Resuscitation Techniques Research Articles

Control of systemic inflammation through early nitric oxide supplementation with nitric oxide releasing nanoparticles

Amelioration of immune overactivity during sepsis is key to restoring hemodynamics, microvascular blood flow, and tissue oxygenation, and in preventing multi-organ dysfunction syndrome. The systemic inflammatory response syndrome that results from sepsis ultimately leads to degradation of the endothelial glycocalyx and subsequently increased vascular leakage. Current fluid resuscitation techniques only transiently improve outcomes in sepsis, and can cause edema. Nitric oxide (NO) treatment for sepsis has shown promise in the past, but implementation is difficult due to the challenges associated with delivery and the transient nature of NO. To address this, we tested the anti-inflammatory efficacy of sustained delivery of exogenous NO using i.v. infused NO releasing nanoparticles (NO-np). The impact of NO-np on microhemodynamics and immune response in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced endotoxemia mouse model was evaluated. NO-np treatment significantly attenuated the pro-inflammatory response by promoting M2 macrophage repolarization, which reduced the presence of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum and slowed vascular extravasation. Combined, this resulted in significantly improved microvascular blood flow and 72-h survival of animals treated with NO-np. The results from this study suggest that sustained supplementation of endogenous NO ameliorates and may prevent the morbidities of acute systemic inflammatory conditions. Given that endothelial dysfunction is a common denominator in many acute inflammatory conditions, it is likely that NO enhancement strategies may be useful for the treatment of sepsis and other acute inflammatory insults that trigger severe systemic pro-inflammatory responses and often result in a cytokine storm, as seen in COVID-19.

Collective trauma and experience of uncertainty: a comparison between the 2012 earthquake and the 2020 pandemic in Italy.

The situation of uncertainty several people faced in Italy due to the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic suggested this contribution concerning the potential outcomes in some safety areas of the primary needs of the individual: safety and security needs, love and belonging needs, esteem, and self-actualization. When uncertainty features one or more of them, the risk of health outcomes increases, specifically with respect to mental health. This contribution compares the experience of the severe earthquake that hit Emilia-Romagna region (North Italy) in May 2012 and the epidemic of CoViD-19 officially started in Italy in February 2020. Both experiences were lived by the authors, as citizens and mental health professionals. The considerations presented stemmed out from the clinical experience and are articulated around some key words: surprise, length, places, society, work, welfare, feelings, economics. Similarities and differences are presented, suggesting that new therapeutic devices are necessary, to hold and treat patients during this specific epidemic, as well as during future ones. Up to the moment we have just been able to chase the shadow, by integrating medieval systems (quarantine) and hyper-technological systems (i.e., the most advanced resuscitation techniques).

Consistency and variability in human performance during simulate infant CPR: a reliability study

BackgroundPositive outcomes from infant cardiac arrest depend on the effective delivery of resuscitation techniques, including good quality infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (iCPR) However, it has been established that iCPR skills decay within weeks or months after training. It is not known if the change in performance should be considered true change or inconsistent performance. The aim of this study was to investigate consistency and variability in human performance during iCPR.MethodsAn experimental, prospective, observational study conducted within a university setting with 27 healthcare students (mean (SD) age 32.6 (11.6) years, 74.1% female). On completion of paediatric basic life support (BLS) training, participants performed three trials of 2-min iCPR on a modified infant manikin on two occasions (immediately after training and after 1 week), where performance data were captured. Main outcome measures were within-day and between-day repeated measures reliability estimates, determined using Intraclass Correlation Coefficients (ICCs), Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and Minimal Detectable Change (MDC95%) for chest compression rate, chest compression depth, residual leaning and duty cycle along with the conversion of these into quality indices according to international guidelines.ResultsA high degree of reliability was found for within-day and between-day for each variable with good to excellent ICCs and narrow confidence intervals. SEM values were low, demonstrating excellent consistency in repeated performance. Within-day MDC values were low for chest compression depth and chest compression rate (6 and 9%) and higher for duty cycle (15%) and residual leaning (22%). Between-day MDC values were low for chest compression depth and chest compression rate (3 and 7%) and higher for duty cycle (21%) and residual leaning (22%). Reliability reduced when metrics were transformed in quality indices.ConclusioniCPR skills are highly repeatable and consistent, demonstrating that changes in performance after training can be considered skill decay. However, when the metrics are transformed in quality indices, large changes are required to be confident of real change.

Malformação fetal incompatível com a vida: conduta de neonatologistas

Resumo Para avaliar a conduta de neonatologistas em casos de malformação incompatível com a vida, do diagnóstico intrauterino ao parto, e a instituição de cuidados paliativos e/ou curativo/restaurativos ao nascimento, com ou sem o conhecimento prévio dos médicos e/ou pais sobre a inviabilidade fetal, realizou-se pesquisa qualitativa em maternidade brasileira. A partir de entrevista semiestruturada e análise de conteúdo, observou-se que a maioria dos profissionais não adota manobras de ressuscitação cardiopulmonar quando a situação já está esclarecida aos pais; que o critério para cuidados paliativos está vinculado ao diagnóstico de certeza da síndrome, mediante a informação da família; que o conhecimento dos pais sobre a doença pode influenciar a tomada de decisão; e que o estabelecimento de cuidados paliativos, no caso de apenas o médico saber da inviabilidade fetal, inclui na maioria dos casos a devida informação aos pais.

Over the head and lateral position technique for cardiopulmonary resuscitation: which one is better?

Background: A high rate of cardiac arrest requires high-quality CPR. A valuable CPR rescuer has lower success than two or more rescuers, especially with the use of BVM. There is a complexity encountered with lateral CPR position as a commonly used position, which is the difficulty of position movement from compression to ventilation. On the other hand, Over the Head CPR position is used as an alternative position, which is considered more effective than a lateral position. It is also considered to be able to overcome the obstacles found in CPR with a single rescuer using BVM ventilation in the lateral position so that study is required to compare the quality of CPR between the two CPR positions.Technique: The quality of CPR between Over the Head position CPR and Lateral position CPR is compared. The technique testing was carried out on 24 students using a mannequin. CPR quality components include compression ratios: ventilation, speed, depth, hand placement, chest recoil, and the amount of time of chest compression interruption were observed strictly. The overall CPR quality score, particularly in terms of compression speed and the minimum interruption time of chest compression on Over the Head position, is better than lateral position CPR.Conclusion: Over the Head position, CPR significantly produces a better quality of CPR than Lateral position CPR.

Comparison Between Supraclavicular and Infraclavicular Approach in Subclavian Vein Catheterization in Tertiary Center of Nepal

Introduction: Central vein catheterization can be introduced in subclavian vein (SCV), internal jugular vein or femoral vein for volume resuscitation and invasive monitoring technique. Due to anatomical advantage and lesser risk of infection subclavian vein is preferred. Either supraclavicular (SC) or infraclavicular (IC) approach could be used for subclavian vein catheterization. The aim of the study was to compare SC and IC approach in ease of catheterization of SCV and record the complications present if any.
 Methods and materials: This was a hospital based comparative, interventional study conducted from November 2016 to October 2017 in Operation Theater in Bir Hospital. In this study, 70 patients for elective surgical cases meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly enrolled. Then samples were equally divided by lottery into either supraclavicular or infraclavicular approach groups. The Access time, cannulation success rate, attempts made for successful cannulation of vein, easy insertion of catheter and guide wire, approximate inserted length of catheter and associated complications in both groups were recorded. Data was entered in statistical software SPSS 16. Chi-square test was used. P value < 0.05 was considered significant.
 Results: The mean access time in group SC for SCV catheterization was 2.12 ± 0.81 min compared to 2.83 ± 0.99 min in group IC (p-value= 0.002). The overall success rate in catheterization of the right SCV using SC approach (34 / 35) was better as compared with group IC (33 / 35) using IC approach. First successful attempt in the SC group was 74.28% as compared with 57.14% in the IC group.
 Conclusion: The SC approach of SCV catheterization can be considered alternative to IC approach in terms of landmark accessibility, success rate and rate of complications.

Development of a Selective Aortic Arch Perfusion System in a Porcine Model of Exsanguination Cardiac Arrest.

Hemorrhage constitutes the majority of potentially preventable deaths from trauma. There is growing interest in endovascular resuscitation techniques such as selective aortic arch perfusion (SAAP) for patients in cardiac arrest. This involves active perfusion of the coronary circulation via a thoracic aortic balloon catheter and is approaching clinical application. However, the technique is complex and requires refinement in animal models before human use can be considered. This paper describes a large animal model of exsanguination cardiac arrest treated with a bespoke SAAP system. Swine were anesthetized, instrumented and a splenectomy was performed before a controlled, logarithmic exsanguination was initiated. Animals were heparinized and the shed blood collected in a reservoir. Once cardiac arrest was observed, the blood was pumped through an extra-corporeal circuit into an oxygenator and then delivered through a 10 Fr balloon catheter placed in the thoracic aorta. This resulted in the return of a spontaneous circulation (ROSC) as demonstrated by ECG and aortic root pressure waveform. This model and accompanying SAAP system allow for standardized and reproducible recovery from exsanguination cardiac arrest.

Feasibility of extracorporeal life support in cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique in cardiac patients (clinical case)

Objective . To present our clinical case of extracorporeal life support using a standard oxygenator in a patient undergoing cardiac surgery when standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) turned out to be ineffective. Methods . The response to treatment of patient G. aged 49 years is presented here who initially underwent off-pump mammary coronary artery bypass grafting (1-CABG) with left internal thoracic artery to the anterior interventricular artery without any technical peculiarities. 8 hours after the surgery a cardiac arrest occurred with the patient in the intensive care unit (ICU). Resuscitation measures resulted in no response. CPB machine was connected as part of cardiopulmonary resuscitation complex (CPR). Standard oxygenator (Medtronic Affinity NT) equipped with a set of standard lines was used for a circulatory support. Result . At ICU emergency resternotomy was performed and CPB machine was connected as well. It took 26 minutes from the beginning of resuscitation to the extracorporeal circulation. CPB machine was connected centrally (ascending aorta to the right atrium). Against the ongoing extracorporeal life support the patient was transported to the x-ray operating theatre for emergency coronary bypass angiography during which pronounced native coronary artery spasm in all basins was diagnosed; intra-aortic balloon pump was used. The cardiac activity was restored. Reperfusion took 128 minutes. Extracorporeal circulation was stopped when 5 mcg/ kg/min. dopamine infusion and nitroglycerin used at a dose of 1 mcg/kg/min. ensured satisfactory hemodynamic parameters. The extracorporeal circulation lasted for 185 minutes. The patient spent three days at the ICU and was discharged on the 11th day after the surgery has been performed in a satisfactory condition with no neurologic impairment; at discharge the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) by Simpson was 60 %. Conclusion . The extracorporeal life support as part of CPR in cardiac patients can contribute to the reduction of mortality for the described patient cohort.

Prospective Randomized Trial of Standard Left Anterolateral Thoracotomy Versus Modified Bilateral Clamshell Thoracotomy Performed by Emergency Physicians

Resuscitative thoracotomy is a time-sensitive, lifesaving procedure that may be performed by emergency physicians. The left anterolateral thoracotomy (LAT) is the standard technique commonly used in the United States to gain rapid access to critical intrathoracic structures. However, the smaller incision and subsequent limited exposure may not be optimal for the nonsurgical specialist to complete time-sensitive interventions. The modified bilateral anterior clamshell thoracotomy (MCT) developed by Barts Health NHS Trust clinicians at London's Air Ambulance overcomes these inherent difficulties, maximizes thoracic cavity visualization, and may be the ideal technique for the nonsurgical specialist. The aim of this study is to identify the optimal technique for the nonsurgical-specialist-performed resuscitative thoracotomy. Secondary aims of the study are to identify technical difficulties, procedural concerns, and physician preferences. Emergency medicine staff and senior resident physicians were recruited from an academic Level I trauma center. Subjects underwent novel standardized didactic and skills-specific training on both the MCT and LAT techniques. Later, subjects were randomized to the order of intervention and performed both techniques on separate fresh, nonfrozen human cadaver specimens. Success was determined by a board-certified surgeon and defined as complete delivery of the heart from the pericardial sac and subsequent 100% occlusion of the descending thoracic aorta with a vascular clamp. The primary outcome was time to successful completion of the resuscitative thoracotomy technique. Secondary outcomes included successful exposure of the heart, successful descending thoracic aortic cross clamping, successful procedural completion, time to exposure of the heart, time to descending thoracic aortic cross-clamp placement, number and type of iatrogenic injuries, correct anatomic structure identification, and poststudy participant questionnaire. Sixteen emergency physicians were recruited; 15 met inclusion criteria. All participants were either emergency medicine resident (47%) or emergency medicine staff (53%). The median number of previously performed training LATs was 12 (interquartile range 6 to 15) and the median number of previously performed MCTs was 1 (interquartile range 1 to 1). The success rates of our study population for the MCT and LAT techniques were not statistically different (67% versus 40%; difference 27%; 95% confidence interval -61% to 8%). However, staff emergency physicians were significantly more successful with the MCT compared with the LAT (88% versus 25%; difference 63%; 95% CI 9% to 92%). Overall, the MCT also had a significantly higher proportion of injury-free trials compared with the LAT technique (33% versus 0%; difference 33%; 95% CI 57% to 9%). Physician procedure preference favored the MCT over the LAT (87% versus 13%; difference 74%; 95% CI 23% to 97%). Resuscitative thoracotomy success rates were lower than expected in this capable subject population. Success rates and procedural time for the MCT and LAT were similar. However, the MCT had a higher success rate when performed by staff emergency physicians, resulted in less periprocedural iatrogenic injuries, and was the preferred technique by most subjects. The MCT is a potentially feasible alternative resuscitative thoracotomy technique that requires further investigation.

Position Statement: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation of Patients with Confirmed or Suspected COVID-19 - 2020.

ResumoA atenção ao paciente vítima de parada cardiorrespiratória no contexto da pandemia da Doença por Coronavírus 2019 (COVID-19) possui particularidades que devem ser ressaltadas. As seguintes recomendações da Associação Brasileira de Medicina de Emergência (ABRAMEDE), Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia (SBC), Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira (AMIB) e Sociedade Brasileira de Anestesiologia (SBA), representantes oficiais de especialidades afiliadas à Associação Médica Brasileira (AMB), têm por objetivo orientar as diversas equipes assistentes, em uma situação de poucas evidências sólidas, maximizando a proteção das equipes e dos pacientes.É fundamental a paramentação completa com Equipamentos de Proteção Individual para aerossóis durante o atendimento de parada cardiorrespiratória. Também se faz imperativo que se considerem e tratem as potenciais causas nesses pacientes, principalmente hipóxia e arritmias de correntes de QT longo ou miocardite. A instalação de via aérea invasiva avançada deve ser obtida precocemente, e o uso de filtros HEPA na interface com a bolsa-válvula é obrigatório. Situações de ocorrência de parada cardiorrespiratória durante a ventilação mecânica e em posição pronada demandam peculiaridades de ajustes do ventilador e posicionamento de compressões torácicas distintas do padrão de ressuscitação cardiopulmonar. Dadas essas particularidades logísticas, o atendimento segue de acordo com os protocolos e diretrizes nacionais e internacionais do International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) de 2015, das diretrizes da American Heart Association (AHA) de 2019 e da Atualização da Diretriz de Ressuscitação Cardiopulmonar e Cuidados de Emergência da Sociedade Brasileira de Cardiologia de 2019.

Preparedness of personal protective equipment and implementation of new CPR strategies for patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the COVID-19 era

BackgroundIn February and March 2020, healthcare providers and citizens in Daegu, South Korea, experienced the onslaught of a large-scale community epidemic of COVID-19. This had a profound impact on patients who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational study of 171 OHCA patients based on the multicenter WinCOVID registry. Demographic and clinical characteristics, overall survival, COVID-19 related data, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE) and resuscitation techniques used during the COVID-19 outbreak were evaluated and compared with outcomes from a 2018 historical cohort (n ​= ​158). ResultsAmong the interventions, high-level PPE was introduced and standard cardiopulmonary resuscitation was changed to chest compressions using mechanical devices. All OHCA patients were treated as confirmed or suspicious for COVID-19 regardless of symptoms. Furthermore, complete or partial closures of emergency centers and the number of medical personnel requiring self-isolation decreased in response to the introduction of isolated resuscitation units. However, the adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals for survival discharge and favorable neurologic outcome were 0.51 (0.25–0.97) and 0.45 (0.21–1.07) compared with those in the 2018 historical cohort. ConclusionsResponses to the COVID-19 pandemic included changes to current PPE strategies and introduction of isolated resuscitation units; the latter intervention reduced the number of unexpected closures and quarantines of emergency resources early on during the COVID-19 outbreak. Given the possibility of future outbreaks, we need to have revised resuscitation strategies and the capacity to commandeer emergency resources for OHCA patients.

The effect of intrapartum oxygen supplementation on category II fetal monitoring

Maternal oxygen administration is a widely used intrauterine resuscitation technique for fetuses with category II electronic fetal monitoring patterns, despite a paucity of evidence on its ability to improve electronic fetal monitoring patterns. This study investigated the effect of intrapartum oxygen administration on Category II electronic fetal monitoring patterns. This is a secondary analysis of a randomized trial conducted in 2016-2017, in which patients with fetuses at ≥37 weeks' gestation in active labor with category II electronic fetal monitoring patterns were assigned to 10 L/min of oxygen by face mask or room air until delivery. Trained obstetrical research nurses blinded to allocation extracted electronic fetal monitoring data. The primary outcome was a composite of high-risk category II features including recurrent variable decelerations, recurrent late decelerations, prolonged decelerations, tachycardia, or minimal variability 60 minutes after randomization to room air or oxygen. Secondary outcomes included individual components of the composite high-risk category II features, resolution of recurrent decelerations within 60 minutes of randomization, and total deceleration area. The outcomes between the room air and oxygen groups were compared using univariable statistics. Time-to-event analysis was used to compare time to resolution of recurrent decelerations between the groups. Paired analysis was used to compare the pre- and postrandomization outcomes within each group. All 114 randomized patients (57 room air and 57 oxygen) were included in this analysis. There was no difference in resolution of recurrent decelerations within 60 minutes between the oxygen and room air groups (75.4% vs 86.0%; P=.15). The room air and oxygen groups had similar rates of composite high-risk category II features including recurrent variable decelerations, recurrent late decelerations, prolonged decelerations, tachycardia, and minimal variability 60 minutes after randomization. Time to resolution of recurrent decelerations and total deceleration area were similar between the room air and oxygen groups. Among patients who received oxygen, there was no difference in the electronic fetal monitoring patterns pre- and postrandomization. Similar findings were observed in the electronic fetal monitoring patterns pre- and postrandomization in room air patients. Intrapartum maternal oxygen administration for category II electronic fetal monitoring patterns did not resolve high-risk category II features or hasten the resolution of recurrent decelerations. These results suggest that oxygen administration has no impact on improving category II electronic fetal monitoring patterns.

Evaluation of the reliability, utility, and quality of the information in cardiopulmonary resuscitation videos shared on Open access video sharing platform YouTube

BackgroundThe internet is a widely used source for obtaining medical information both by patients and physicians. YouTube is an essential source of information that may be a useful tool to inform the public and may improve the learning experience if used adequately. In this study, we aimed to estimate the quality and accuracy of videos about cardiopulmonary resuscitation videos aired on YouTube, which is the most popular video platform of the online world. MethodsWe included the first 100 videos, in English, returned by the YouTube search engine in response to “cardiopulmonary resuscitation” keyword query to the study. The popularity of the videos was evaluated with an index called the video power index. The educational quality, accuracy, and transparency of the visual content were measured using the DISCERN questionnaire (DISCERN), Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA-BC) benchmark criteria, and Global Quality Score (GQS). The technical quality was measured by the Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Scoring System (CPR-SS), which was utilized by three bariatric surgeons. ResultsThe source in 7% of the videos was medical doctors. The content in 89% of the videos was cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique. According to sources, videos uploaded by physicians had significantly higher quality, transparency, educational and technical value. Unlike, videos uploaded by physicians had a lower video power index than videos uploaded by non-medical professionals. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique videos had significantly higher quality, transparency, educational and technical value. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation technique videos also had higher popularity scores than “information or lecture” videos. Also, negative correlations were found between the (popularity index and transparency, education and technical quality scores. ConclusionsOnline information on cardiopulmonary resuscitation is of low quality, and its contents are of unknown source and accuracy. However, the educational potential of the online video platform, YouTube, cannot be neglected.

Associations of thoracic cage size and configuration with outcomes of adult in-hospital cardiac arrest: A retrospective cohort study

To analyse the association of thoracic cage size and configuration with outcomes following in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). A single-centred retrospective study was conducted. Adult patients experiencing IHCA during 2006-2015 were screened. By analysing computed tomography images, we measured thoracic anterior-posterior and transverse diameters, circumference, and both anterior and posterior subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) depths at the level of the internipple line (INL). We also recorded the anatomical structure located immediately posterior to the sternum at the INL. A total of 649 patients were included. The median thoracic circumference was 88.6cm. The median anterior and posterior thoracic SAT depths were 0.9 and 1.5cm, respectively. The ascending aorta was found to be the most common retrosternal structure (57.6%) at the INL. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated that anterior thoracic SAT depth of 0.8-1.6cm (odds ratio [OR]: 2.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.40-6.35; p-value=0.005) and thoracic circumference of 83.9-95.0cm (OR: 2.48, 95% CI: 1.16-5.29; p-value=0.02) were positively associated with a favourable neurological outcome while left ventricular outflow track or aortic root beneath sternum at the level of INL was inversely associated with a favourable neurological outcome (OR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.15-0.91; p-value=0.03). Thoracic circumference and anatomic configuration might be associated with IHCA outcomes. This proof-of-concept study suggested that a one-size-fits-all resuscitation technique might not be suitable. Further investigation is needed to investigate the method of providing personalized resuscitation tailored to patient needs.

Analysis of Chest-Compression Depth and Full Recoil in Two Infant Chest-Compression Techniques Performed by a Single Rescuer: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Pediatric cardiac arrest is associated with high mortality and permanent neurological injury. We aimed to compare the effects of the two-thumb (TT) and two-finger (TF) techniques in infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed by a single rescuer. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and CENTRAL for randomized control trials published before December 2019. Studies comparing the TT and TF techniques in infant CPR were included for meta-analysis. Relevant information was extracted for methodological assessment. Twelve studies were included. The TT technique was associated with deeper chest-compression depth (mean difference: 4.71 mm; 95% confidence interval: 3.61 to 5.81; p < 0.001) compared with the TF technique. The TF technique was better in terms of the proportion of complete chest recoil (mean difference: −11.73%; 95% confidence interval: −20.29 to −3.17; p = 0.007). CPR was performed on a manikin model, and the application of the results to real human beings may be limited. The TT technique was superior to the TF technique in terms of chest-compression depth, but with inferior chest full recoil. Future investigations should focus on modifying the conventional TT technique to generate greater compression depth and achieve complete chest recoil.

The duration of intrapartum supplemental oxygen administration and umbilical cord oxygen content

Maternal oxygen (O2) administration is a commonly performed intrauterine resuscitation technique though to improve fetal oxygenation. However, hyperoxygenation is known to be harmful in both neonates and adults. Currently, there are no formal recommendations on whether a certain dose or duration of O2 may be most helpful in improving umbilical cord gases or neonatal outcomes. We tested the hypothesis that prolonged supplemental O2 exposure during labor is associated with increased umbilical cord O2 concentrations. This was a planned secondary analysis of a randomized noninferiority trial comparing O2 with room air in laboring patients. Patients were randomized to receive either 10 L/min O2 or room air at any point during active labor when they developed a category II fetal heart tracing that would otherwise require resuscitation. The primary outcome variable for this analysis was partial pressure of O2 in the umbilical vein. The secondary outcome variable was partial pressure of O2 in the umbilical artery. These outcome variables were compared between patients with short durations of O2 exposure and those with long durations of O2 exposure, defined as <75th percentile and ≥75th percentile of duration, respectively. The outcomes were also compared among the groups that received room air, O2 for short durations, and O2 for long durations. Among the 99 patients with paired and validated cord gases who were included in this analysis, the partial pressure of O2 in the umbilical vein was significantly lower in patients who received O2 supplementation for longer durations than in those who received O2 for shorter durations (median interquartile range 25.5 [21.5-33] vs 32.5 [26.5-37.5] mm Hg; P<.03). There was no difference in the partial pressure of O2 in the umbilical artery or other cord gases between the short and long duration O2 supplementation groups. Other methods of intrauterine resuscitation were similar between the short and long duration O2 supplementation groups. There was no difference in the partial pressure of O2 in the umbilical artery or in the umbilical vein when the room air, short duration O2 supplementation, and long duration O2 supplementation groups were compared. Longer durations of O2 exposure are not associated with a higher partial pressure of O2 in the umbilical cord. In fact, patients with longer durations of O2 exposure had lower partial pressure of O2 in the umbilical vein, suggesting impaired placental O2 transfer with prolonged O2 exposure.

Using a Mobile Phone Application Versus Telephone Assistance During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Randomized Comparative Study

IntroductionIn recent years, the way CPR instructions are given has changed because of the development of new technology that allows bystanders who witness a cardiac arrest to be guided in performing CPR. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of using a mobile phone application (app) versus telephone operator assistance in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques in simulated settings. MethodsA comparative study was performed with 2 intervention groups: (1) mobile phone app and (2) telephone assistance. A total of 128 students participated and were distributed randomly into each intervention group. A CPR observation checklist and standard CPR quality parameter measurements were used for data collection. ResultsThe group that used the app obtained better results than the group that had telephone assistance on 5 items during CPR observation: checking if the area is secure (X2(1) = 26.81; P < 0.05), asking for help (X2(1) = 66.07; P < 0.05), opening of airways (X2(1) = 12.03; P < 0.05), checking for breathing (X2(1) = 6.10; P < 0.05), and contacting emergency services (X2(1) = 12.41; P < 0.05). Regarding the skill level of CPR, no statistically significant differences were found when comparing the 2 intervention groups (X2(1) = 0.91; P = 0.33). As for the parameters measured, there were only statistically significant differences found in the item compression fraction (U = 1,593.00; Z = −2.16; P < 0.05), with the group that used the app obtaining better results. DiscussionBetter outcomes were observed in recognizing if the area was safe, asking for help, opening up the airways, checking for breathing, and calling emergency services in the mobile phone app group. However, the results indicated that there were no differences in the CPR parameters, except compression fraction, when the app was used as opposed to being guided by telephone.

The paramedic profession: disruptive innovation and barriers to further progress

The paramedic profession in the UK evolved from a small number of pilot programmes in the early 1970s that focused on training selected NHS ambulance crews in advanced resuscitation techniques. Similar initiatives occurred almost simultaneously in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. This case study focuses primarily on the UK, and England in particular. The purpose of the initiatives described was to address the unmet needs of patients with serious injury and illness. Over the following decades, paramedics developed a clear identity and became fully professionally recognised and regulated as allied health professionals, becoming an example of the phenomenon termed ‘disruptive Innovation’; this is something that creates a new market and value network while disrupting existing ones. The steep developmental trajectory of paramedics has not been mirrored by a comparable pace of reform and modernisation in NHS ambulance services which, in comparison, have lagged behind and also failed to adapt to significant changes in the pattern, quantity and epidemiological characteristics of patient demand. This has led to a mismatch between the capabilities offered by paramedics and the professional opportunities available to them in ambulance services, and hampered these practitioners' ability to make full use of their skills. The consequence of this has often manifested as low levels of paramedic and other ambulance staff satisfaction, resulting in high rates of staff turnover. Parallel developments in medical personnel deployment have increased the quantity of medical labour available to patients with serious or life-threatening injuries, with medical staff added to helicopter emergency medical crews. While many patients with urgent conditions would have benefited from general practitioners being available out of hours, proportionally fewer doctors are available to fulfil this role today and those that are attracted to working with the ambulance service often prefer to respond to cases involving major injury. For these reasons and given the reality that the ambulance service is morphing into primarily an urgent care organisation, de-emphasising the transport aspect of the service, changes are needed to its model of operation and to staff management and support.

Xiao's "xingnaofusu" needling for regaining consciousness and the influence on width of the third ventricle in patients with persistent vegetative state

To observe the influence of Xiao's "xingnaofusu" needling (the technique for resuscitation) on regaining consciousness in the patients with persistent vegetative state (PVS). A total of 50 patients of PVS were randomized into an observation group and a control group, 25 cases in each. The patients in the control group were treated by the routine western medicine, and those in the observation group treated by Xiao's "xingnaofusu" needling and routine western medicine. Baihui (GV20), Dingshen (Extra) to Shangen (Extra) (penetrating technique), Fengchi (GB20) to GB20 (penetrating technique), Neiguan (PC6) to Waiguan (TE5) (penetrating technique), Hegu (LI4) to Laogong (HT8) (penetrating technique) and Taichong (LR3) to Yongquan (KI1) (penetrating technique) were selected. The treatment was given once a day, 10 days as one treatment course, 3 courses in total. The coma recovery scale-revised (CRS-R) score, the modified Ashworth scale (MAS) score and the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) were separately compared before and after the treatment. Additionally, CT scanning was adopted to measure the width of the third ventricle before and after treatment so as to evaluate the clinical therapeutic effect. After the treatment, the CRS-R and GCS scores in the two groups increased remarkably, and MAS score reduced obviously as compared with that before the treatment(P<0.05); and the CRS-R and GCS scores were higher, and MAS score lower in the observation group than those in the control group(P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the width of the third ventricle reduced obviously in the observation group after the treatment(P<0.05). At the end of the treatment courses, the effective rate was 79.2%(19/24)in the observation group and was 47.8%(11/23) in the control group. The effective rate of the observation group was obviously higher than that of the control group (P<0.05). Xiao's "xingnaofusu" needling can remarkably improve the central nerve function, promote the recovery of brain function and the motor function of limbs, reduce the width of the third ventricle and improve the clinical therapeutic effect of regaining consciousness in the patients with PVS.

The effect of intrauterine resuscitation by maternal hyperoxygenation on perinatal and maternal outcome: a randomized controlled trial

Maternal hyperoxygenation is widely used during labor as an intrauterine resuscitation technique. However, robust evidence regarding its beneficial effect and potential side effects is scarce, and previous studies show conflicting results. To assess the effect of maternal hyperoxygenation upon suspected fetal distress during the second stage of term labor on fetal heart rate, neonatal outcome, maternal side effects, and mode of delivery. In a single-center randomized controlled trial in a tertiary hospital in The Netherlands, participants were randomized in case of an intermediary or abnormal fetal heart rate pattern during the second stage of term labor, to receive either conventional care or 100% oxygen at 10 L/min until delivery. The primary outcome was the change in fetal heart rate pattern. Prespecified secondary outcomes were Apgar score, umbilical cord blood gas analysis, neonatal intensive care unit admission, perinatal death, free oxygen radical activity, maternal side effects, and mode of delivery. We performed subgroup analyses for intermediary and abnormal fetal heart rate, and for small for gestational age fetuses. From March 2016 through April 2018, a total of 117 women were included. Fetal heart rate patterns could be analyzed in 71 women. Changes in fetal heart rate (defined as improvement, equal, or deterioration) in favor of maternal hyperoxygenation were significant (odds ratio, 5.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.7-19.1) using ordinal logistic regression. Apgar score, umbilical cord blood gas analysis, free oxygen radicals, and mode of delivery showed no significant differences between the intervention and control group. Among women with an abnormal fetal heart rate, there were fewer episiotomies on fetal indication in the intervention group (25%) than in the control group (65%, P< .01). Maternal hyperoxygenation has a positive effect on the fetal heart rate in the presence of suspected fetal distress during the second stage of labor. There was no significant difference in the mode of delivery or neonatal outcome; however, significantly fewer episiotomies on fetal indication were performed following maternal hyperoxygenation in the subgroup with abnormal fetal heart rate pattern.