Prior Resuscitation Research Articles

Factors of Hospital Mortality in Men and Women with ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction - An Observational, Retrospective, Single Centre Study.

There are well-known gender differences in mortality of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Our purpose was to assess factors of hospital mortality separately for men and women with STEMI, which are less well known. In 2018-2019, 485 men and 214 women with STEMI underwent treatment with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We retrospectively compared baseline characteristics, treatments and hospital complications between men and women, as well as between nonsurviving and surviving men and women with STEMI. Primary PCI was performed in 94% of men and 91.1% of women with STEMI, respectively. The in-hospital mortality was significantly higher in women than in men (14% vs 8%, p=0.019). Hospital mortality in both genders was associated significantly to older age, heart failure, prior resuscitation, acute kidney injury, to less likely performed and less successful primary PCI and additionally in men to hospital infection and in women to bleeding. In men and women ≥65 years, mortality was similar (13.3% vs 17.8%, p = 0.293). Factors of hospital mortality were similar in men and women with STEMI, except bleeding was more likely observed in nonsurviving women and infection in nonsurviving men.

Association between left ventricular ejection fraction, mortality and use of mechanical circulatory support in patients with non-ischaemic cardiogenic shock

BackgroundCurrently, use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in non-ischaemic cardiogenic shock (CS) is predominantly guided by shock-specific markers, and not by markers of cardiac function. We hypothesise that left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) can identify patients with a higher likelihood to benefit from MCS and thus help to optimise their expected benefit.MethodsPatients with non-ischaemic CS and available data on LVEF from 16 tertiary-care centres in five countries were analysed. Cox regression models were fitted to evaluate the association between LVEF and mortality, as well as the interaction between LVEF, MCS use and mortality.ResultsN = 807 patients were analysed: mean age 63 [interquartile range (IQR) 51.5–72.0] years, 601 (74.5%) male, lactate 4.9 (IQR 2.6–8.5) mmol/l, LVEF 20 (IQR 15–30) %. Lower LVEF was more frequent amongst patients with more severe CS, and MCS was more likely used in patients with lower LVEF. There was no association between LVEF and 30-day mortality risk in the overall study cohort. However, there was a significant interaction between MCS use and LVEF, indicating a lower 30-day mortality risk with MCS use in patients with LVEF ≤ 20% (hazard ratio 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.51–1.02 for LVEF ≤ 20% vs. hazard ratio 1.31, 95% confidence interval 0.85–2.01 for LVEF > 20%, interaction-p = 0.017).ConclusionThis retrospective study may indicate a lower mortality risk with MCS use only in patients with severely reduced LVEF. This may propose the inclusion of LVEF as an adjunctive parameter for MCS decision-making in non-ischaemic CS, aiming to optimise the benefit–risk ratio.Graphical abstractImpact of left ventricular ejection fraction on mortality and use of mechanical circulatory support in non-ischaemic cardiogenic shock. Hazard ratio for 30-day mortality across the LVEF continuum, adjusted for age, sex, SCAI shock stage, worst value of lactate and pH within 6 h, prior resuscitation and mechanical ventilation during the index shock event. LVEF: Left ventricular ejection fraction; MCS: Mechanical circulatory support; HR: Hazard ratio; CI: Confidence interval.

Comparison of mechanical circulatory support with venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or Impella for patients with cardiogenic shock: a propensity-matched analysis

Abstract Background Percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (pMCS) devices are increasingly used in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) in order to augment cardiac output, stabilize hemodynamics and ensure adequate organ perfusion avoiding or minimizing the detrimental effects of catecholamines to the vasculature. Impella and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (vaECMO) are the main representatives of the available pMCS devices. However, evidence from randomized studies comparing these devices are lacking and optimal choice of the device type in the setting of CS remains unclear. Purpose Our aim was to conduct a head-to-head comparison of Impella with vaECMO in the setting of all-cause cardiogenic shock. Methods Retrospective single center analysis of patients with CS over a 5-year period. Patients were assisted with either Impella 2.5/CP or vaECMO. Patients supported ultimately with both devices were analyzed according to the first device implanted. Primary outcomes were hospital and 6-month survival. Secondary endpoints were complications. Survival outcomes were compared using propensity-matched analysis to account for differences in baseline characteristics between both groups. Patients with ongoing resuscitation without return of spontaneous circulation on admission were excluded. Results A total of 423 patients were included (Impella, n=300 and VA-ECMO, n=123). The main cause of CS was an acute myocardial infarction (372 patients, 87.4% in the Impella group and 83% in the vaECMO group), while 44,7% of the patients were prior resuscitated (39% Impella, 58% vaECMO). Survival rates were similar in both groups (hospital survival: Impella 47.7% and vaECMO 37.3%, p=0.07; 6-month survival Impella 45.7% and vaECMO 35.8%, p=0.07). After adjustment for baseline differences with a propensity scoring matching analysis, survival rates remained comparable between the two device groups (hospital survival: Impella 50.6% and vaECMO 38.6%, p=0.16; 6-month survival Impella 45.8% and vaECMO 38.6%, p=0.43) (Figure 1). Device-associated complications, such as access site bleeding and leg ischemia occurred more frequently in patients with vaECMO (17% versus 7.3%, p=0.004; 17% versus 7.7%, p=0.008). In the subgroup analysis, Impella and VA-ECMO did not demonstrate any statistically significant differences in the survival rates, expect for the group of prior resuscitation, where Impella appeared to be superior than vaECMO (Figure 2). Conclusions In the biggest so far single center analysis, treatment with Impella 2.5/CP or VA-ECMO was associated with similar hospital and 6-month survival rates. Device-related access site vascular complications occurred more frequently in the vaECMO group. A randomized trial is warranted to examine the effects of these devices on outcomes and to determine the optimal device choice in patients with CS.

Publicly available online course as a promising tool for teaching and promoting first aid skills in cardiac arrest

Relevance. The probability of resuscitation in cardiac arrest depends on incident eyewitnesses’ ability to timely and correctly provide first aid to the victim. However, such skills require appropriate training. With poor availability of face-to-face training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), alternative training formats, including online e-learning, are gaining prominence to ensure widest dissemination of the life-saving competencies among general population.The objective is to study personal experience and attitudes among the individuals who completed the publicly available open online course on basic CPR (basic life support) skills in order to identify prospects and practical value of such online distance training aimed at CPR skills mainstreaming and better training availability.Methods. From July 2020 to August 2022, we conducted an anonymous survey among individuals who had completed the public open online course on basic life support training presented in Russian language. Our digital questionnaire included 16 questions designed to collect information on prior CPR training experience, training constraints, willingness to engage in volunteer teaching of CPR principles and respondent demographics. Data was analyzed using nonparametric statistics.Results and discussion. The analytical sample included 4342 respondents, mostly residents of Russia (81.1 %), including women (63.1 %), individuals aged under 40 y. (81.2 %), those without prior medical education (84.9 %), as well as schoolchildren and students (41.5 %). 44.2 % of respondents received no prior CPR training before the online course, mainly because they had been unaware of its practical value (39.4 % of respondents without CPR training experience) or had not known where to get trained (34.4 %). 76.3 % of respondents confirmed willingness to engage in volunteer teaching of CPR principles. Willingness to teach CPR to other individuals was related to prior experience of resuscitation training (the rate of respondents ready for CPR teaching was 77.5 % among those with prior resuscitation training and 74.9 % among those without such prior training, p = 0.043).Conclusion. Poor public awareness of CPR training importance and limited availability of training are the major constraints in acquiring life-saving knowledge and skills. As a publicly available tool for remote self-training, including within blended distant-classroom learning, the free online training course opens up great prospects for extensive mainstreaming of first aid skills, offering broad public coverage. The majority of online training graduates are willing to engage in volunteer CPR teaching, thus providing additional opportunities to increase availability of CPR training.

Biventricular unloading with impella and venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in severe refractory cardiogenic shock: prognosis and implications from the combined use of the devices

Abstract Background Patients with refractory cardiogenic shock (RCS) may present with left ventricle (LV)-failure, biventricular failure or even combined cardiopulmonary failure. Mechanical support with Impella or veno-arterial membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) have emerged as an alternative strategy in order to stabilize the heart function without the detrimental effects of catecholamines or to bridge the patients in definite therapies. However, the selection of the appropriate MCS should be tailored according to the underlying pathophysiology and properties of the respective MCS device. Patients with Impella who initially presented with univentricular LV failure may develop additionally right ventricle (RV) dysfunction or pulmonary failure whereas patients with VA-ECMO may show signs of LV overloading, causing pulmonary edema, LV distension and thus compromising LV myocardial recovery. Purpose To present the main outcomes and predictors of survival and safety in RCS treated with Impella and VA-ECMO. Methods Single center study of consecutive patients with biventricular unloading with Impella and VA-ECMO for RCS admitted to Cardiology department of Philipps University in Marburg, Germany, from February 2013 until December 2019. The selection of the device was based on a standard algorithm (Figure 1). Results A total of 67 patients was included in the study. Mean age was 61.07±10.7 and 54 (80.6%) patients were male. Main cause of RCS was acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (74.6%), while 44 (65.7%) were resuscitated prior to admission. In 28 patients Impella was implanted first, whereas VA-ECMO was the first MCS device in 39 patients. The mean Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score (SOFA) score on admission was 73.54±16.03 and 12.25±2.71, respectively, corresponding to an expected mortality of higher than 80%. Vasopressor doses and lactate levels were significantly decreased within 72 h on biventricular support (p<0.05 for both). Overall, 17 (25.4%) patients were discharged to cardiac rehabilitation and 5 patients (7.5%) were bridged successfully to ventricular assist device implantation, leading to a total of 32.8% survival on hospital discharge. The 6-month survival was 31.3%. Lactate >6 mmol/L, vasoactive score >100 and pH <7.26 on initiation of biventricular support, as well as Charlson comorbity index (CCI) >3 and prior resuscitation were independent predictors of survival (Figure 2). Conclusions Biventricular support with Impella and VA-ECMO in patients with RCS is feasible and efficient leading to a better survival than predicted through traditional risk scores, mainly via significant hemodynamic improvement and reduction in lactate levels. Lactate, pH and vasoactive score on initiation of biventricular support, as well as age-adjusted CCI and prior resuscitation are independent risk factors associated with mortality in this group of patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

The MARPELLA risk score for prediction of mortality in all-cause refractory cardiogenic shock treated with microaxial transvalvular pump: the MARPELLA study

Abstract Background Although Impella may serve as an alternative strategy in order to stabilize the heart function without the detrimental effects of catecholamines or to bridge the patients in definite therapies in the setting of cardiogenic shock (CS), leading to a widespread use of this device, data concerning reliable prediction or predefining which patients would benefit from the implantation of such a device are completely lacking. Purpose To evaluate and to compare the prognostic accuracy of the Acute-Physiology-And-Chronic-Health II (APACHE II), the Simplified-Acute-Physiology-Score II (SAPS II), the Sepsis-related-organ-failure-assessment (SOFA), the intra-aortic-balloon-pump (IABP), the CardShock Score in refractory CS treated with Impella 2.5/CP. Moreover, we aimed to assess the prediction-of-Cardiogenic-shock-Outcome-foR-AMI-patients-salvaGed by VA-ECMO (ENCOURAGE) and the Survival-after -Veno-Arterial-extracorporeal-membranoxygenation (VA-ECMO) (SAVE) score, though initially for VA-ECMO patients created, in patients with CS as well as to develop a new prognostic score in this setting. Methods Single center study of consecutive Impella patients with CS admitted to Cardiology department of our university, from February 2013 until December 2020. Results A total of 401 patients were included in the analysis. 31% of the patients were supported with Impella CP, whereas 153 (38,1%) patients were resuscitated prior admission. Causes of CS was acute myocardial infarction in 311 (77,5%) patients, followed by dilatative cardiomyopathy/myocarditis (11,1%) and aortic stenosis (6%). The expected mortality according to scores was: SOFA 50%, SAPS II 70%, IABP Shock 55%, CardShock 60%, APACHE II 65%, ENCOURAGE 75% and SAVE score 70%. We observed a survival of 48,9% on hospital discharge and 45,6% after 12 months follow-up. Among the traditional scores estimated, the ENCOURAGE score was the most effective predictive model of mortality outcome presenting a moderate area under curve (AUC) of 0.72, followed by the CardShock, which derived an AUC of 0,7. The SAPS II, SOFA, IABP and the SAVE scores failed to predict outcome in this setting. According to the main predictors of outcome in our population derived from univariate analysis (vasoactive score >31, lactate>4,7 mmol/l, pH<7,31, Creatinine>1,33 mg/dl, Horowitz Index<238, age>71 years and prior resuscitation) as well as the odds ratio derived from binary regression analysis on mortality, a new score, the MARPELLA score, was created. This score reached an AUC of 0.83 (Figure 1). A mortality of 37%, 62% and 83,2% was observed in the low-, intermediate and high-risk group of the MARPELLA score, respectively (Figure 2). Conclusion MARPELLA Score is a new more potent score in the setting of all-cause CS that may guide clinicians to optimize the therapy in this group of patients, outweighing the traditional CS and intensive care unit scores. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Impact of left ventricular ejection fraction on mortality and use of mechanical circulatory support in non-ischaemic cardiogenic shock

Abstract Background Evidence in non-ischaemic cardiogenic shock (CS), especially regarding prognostic markers and use of mechanical circulatory support (MCS), is scarce. Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) as a prognostic marker as well as a factor to guide the use of MCS in non-ischaemic CS. Methods In this international observational study, patients with non-ischaemic CS (e.g. caused by severe de-novo or acute on chronic heart failure; but not by acute myocardial infarction) treated with or without MCS from 18 tertiary-care centers in five countries were enrolled. Cox regression models adjusted for age, sex, SCAI class, lactate, prior resuscitation, mechanical ventilation and pH were fitted to evaluate the association between LVEF and 30-day mortality as well as the interaction between MCS use, LVEF and 30-day mortality. Results A total of 807 patients were enrolled, of whom 387 (47,9%) were treated with and 418 (52.1%) without MCS; mean age was 63 [interquartile range (IQR) 51.5–72) years, 601 (74.5%) were male, 486 (60.2%) had acute on chronic heart failure, 221 (32.7%) had an ischaemic cardiomyopathy and 277 (34.5%) had prior cardiac arrest. The baseline LVEF was 20 (IQR 15–30) % and baseline lactate was 4.9 (IQR 2.6–8.5) mmol/l. There was no significant association between LVEF and 30-day mortality risk [hazard ratio (HR) 0.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74–1.22 if LVEF was considered as a continuous variable; HR 1.09, 95% CI 0.83–1.44 if LVEF was considered as a categorical variable with ≤20% vs. >20%]. However, there was a significant interaction between MCS use and LVEF, indicating a lower 30-day mortality risk with MCS use in patients with a depressed LVEF (HR 0.74, 95% CI 0.52–1.05, interaction-p = 0.04). Conclusion In this retrospective, multicenter, international study of patients with non-ischaemic CS, LVEF was not a predictor of 30-day mortality risk. However, we observed a significant interaction between MCS use and LVEF, indicating a lower morality risk with MCS use only in patients with a depressed LVEF. This provides rationale to use LVEF as a parameter to guide MCS therapy in non-ischaemic CS, and calls for a randomized trial on this topic. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

AEDNav: indoor navigation for locating automated external defibrillator

BackgroundIn a sudden cardiac arrest, starting CPR and applying an AED immediately are the two highest resuscitation priorities. Many existing mobile applications have been developed to assist users in locating a nearby AED. However, these applications do not provide indoor navigation to the AED location. The time required to locate an AED inside a building due to a lack of indoor navigation systems will reduce the patient’s chance of survival. The existing indoor navigation solutions either require special hardware, a large dataset or a significant amount of initial work. These requirements make these systems not viable for implementation on a large-scale.MethodsThe proposed system collects Wi-Fi information from the existing devices and the path’s magnetic information using a smartphone to guide the user from a starting point to an AED. The information collected is processed using four techniques: turn detection method, Magnetic data pattern matching method, Wi-Fi fingerprinting method and Closest Wi-Fi location method to estimate user location. The user location estimations from all four techniques are further processed to determine the user’s location on the path, which is then used to guide the user to the AED location.ResultsThe four techniques used in the proposed system Turn detection, Magnetic data pattern matching, Closest Wi-Fi location and Wi-Fi fingerprinting can individually achieve the accuracy of 80% with the error distance ± 9.4 m, ± 2.4 m, ± 4.6 m, and ± 4.6 m respectively. These four techniques, applied individually, may not always provide stable results. Combining these techniques results in a robust system with an overall accuracy of 80% with an error distance of ± 2.74 m. In comparison, the proposed system’s accuracy is higher than the existing systems that use Wi-Fi and magnetic data.ConclusionThis research proposes a novel approach that requires no special hardware, large scale data or significant initial work to provide indoor navigation. The proposed system AEDNav can achieve an accuracy similar to the existing indoor navigation systems. Implementing this indoor navigation system could reduce the time to locate an AED and ultimately increase patient survival during sudden cardiac arrest.

Pediatric Office Emergency Preparedness: An Intensive In-Office Training Curriculum.

Preparation is vital to improve resuscitation outcomes for children presenting to the primary care office with emergent conditions. Previous literature has provided recommendations for medications, equipment, and skills necessary to provide appropriate care. Most studies thus far demonstrated offices are unprepared according to those recommendations. We sought to provide an intensive emergency training and preparation curriculum to local primary care pediatric offices to improve their emergency readiness. Using a high-fidelity manikin, a simulation instructor team visited several offices and trained teams including physicians, nurse practitioners, nurses, medical assistants, front desk staff, and billing/management staff. Two emergency resuscitation simulations were performed per session with education after each scenario. The instructor team taught procedures, provided teamwork training, and provided feedback on medications, equipment, and resuscitation priorities. Eight primary care pediatric offices participated in the curriculum, 36 training sessions were conducted, and 229 staff were trained. Numerous issues with medications, equipment, teamwork dynamics, and pediatric emergency resuscitation were revealed. There was always significant improvement from the first to the second simulation in each session. Our intensive emergency training and preparation curriculum experience with local primary care pediatric offices highlighted discrepancies between the perceived level of office preparedness and actual experience during a simulated emergency. Office staff felt more prepared for an emergency after the training, and office medications and equipment were re-evaluated to provide a more efficient and effective resuscitation for their patients.

Basic resuscitation skills of medical students - a monocenter randomized simulation trial.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate resuscitation skills, defined as recognition of resuscitation situations and performance of Basic Life Support (BLS) in students at the Brandenburg Model Medical School (BMM). Methods: Participating students (n=102) were randomized to different simulation scenarios: unconscious person with physiological breathing (15/min), gasping (<10/min) and apnea (resuscitation dummy AmbuMan® Wireless with electronic recording). Primary endpoint was the proportion of students with correct decision for or against resuscitation. Secondary endpoint was resuscitation quality, self-assessment, and prior resuscitation experience. The latter two were assessed by questionnaire prior to the simulated situation.Results: Overall, there was a high risk for incorrectly omitted or incorrectly performed resuscitation (OR 3.4 [95% CI 1.4-8.1] p=0.005. The highest probability of error occurred in the unconsciousness and gasping groups. 22.3% of all performed resuscitations where at the same time indicated and reached the European Resuscitation Council recommendations for compression frequency, pressure depth and where as well = 90% relieved. A particularly large discrepancy emerged between participants' self-assessment of being prepared for a resuscitation situation by medical school and their actual documented resuscitation competence.Conclusion: The present data indicate significant uncertainty among students in recognizing a resuscitation situation. Even in curricula with a high proportion of practice and a high degree of students with completed vocational training in health care, resuscitation competence is poor.

The risk of admission acute heart failure in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients and air pollution with PM2.5

Abstract Introduction Air pollution, in particular exposure to particulate matter fine particles of less than 2.5 microns in diameter (PM2.5), increases the risk of cardiovascular events. Short-term exposure (hours to few days prior) to increased PM2.5 levels even may help trigger ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and heart failure exacerbation in susceptible individuals. The risk of vascular events is increased even in exposures below the current European air quality limit values (mean annual levels for PM2.5 less than 10μg/m3, 24-hour mean level less than 25μg/m3). Purpose To evaluate predictive role of PM2.5 levels ≥20 μg/m3 one day prior to hospital admission for the risk of admission acute heart failure (AAHF) in STEMI patients. Methods In 290 STEMI patients (100 women, 190 men, mean age 65.5±12.9 years), treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in 2018, we retrospectively registered the AAHF, defined as classes II-IV by Killip Kimbal classification. Additionally, we registered admission clinical data, potentially contributing to AAHF in STEMI patients such as gender, age ≥65 years, prior resuscitation, admission cTnI ≥5 μg/L (normal levels up to 0.045 μg/L), comorbidities, time to PPCI, and mean daily levels of PM2.5 ≥20 μg/m3 one day before admission. Mean daily, freely available, levels of PM2.5 were measured and registered by Chemical analytic laboratory of Environmental agency of Republic Slovenia. We evaluated the predictive role of admission data for admission AHF in STEMI patients. Results AAHF was observed in 34.5% of STEMI patients with the mean daily PM2.5 level 15.7±10.9 μg/m3 on the day before admission. PPCI was performed in 92.1% of all STEMI patients, in AAHF in 87.1% and in non-AAHF patients in 94.7% (p=0.037). AAHF in comparison to non-AAHF was associated significantly with female gender (50.5% vs 25.9%, p&amp;lt;0.001), age over 65 years (71.3% vs 45%, p&amp;lt;0.001), prior diabetes (33.7% vs 14.8%, p&amp;lt;0.001), left bundle branch block (LBBB) (10.9% vs 0.5%, &amp;lt;0.001), admission cTnI ≥5 μg/L (46.7% vs 25.9%, p&amp;lt;0.001) and mean daily levels of PM2.5 ≥20 μg/m3 one day before admission (31.7% vs 19%, p=0.020), but nonsignificantly with arterial hypertension, prior myocardial infarction, anterior STEMI and time to PPCI. Logistic regression demonstrated that significant independent predictors of AAHF were age over 65 years (OR 3.349, 95% CI 1.787 to 6.277, p&amp;lt;0.001), prior diabetes (OR 2.934, 95% CI 1.478 to 5.821, p=0.002), admission LBBB (OR 10.526, 95% CI 1.181 to 93.787, p=0.03), prior resuscitation (OR 3.221, 95% CI 1.336 to 7.761, p=0.009), admission cTnI ≥5μg/l (OR 2.984, 95% CI 1.618 to 5.502, p&amp;lt;0.001) and mean daily levels of PM2.5 ≥20 μg/m3 (OR 2.096, 95% CI 1.045 to 4.218, p=0.038) one day before admission. Conclusion Mean daily levels of PM2.5 ≥20μg/m3 one day before admission were among significant independent predictors of AAHF in STEMI patients. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding sources: None.

Сравнительная характеристика политравмы мирного времени и боевой травмы в стационаре III уровня

Актуальность. Боевые сочетанные травмы протекают тяжелее, чем политравма мирного времени, из-за разницы в поражающих факторах, условиях получения травмы, сроках оказания помощи пострадавшим, массовости поражений. Цель исследования: провести сравнительный анализ тяжести состояния пострадавших с мирной и боевой политравмой при поступлении в стационар III уровня. Материалы и методы. Обследовано 79 пострадавших с политравмой мирного времени и 65 раненых из зоны АТО. Изучались изменения сознания по шкале комы Глазго, показатели гемодинамики, потребность в вазопрессорной поддержке и искусственной вентиляции легких, перистальтика кишечника, показатели общего анализа крови, печеночный и почечный комплекс, коагулограмма, показатели кислотно-основного и газового состава крови, уровень цитокинов (IL-6, IL-10) в сыворотке крови. Результаты. При мирной политравме достоверно чаще встречались черепно-мозговые травмы и торакоабдоминальные травмы, при боевой — травмы мягких тканей. Среди причин мирной политравмы преобладали дорожно-транспортные происшествия и высотные травмы, боевой — минно-взрывная травма. Раненые на 12,2 % чаще требовали ургентных оперативных вмешательств. Нарушения сознания в группе боевой травмы чаще были связаны с седацией, а мирной — непосредственно с черепно-мозговой травмой. Гипотензия и тахикардия при боевой травме были менее выражены за счет проведенных ранее противошоковых мероприятий и вазопрессорной поддержки. При боевой травме были более выражены гипоальбуминемия, гипокоагуляция и почечная дисфункция. В проявлениях цитолитического синдрома при боевой травме преобладало повышение уровня аспартатаминотрансферазы (АсТ), что, вероятнее всего, также объяснялось разрушением больших массивов тканей. Воспалительная реакция от характера травмы не зависела и ассоциировалась только с тяжестью и локализацией повреждений. Частота ­осложнений составила 41,8 % при мирной травме и 47,7 % — при боевой, летальность — 8,9 и 13,8 % соответственно. Выводы. Таким образом, при аналогичной тяжести травмы и объеме кровопотери боевая травма отличается от мирной по своей структуре и сопровождается более выраженными системными расстройствами, в основном печеночной, почечной и гемокоагуляционной дисфункцией. Это приводит к более высокой частоте осложнений и летальности.

Timing of endoscopy for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a territory-wide cohort study

ObjectiveWhile it is recommended that patients presenting with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) should receive endoscopic intervention within 24 hours, the optimal timing is still uncertain. We aimed to assess...

Biventricular Unloading with Impella and Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation in Severe Refractory Cardiogenic Shock: Implications from the Combined Use of the Devices and Prognostic Risk Factors of Survival.

Since mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices have become integral component in the therapy of refractory cardiogenic shock (RCS), we identified 67 patients in biventricular support with Impella and venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (VA-ECMO) for RCS between February 2013 and December 2019 and evaluated the risk factors of mortality in this setting. Mean age was 61.07 ± 10.7 and 54 (80.6%) patients were male. Main cause of RCS was acute myocardial infarction (AMI) (74.6%), while 44 (65.7%) were resuscitated prior to admission. The mean Simplified Acute Physiology Score II (SAPS II) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment Score (SOFA) score on admission was 73.54 ± 16.03 and 12.25 ± 2.71, respectively, corresponding to an expected mortality of higher than 80%. Vasopressor doses and lactate levels were significantly decreased within 72 h on biventricular support (p < 0.05 for both). Overall, 17 (25.4%) patients were discharged to cardiac rehabilitation and 5 patients (7.5%) were bridged successfully to ventricular assist device implantation, leading to a total of 32.8% survival on hospital discharge. The 6-month survival was 31.3%. Lactate > 6 mmol/L, vasoactive score > 100 and pH < 7.26 on initiation of biventricular support, as well as Charlson comorbity index > 3 and prior resuscitation were independent predictors of survival. In conclusion, biventricular support with Impella and VA-ECMO in patients with RCS is feasible and efficient leading to a better survival than predicted through traditional risk scores, mainly via significant hemodynamic improvement and reduction in lactate levels.

Nation-Wide Observational Study of Cardiac Arrests Occurring in Nursing Homes and Nursing Facilities in Singapore

Nursing home (NH) residents with out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) have unique resuscitation priorities. This study aimed to describe OHCA characteristics in NH residents and identify independent predictors of survival. OHCA cases between 2010-16 in the Pan-Asian Resuscitation Outcomes Study were retrospectively analysed. Patients aged <18 years old and non-emergency cases were excluded. Primary outcome was survival at discharge or 30 days. Good neurological outcome was defined as a cerebral performance score between 1-2. A total of 12,112 cases were included. Of these, 449 (3.7%) were NH residents who were older (median age 79 years, range 69-87 years) and more likely to have a history of stroke, heart and respiratory diseases. Fewer NH OHCA had presumed cardiac aetiology (62% vs 70%, P <0.01) and initial shockable rhythm (8.9% vs 18%, P <0.01), but had higher incidence of bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (74% vs 43%, P <0.01) and defibrillator use (8.5% vs 2.8%, P <0.01). Non-NH (2.8%) residents had better neurological outcomes than NH (0.9%) residents (P <0.05). Factors associated with survival for cardiac aetiology included age <65 years old, witnessed arrest, bystander defibrillator use and initial shockable rhythm; for non-cardiac aetiology, these included witnessed arrest (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 3.8, P <0.001) and initial shockable rhythm (AOR 5.7, P <0.001). Neurological outcomes were poorer in NH survivors of OHCA. These findings should inform health policies on termination of resuscitation, advance care directives and do-not-resuscitate orders in this population.

Thrombolysis in Acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction: Determination of Door to Needle Time in a Tertiary Medical Centre

Door to needle (DTN) time for thrombolysis in the Emergency Department, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (ED, UKMMC) is an indicator that can reduce mortality and morbidity of patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI). This study was conducted to determine factors that influence DTN time for acute ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) and whether it has achieved the recommended time of 30 minutes. A cross-sectional study was conducted among patients diagnosed with acute STEMI and thrombolysed in ED, UKMMC from June 2016 until March 2017. A data collection sheet was used to collect patient’s demographic data and clinical data which included time of arrival to ED, time of initial electrocardiogram (ECG), time of drug preparation and time of thrombolytic delivery to the patient. A total of 98 patients were included in this study. Majority of patients (77.6%) were thrombolysed more than 30 minutes following ED arrival. Mean DTN in ED, UKKMC was 59.28 + 36.01 minutes. The mean door to ECG time was 7.19 + 8.08 minutes and the mean drug preparation time was 9.86 + 7.51 minutes. Out of 76 (77.6%) patients that were thrombolysed after 30 minutes of ED arrival, 59.2% (n=45) were due to multiple disciplinary referral. Other factors were delay in performing initial ECG 19.8% (n=15), incorrect initial ECG interpretation 9.2% (n=7) and unavoidable need for prior resuscitation 9.2% (n=7). As a conclusion this study showed that there was an unacceptable delay in hospital thrombolysis for acute STEMI.

A reply to "Aligning airway management strategy with resuscitation priorities for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest" by Burjek et al.

We thank Drs. Burjek and colleagues for their thoughtful review of the Pragmatic Airway Resuscitation Trial (PART) (1) (ref for Burjek et al .). We agree that strategies to reduce cognitive load during airway management are important and potentially beneficial. However, several points are worth clarification.

Predictors of acute kidney injury (AKI) in high-risk ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients: A single-center retrospective observational study.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a frequent complication in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Factors other than contrast exposure have been suggested as major contributors to renal dysfunction in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI). Our aim was to assess the incidence and risk factors of AKI in high-risk STEMI patients, mostly treated by PPCI with implemented measures to prevent contrast-induced AKI. We retrospectively analyzed data of 245 STEMI patients (165 men, mean age 63.9 ± 11.9 years) admitted to the Department of Medical Intensive Care Unit. Demographic, clinical, and mortality data were compared between AKI and non-AKI group. AKI was defined as a 1.5-fold increase in serum creatinine from baseline level within 24-48 hours. AKI developed in 34/245 (13.9%) patients. PPCI was performed in 226/245 (92.2%) of all STEMI cases, with no difference between AKI and non-AKI group. There were significant differences between AKI and non-AKI group in diabetes mellitus (41.2% vs. 20.9%), prior MI (26.5% vs. 11.8%), prior resuscitation (38.2% vs. 12.4%), admission acute heart failure [AHF] (44.1% vs. 12.8%), in-hospital AHF (70.6% vs. 17.5%), and hospital-acquired infection [HAI] (79.4% vs. 18.0%). Significantly more AKI patients had increased admission CRP ≥25 mg/L (38.2% vs. 11.8%), peak CRP ≥50 mg/L (91.2% vs. 36%), admission troponin I ≥10 mg/L (44.1% vs. 24.6%), peak troponin I ≥50 mg/L (64.7% vs. 44.1%), peak NT-proBNP ≥400 pmol/L (82.4% vs. 27.5%), and ejection fraction <45% (76.5% vs. 33.6%). Mortality was significantly increased in AKI group, including in-hospital (52.9% vs. 7.1%), 30-day (64.7% vs. 10.7%) and 6-month mortality (70.6% vs. 13.7%). Significant independent predictors of AKI were prior resuscitation (OR 4.171, 95% CI 1.088-15.998), HAI (OR 7.974, 95% CI 1.992-31.912), and peak NT-proBNP (OR 21.261, 95% CI 2.357-191.795). To reduce the risk of AKI in STEMI patients, early diagnosis and treatment of AHF and HAIs are advisable.

Metrics save lives: value and hurdles faced.

Affirmation of the importance of precision in fundamentals of resuscitation practices with improving neurologically intact survival from sudden cardiac arrest, correlated with both measurements of resuscitation metrics generically and recently further refined metric parameters specifically. Quality of baseline cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in historic intervention trials may not be 'high quality' as once assumed. Optimal chest compression rates are within the narrow spectrum of 106-108/min for adults. Optimal ventilation rates remain within the 8-10/min range. Although traditional CPR teaching of 'hard and fast' chest compressions has promoted a relatively easy to remember directive, the reality is that laypersons and medical professionals alike may unwittingly provide markedly suboptimal chest compression depths and rates. Prior resuscitation studies that focused upon airway adjuncts, defibrillation strategies, and/or pharmaceutical interventions that did not simultaneously gauge the underlying CPR chest compression rates, chest compression fraction of time, and ventilation rates should be cautiously interpreted in light of discovery that assumption of 'high-quality CPR' without measurement of the metrics of such is likely a faulty assumption.

Monitoring of flow parameters as the first priority in resuscitation of shock

Monitoring of flow parameters as the first priority in resuscitation of shock