical implications of these findings.

348 Risk of Rupture and Treatment Outcomes of Giant Pediatric Aneurysms: Multi-Institutional Case Series and Meta-Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION: Giant pediatric aneurysms are vascular malformations that can cause significant neurologic morbidity and mortality. Their rarity has precluded large cohort studies to inform their management. METHODS: Multi-institutional cohort study of cases from Boston Children’s Hospital (BCH) and the Barrow Neurologic Institute (BNI) along with systematic review and meta-analysis of previously reported cases. RESULTS: A total of 15 patients were included in the multi-institutional cohort, and an additional 88 patients were included from 14 series to yield 103 patients within the meta-analysis. Amongst the BCH patients, male sex was associated with giant size (OR .2; 95% CI 1.2-162.0).The most common aneurysm locations were in the MCA (38%), ICA (25%), vertebral artery (VA; 11%), and VBJ (8%). Within 69 reports containing radiographic data within the meta-analysis, 38% of aneurysms were saccular. Twenty-eight cases presented with rupture (28%). 0% of cavernous ICA aneurysms, 26% of other anterior circulation aneurysms, and 44% of posterior circulation aneurysms presented with rupture. Increasing age (OR 1.2; 95% CI 1.0-1.4) and saccular morphology (OR 5.3, 95% CI 1.5-18.9) were associated with presentation with rupture, while posterior location trended towards an association (OR 3.1, 95% CI 0.9-11.0). The majority of cases in the systematic review were treated (97%) rather than observed (3%). Endovascular and open treatments were utilized in 40 and 56% of cases. Survival was 97% for unruptured aneurysms and 82% for ruptured aneurysms. A favorable neurologic outcome occurred in 80% of unruptured cases and 54% of ruptured cases. Unruptured presentation (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.3-11.1) and endovascular treatment modality were associated with a favorable outcome (OR 5.0; 95% CI 1.6-15.8). CONCLUSIONS: Giant pediatric aneurysms are unlikely to be discovered incidentally and often merit treatment. Increasing age and saccular morphology are r predict rupture, and should elevate the concern for semi-urgent treatment.

Are serial neuron-specific enolase levels associated with neurologic outcome of ECPR patients: A retrospective multicenter observational study

Aim of the studyThis study aims to evaluate whether neuron-specific enolase (NSE) level at 48 h after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is associated with neurologic outcomes at 6 months after hospital discharge. MethodsThis was a retrospective, multicenter, observational study of adult patients who received ECPR between May 2010 and December 2016. In the two hospitals involved in this study, NSE measurements were a routine part of the protocol for patients who received ECPR. Serial NSE levels were measured in all patients with ECPR. NSE levels were measured 24, 48, and 72 h after ECPR. The primary outcome was Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale at 6 months after hospital discharge according to NSE levels at 48 h after ECPR. ResultsAt follow-up 6 months after hospital discharge, favorable neurologic outcomes of CPC 1 or 2 were observed in 9 (36.0%) of the 25 patients, and poor neurologic outcomes of CPC 3, 4, or 5 were observed in 16 (64%) patients. NSE levels at 24 h in the favorable and poor neurologic outcome groups were 58.3 (52.5–73.2) μg/L and 64.2 (37.9–89.8) μg/L, respectively (p = 0.95). NSE levels at 48 h in the favorable and poor neurologic outcome groups were 52.1 (22.3–64.9) μg/L and 302.0 (62.8–360.2) μg/L, respectively (p = 0.01). NSE levels at 72 h were 37.2 (12.5–53.2) μg/L and 240.9 (75.3–370.0) μg/L, respectively (p < 0.01). In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, as the predictor of poor outcome, the optimal cut-off value for NSE level at 48 h was 140.5 μg/L, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.844 (p < 0.01). The optimal cut-off NSE level at 72 h was 53.2 μg/L, and the AUC was 0.897 (p < 0.01). ConclusionsNSE level at 72 h displayed the highest association with neurologic outcome after ECPR, and NSE level at 48 h was also associated with neurologic outcome after ECPR.

Dural sinus thrombosis: pre- and postnatal MRI observation

Highlights. The clinical case report describes the important role of MRI in the perinatal diagnosis of dural sinus thrombosis, timely verification of the diagnosis, differential diagnosis with other vascular and tumor formations of the brain.Abstract. Dural sinus thrombosis (DST) is a rare congenital anomaly. Ultrasound findings usually mimic intracranial tumors. As a result, the condition is often misdiagnosed and its frequency in general population is underestimated. According to literature data, the progression of DST is a favorable prognosis in case of absence of other concomitant pathologies of the fetal brain. We present a case of DST that was detected with ultrasound, and verified by numerous pre and postnatal MRI starting from 22 weeks of gestation till 4 years of life. A case with a favorable neurological outcome, postnatal ventriculosubgaleal shunting, and ventriculoperitoneal shunting was followed with MRI and CT before and after interventions. The aspects of differential diagnosis, factors determining prognosis are presented. The presented case demonstrates a significant role of fetal MRI in DST diagnosis, depiction of the internal structure of the expanded sinus, and exclusion of concomitant pathology of the brain. These MRI data are integral in determining the appropriate perinatal management, and can be used as predictors of the favorable neurological outcome despite of the severity and size of prenatally diagnosed DSТ.

Effectiveness of Basic Life-Support Programme and Public Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Training Event Among Medical Students: A Pilot Quasi-Experimental Study

Immediate resuscitation is crucial for the survival of a patient with cardiac arrest. Research has suggested that self-led bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is significantly associated with favourable neurological outcomes for patients. Furthermore, medical students play an important role in providing public CPR training to the community. This study aims to evaluate the effects of a CPR training programmes and a public training event on the knowledge, attitudes, and perceived competency towards CPR among medical students. The quasi-experimental study was conducted among the medical students in clinical years studying at a private medical institution in Malaysia. The intervention group received CPR training for two sessions and participated as trainers in a community-training event; the control group was excluded from these activities. A total of 106 students (intervention group, n = 51; control group, n = 55) participated in this study. The total knowledge score (5.24 ± 1.67 vs 3.75 ± 1.22, P &lt; 0.001), attitude score (22.38 ± 3.67 vs 20.82 ± 2.33, P = 0.011), and perceived competencies to perform CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) (7.22 ± 2.33 vs 4.93 ± 2.40, P &lt; 0.001) were significantly higher among the participants in the intervention group compared to those in the control group after the intervention. Meanwhile, concerns regarding initiating CPR was significantly higher in the intervention group compared to the control group (12.44 ± 5.15 vs 9.55 ± 3.96, P = 0.002). The results suggested that CPR training is beneficial for students and should be organised regularly. In addition to providing physical skills training, such sessions should explain legal implications of initiating CPR and should encourage and assure students to do so in case of an emergency.

Validation of a Clinical Tool to Predict Neurological Outcomes in Critically Ill Children-A Prospective Observational Study.

To evaluate the performance of the empiric tool by Gupta et al. in predicting neurological outcomes in children admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and to evaluate the association of biomarkers S100B and NSE with neurological outcomes. This prospective observational study was conducted in 163 critically ill children aged 2 mo to 17 y admitted to the PICU from June 2020 to July 2021. The authors used the prediction tool developed by Gupta et al.; the tool was applied at admission and at PICU discharge/death. Samples for NSE and S100B were collected at admission and discharge. The performance of the new tool was assessed through discrimination and calibration. Risk factors for "unfavorable outcomes" (decline in PCPC score by > 1) were evaluated by multivariate analysis. The PICU mortality was 28% (n = 45). When the tool developed by Gupta et al. was used at the time of admission, favorable neurological outcomes were predicted for 69% (112) children. The area under the curve for the new tool at admission was 0.72 and at discharge/death it was 0.99, and the calibration was excellent at both time points. Independent factors associated with unfavorable neurological outcomes were higher PCPC scores and organ failure. As the number of samples processed for NSE and S100B was less, statistical analysis was not attempted. The new tool by Gupta et al. has good discrimination, calibration, sensitivity, and specificity and can be used as a prediction tool. NSE and S100B are promising biomarkers and need further evaluation.

Dorsal column mapping in resection of intramedullary spinal cord tumors: a prospective comparison of two methods and neurological follow-up

PurposeIn surgery for intramedullary spinal cord tumors (imSCT), distortion of the anatomy challenges the visual identification of dorsal columns (DC) for midline myelotomy. Dorsal column mapping (DCM) and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) can identify DC neurophysiologically. We compare application and feasibility of both methods.MethodsPatients with surgically treated imSCT were prospectively included between 04/2017 and 06/2019. The anatomical midline (AM) was marked. SSEPs at the DC after stimulation of tibial/median nerve with an 8-channel DCM electrode and cortical SSEP phase reversal at C3/C4 after SCS using a bipolar concentric probe were recorded. Procedural and technical aspects were compared. Standardized neurological examinations were performed preoperatively, 1 week postoperatively and after more than 12 months.ResultsThe DCM electrode detected the midline in 9/13 patients with handling limitations in the remaining patients. SCS was applicable in all patients with determination of the midline in 9/13. If both recordings could be acquired (6/13), concordance was 100%. If baseline SSEPs were poor, both methods were limited. SCS was less time-consuming (p = 0.001), cheaper, and easier to handle. In 92% of cases, the AM and neurophysiologic midlines were concordant. After myelotomy, 3 patients experienced > 50% reduction in amplitude of SSEPs. Despite early postoperative worsening of DC function, long-term follow-up showed significant recovery and improvement in quality of life.ConclusionDCM and SCS may help confirm and correct the AM for myelotomy in imSCT, leading to a favorable long-term neurological outcome in this cohort. SCS evolved to be superior concerning applicability, cost-effectiveness, and time expenditure.

Refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A meta-analysis of randomized trials.

In adults with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, when conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) alone does not achieve return of spontaneous circulation, extracorporeal CPR is attempted to restore perfusion and improve outcomes. Considering the contrasting findings of recent studies, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to ascertain the effect of extracorporeal CPR on survival and neurological outcome. Pubmed via MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to February 3, 2023, for randomized controlled trials comparing extracorporeal CPR versus conventional CPR in adults with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Survival with a favorable neurological outcome at the longest follow-up available was the primary outcome. Among four randomized controlled trials included, extracorporeal CPR compared with conventional CPR increased survival with favorable neurological outcome at the longest follow-up available for all rhythms (59/220 [27%] vs. 39/213 [18%]; OR=1.72; 95% CI, 1.09-2.70; p=0.02; I2 = 26%; number needed to treat of 9), for initial shockable rhythms only (55/164 [34%] vs. 38/165 [23%]; OR=1.90; 95% CI, 1.16-3.13; p=0.01; I2 = 23%; number needed to treat of 7), and at hospital discharge or 30 days (55/220 [25%] vs. 34/212 [16%]; OR=1.82; 95% CI, 1.13-2.92; p=0.01; I2 = 0.0%). Overall survival at the longest follow-up available was similar (61/220 [25%] vs. 34/212 [16%]; OR=1.82; 95% CI, 1.13-2.92; p=0.59; I2 = 58%). Extracorporeal CPR compared with conventional CPR increased survival with favorable neurological outcome in adults with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, especially when the initial rhythm was shockable. PROSPERO CRD42023396482.

The physiologic response to epinephrine and pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation outcomes

BackgroundEpinephrine is provided during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to increase systemic vascular resistance and generate higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP) to improve coronary perfusion and attain return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The DBP response to epinephrine during pediatric CPR and its association with outcomes have not been well described. Thus, the objective of this study was to measure the association between change in DBP after epinephrine administration during CPR and ROSC.MethodsThis was a prospective multicenter study of children receiving ≥ 1 min of CPR with ≥ 1 dose of epinephrine and evaluable invasive arterial BP data in the 18 ICUs of the ICU-RESUS trial (NCT02837497). Blood pressure waveforms underwent compression-by-compression quantitative analysis. The mean DBP before first epinephrine dose was compared to mean DBP two minutes post-epinephrine. Patients with ≥ 5 mmHg increase in DBP were characterized as “responders.”ResultsAmong 147 patients meeting inclusion criteria, 66 (45%) were characterized as responders and 81 (55%) were non-responders. The mean increase in DBP with epinephrine was 4.4 [− 1.9, 11.5] mmHg (responders: 13.6 [7.5, 29.3] mmHg versus non-responders: − 1.5 [− 5.0, 1.5] mmHg; p < 0.001). After controlling for a priori selected covariates, epinephrine response was associated with ROSC (aRR 1.60 [1.21, 2.12]; p = 0.001). Sensitivity analyses identified similar associations between DBP response thresholds of ≥ 10, 15, and 20 mmHg and ROSC; DBP responses of ≥ 10 and ≥ 15 mmHg were associated with higher aRR of survival to hospital discharge and survival with favorable neurologic outcome (Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category score of 1–3 or no worsening from baseline).ConclusionsThe change in DBP following epinephrine administration during pediatric in-hospital CPR was associated with return of spontaneous circulation.

Association between the extent of diffusion restriction on brain diffusion-weighted imaging and neurological outcomes after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

BackgroundThis study evaluated the association between the extent of diffusion restriction on brain diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and neurological outcomes in patients who underwent targeted temperature management (TTM) after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). MethodsPatients who underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging within 10 days of OHCA between 2012 and 2021 were analysed. The extent of diffusion restriction was described according to the modified DWI Alberta Stroke Program Early Computed Tomography Score (DWI-ASPECTS). The 35 predefined brain regions were assigned a score if diffuse signal changes were concordantly present in DWI scans and apparent diffusion coefficient maps. The primary outcome was an unfavourable neurological outcome at 6 months. The sensitivity, specificity, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves for the measured parameters were analysed. Cut-off values were determined to predict the primary outcome. The predictive cut-off DWI-ASPECTS was internally validated using five-fold cross-validation. ResultsOf the 301 patients, 108 (35.9%) had 6-month favourable neurological outcomes. Patients with unfavourable outcomes had higher whole-brain DWI-ASPECTS (median, 31 [26–33] vs. 0 [0–1], P < 0.001) than those with favourable outcomes. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of whole-brain DWI-ASPECTS was 0.957 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.928–0.977). A cut-off value of ≥8 for unfavourable neurological outcomes had specificity and sensitivity of 100% (95% CI 96.6–100) and 89.6% (95% CI 84.4–93.6), respectively. The mean AUROC was 0.956. ConclusionMore extensive diffusion restriction on DWI-ASPECTS in patients with OHCA who underwent TTM was associated with 6-month unfavourable neurological outcomes.Running title: Diffusion restriction and neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients: time-dependent propensity score-sequential matching analysis from a nationwide population-based registry

BackgroundThere is inconclusive evidence regarding the effectiveness of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. We aimed to evaluate the association between ECPR and neurologic recovery in OHCA patients using time-dependent propensity score matching analysis.MethodsUsing a nationwide OHCA registry, adult medical OHCA patients who underwent CPR at the emergency department between 2013 and 2020 were included. The primary outcome was a good neurological recovery at discharge. Time-dependent propensity score matching was used to match patients who received ECPR to those at risk for ECPR within the same time interval. Risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated, and stratified analysis by the timing of ECPR was also performed.ResultsAmong 118,391 eligible patients, 484 received ECPR. After 1:4 time-dependent propensity score matching, 458 patients in the ECPR group and 1832 patients in the no ECPR group were included in the matched cohort. In the matched cohort, ECPR was not associated with good neurological recovery (10.3% in ECPR and 6.9% in no ECPR; RR [95% CI] 1.28 [0.85–1.93]). In the stratified analyses according to the timing of matching, ECPR with a pump-on within 45 min after emergency department arrival was associated with favourable neurological outcomes (RR [95% CI] 2.51 [1.33–4.75] in 1–30 min, 1.81 [1.11–2.93] in 31–45 min, 1.07 (0.56–2.04) in 46–60 min, and 0.45 (0.11–1.91) in over 60 min).ConclusionsECPR itself was not associated with good neurological recovery, but early ECPR was positively associated with good neurological recovery. Research on how to perform ECPR at an early stage and clinical trials to evaluate the effect of ECPR is warranted.