Return To Spontaneous Circulation Research Articles

Effectiveness of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation at the Workplace.

Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) is a medical emergency whose chances of survival can be increased by rapid Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and early use of Public Access Defibrillators (PAD). Basic Life Support (BLS) training became mandatory in Italy to spread knowledge of resuscitation maneuvers in the workplace. Basic Life Support (BLS) training became mandatory according to the DL 81/2008 law. To improve the level of cardioprotection in the workplace, the national law DL 116/2021 increased the number of places required to be provided with PADs. The study highlights the possibility of a Return to spontaneous circulation in OHCA in the workplace. A multivariate logistic regression model was fitted to the data to extrapolate associations between ROSC and the dependent variables. The associations' robustness was evaluated through sensitivity analysis. The chance to receive CPR (OR 2.3; 95% CI:1.8-2.9), PAD (OR 7.2; 95% CI:4.9 - 10.7), and achieve Return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (crude OR 2.2; 95% CI:1.7-3.0, adjusted OR 1.6; 95% CI:1.2-2.2) is higher in the workplace compared to all other places. The workplace could be considered cardioprotective, although further research is necessary to understand the causes of missed CPRs and identify the best places to increase BLS and defibrillation training to help policymakers implement correct programming on the activation of PAD projects.

Post-Cardiac Arrest Syndrome Is Not Associated With an Early Bacterial Translocation.

The aim of this study was to investigate bacterial translocation and its possible role in the development of post-resuscitation inflammatory response following Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) after cardiac arrest. Munich female swine were employed for a model of cardiac arrest via application of electrical current. After 7 min, CPR was initiated, and animals were either successfully return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC) within 40 min or not (no-ROSC). At the end of experimental period and prior to sacrifice, samples from the intestine, mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), liver and portal vein blood were obtained. Evaluation of inflammation and gut permeability was performed; MLN, liver and portal vein samples were analyzed for 16 s rRNA detection and cytokine mRNA expression. A decreased expression of the tight junction protein Occludin, with higher levels of inflammation, greater epithelial disintegration, ulceration, loss of crypts and villi height were found in the intestines of the ROSC swine in comparison to no-ROSC. The macrophage surface antigen CD-14 staining was relatively more intense in the ROSC than in no-ROSC. Higher levels of TNF-α mRNA expression were present in the liver of the ROSC group. Finally, despite the inflammatory response and the gut mucosal alterations in ROSC group, no bacterial translocation was detected in liver, MLN and portal vein. We show that resuscitation from cardiac arrest induces inflammatory response and intestinal permeability in swine 4h after resuscitation, but not a bacterial translocation. Bacterial translocation is not an early phase phenomenon but probably part of the pathophysiologic sequelae.

Assessment of a new volumetric capnography-derived parameter to reflect compression quality and to predict return of spontaneous circulation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a porcine model.

We aimed to evaluate a volumetric capnography (Vcap)-derived parameter, the volume of CO2 eliminated per minute and per kg body weight (VCO2/kg), as an indicator of the quality of chest compression (CC) and to predict the return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC) under stable ventilation status. Twelve male domestic pigs were utilized for the randomized crossover study. After 4min of untreated ventricular fibrillation (VF), mechanical cardiopulmonary resuscitation and ventilation were administered. Following 5-min washout periods, each animal underwent two sessions of experiments: three types of CC quality for 5min stages in the first session, followed by advanced life support, consecutively in two sessions. Different CC quality had a significant effect on the partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (PetCO2), VCO2/kg, aortic pressure (mean), aortic systolic pressure, aortic diastolic pressure, right atrial pressure (mean), and carotid blood flow (P < 0.05). With the improvement in CC quality, the values of PetCO2 and VCO2/kg also increased, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The Spearman rank test revealed a significant correlation between the Vcap-derived parameters and hemodynamics. PetCO2 and VCO2/kg have similar capabilities for discriminating survivors from non-survivors, and the area under the curve for both was 0.97. VCO2/kg had similar performance as PetCO2 in reflecting the quality of CC and prediction of achieving ROSC under stable ventilation status in a porcine model of VF-related cardiac arrest. However, VCO2/kg requires a longer time to achieve a stable state after adjusting for quality of CC than PetCO2.

Successful Thrombolysis after Prolonged Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Due to Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Case Report

Maintenance of high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in refractory ventricular fibrillation (VF) and attempted treatment of the underline cause is associated with increased survival in prolonged cardiac arrest (CA). Thrombolysis targeting treatment of presumable acute myocardial infarction during CA, although plausible, is not routinely recommended. However, with the increase in technology to aid diagnosis during cardiac arrest, it is possible to more accurately infer patients who can benefit. This paper is a case report of a patient who presented an out-hospital subtle CA attended promptly by an alone rescuer. Due to geographical and communication conditions, the rescue system was not activated and the patient was transferred to the closer emergency department after 30 minutes of collapse by the rescuer's own means. The patient was resuscitated by a complete team in a satellite emergency unit and monitored with hand-free paddles. The rhythm was recurrent VF and there was rigorous CPR. The electrocardiogram filter showed ST-segment elevation in a short moment of sustained sinus rhythm. Intra-arrest thrombolytic therapy was performed after 25 minutes of in-hospital CA and immediate return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC) observed. Patient underwent cardiac catheterization with angioplasty of the anterior descending coronary and complete neurological recovery. This case report aims to demonstrate the possible effectiveness of thrombolysis during prolonged CA when ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction diagnosis is made by electrocardiogram filter. High-quality CPR and individualization with underlining cause treatment can promote ROSC, neurological recovery and discharge with good quality of life.

Frequency of Advanced Cardiac Life Support Medication Use and Association With Survival During In-hospital Cardiac Arrest

PurposeCardiopulmonary resuscitation is common in the United States, with >200,000 people experiencing an in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) annually. Recent medication shortages have raised the question of the frequency and type of medication used during cardiac arrest resuscitation. We sought to determine the frequency and quantity of medications used during IHCA. MethodsThis retrospective, single-center, medical record review was performed at a large, urban teaching hospital. Adults ≥18 years old who had an IHCA with confirmed loss of pulse between January 2017 and March 2018 were identified. A standardized data collection tool was used to extract data from the electronic medical record. The primary outcome was the frequency and quantity of medications used during the IHCA. Secondary outcomes included median time to defibrillation and frequency of sodium bicarbonate use, including among patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). FindingsCriteria were met for 181 IHCA events. Demographic characteristics were 71% black, 17% white, mean age of 65 years, and 46% women. Epinephrine was given in 86.7% of the arrests, with a mean cumulative dose of 4.2 mg. Sodium bicarbonate was given in 63.5% of the arrests, with a mean cumulative dose of 9.0 g (1.9 amps). Amiodarone was given in 30.9% of the arrests, with a mean cumulative dose of 311.8 mg. Median time to defibrillation was 2 min (interquartile range, 1–4 min). Preexisting ESRD was present in 24.8% of patients, of whom 71.1% received sodium bicarbonate. Sodium bicarbonate administration was associated with a lower likelihood of survival to discharge (odds ratio [OR] = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.11–0.66) as well as a lower rate of return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (OR = 0.35; 95% CI, 0.13–0.95). Magnesium administration was associated with a lower rate of ROSC (OR = 0.39; 95% CI, 0.15–0.98). Of note, in patients with preexisting ESRD, no medications were significantly associated with a change in likelihood of survival to discharge or rate of ROSC. In patients without preexisting ESRD, magnesium was associated with a lower rate of ROSC (OR = 0.23; 95% CI, 0.08–0.77). ImplicationsWe found that in a hospital with established rapid response and code blue teams, numerous medications that are not recommended for routine use in cardiac arrest are still administered at significant frequencies. Furthermore, substantial amounts of drugs with known recent shortage are used in IHCA. Inc.

Helmet Sign on EKG: A Rare Indicator of Poor Prognosis in Critically Ill Patients.

Background:The ‘Spiked Helmet’ is an electrocardiogram (EKG) finding occasionally seen in critically ill patients characterized by ST segment elevation usually represented as a ‘spike and dome’ pattern with elevation in the EKG baseline prior to the R wave and adjoining ST segment elevation resembling the German military helmet of the Prussian Empire. In the few cases reported in literature, this finding has been associated with very poor clinical outcomes, including in-hospital death. Although ST elevation is not uncommon in critically ill patients, these findings of a ‘Spiked Helmet’ sign are often transient and typically not associated with acute coronary syndrome.Case presentation:A 56-year-old male was found unresponsive by his relatives at home. It was an unknown the time that he had been unconscious. When the emergency medical services arrived, patient was found to be in pulseless electrical activity (PEA). Patient achieved return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC) 15 minutes after initiation of advanced cardiac life support protocol. An electrocardiogram done immediately post ROSC showed ST elevations in inferior and lateral leads. Patient was brought to the hospital as a ST elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI) arrest. The EKG revealed the Helmet sign in leads aVL and II, also ST segment elevation was noted in V1, V2, V3 and ST segment depression was noted in V5 and V6. Troponin was negative at the time of initial evaluation but trended up gradually during the hospitalization. A computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiogram was negative for pulmonary embolism. A head CT showed diffuse anoxic brain injury. Patient was started on the hypothermia protocol. Upon family request patient was terminally extubated two days into hospital stay and expired shortly after.Conclusion:Although we are yet to fully understand the significance of the ‘Spiked Helmet’ Sign, this case report and literature review offers a comprehensive overview of the reported cases and draws important links and clues from them.

The Effect of Transport Time Interval on Neurological Recovery after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Patients without a Prehospital Return of Spontaneous Circulation.

BackgroundLonger transport adversely affects outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients who do not return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The aim of this study was to determine the association between the transport time interval (TTI) and neurological outcomes in OHCA patients without ROSC.MethodsWe analyzed adult OHCA patients with presumed cardiac etiology and without prehospital ROSC from 2012 to 2015. The study population was divided into 2 groups according to STI (short STI [1–5 minutes] and long STI [≥ 6 minutes]). The primary exposure was TTI, which was categorized as short (1–5 minutes), intermediate (6–10 minutes), or long (≥ 11 minutes). The primary outcome was a good neurological recovery at discharge. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used in each STI group.ResultsAmong 57,822 patients, 23,043 (40%), 20,985 (36%), and 13,794 (24%) were classified as short, intermediate, and long TTI group. A good neurological recovery occurred in 1.0%, 0.6%, and 0.3% of the patients in the short, intermediate and long TTI group, respectively. Among 12,652 patients with short STI, a good neurological recovery occurred in 2.2%, 1.0%, and 0.4% of the patients in the short, intermediate and long TTI group, respectively. Among 45,570 patients with long STI, a good neurological recovery occurred in 0.7%, 0.5%, and 0.3% of the patients in the short, intermediate and long TTI group, respectively. When short TTI was used as a reference, the adjusted odds ratios (AOR) of TTI for good neurological recovery was different between short STI group and long STI group (AOR [95% confidence interval, 0.46 [0.32–0.67] vs. 0.72 [0.59–0.89], respectively, for intermediate TTI and 0.31 [0.17–0.55] vs. 0.49 [0.37–0.65], respectively, for long TTI).ConclusionA longer TTI adversely affected the likelihood of a good neurological recovery in OHCA patients without prehospital ROSC. This negative effect was more prominent in short STI group.

Prevalence and Outcomes of Sudden Cardiac Arrest in a University Hospital in the Western Region, Saudi Arabia.

Background:Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is a major cause of mortality, yet its epidemiological and outcome data in hospitals from Saudi Arabia are limited.Objectives:This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, risk factors and outcomes of SCA in a teaching hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.Methods:This retrospective study included all patients aged ≥18 years with SCA who were resuscitated at King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, between January 1 and December 31, 2016. Data were retrieved from the hospital medical records as flow sheets designed in accordance with the Utstein-style recommendations. Factors relating to mortality were analyzed using descriptive analyses and chi-square test.Results:A total of 429 cases of SCA met the inclusion criteria, and its prevalence was 7.76 cases/1000 adult hospital admission. Of these, 61.3% were male, and the mean age was 58.4 years, with 36.6% aged >65 years. Only 3.5% were outside-hospital cardiac arrests. The most common initial rhythm was pulseless electrical activity/asystole (93.2%), while ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation was documented in only 29 cases (6.8%). The overall rate of return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was 56.2%, and 56.8% in cases of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). Patients with SCA due to sepsis had significantly increased mortality (P < 0.000; odds ratio [OR] = 0.24 [0.12–0.47 95% confidence interval [CI]]), while those with SCA due to respiratory causes had significantly better survival outcomes (P = 0.001; OR = 2.3 [1.5–3.8 95% CI]). No significant differences in outcomes were found between other risk factors, including cardiac causes.Conclusion:In this population, the prevalence of SCA in adults was higher than reported in many similar studies. Further, sepsis was found to affect the survival rate. Although the rate of ROSC for IHCA patients was favorable compared with other studies, it is relatively poor. This finding signifies the need to identify and control risk factors for SCA to improve survival.

Interaction of defibrillation waveform with the time to defibrillation or the number of defibrillation attempts on survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

AimEarly biphasic defibrillation is effective in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) cases. In the resuscitation of patients with OHCA, it is not clear how the defibrillation waveform interacts with the time to defibrillation to influence patient survival. The second, and any subsequent, shocks need to be administered by an on-line physician in Japan. Thus, we investigated the interaction between the defibrillation waveform and time to or the number of defibrillation on resuscitation outcomes. MethodsThis prospective observational study used data for all OHCAs that occurred between 2005 and 2014 in Japan. To investigate the interaction effect between the defibrillation waveform and the time to defibrillation or the number of defibrillations on the return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC), 1-month survival, and cerebral performance category (CPC) (1, 2), we assessed the modifying effects of the defibrillation waveform and the time to or the number of defibrillation on additive scale (i.e., the relative excessive risk due to interaction, RERI) and multiplicative scale (i.e., ratio of odds ratios (ORs)). ResultsIn total, 71,566 cases met the inclusion criteria. For the measure of interaction between the defibrillation waveform and the time to defibrillation, ratio of ORs for ROSC was 0.84 (0.75–0.94), implying that the effect of time to first defibrillation on ROSC was negatively modified by defibrillation waveform. For the interaction between the defibrillation waveform and the number of defibrillations, RERI and ratio of ORs for CPC (1, 2) was −0.25 (−0.47 to −0.06) and 0.79 (0.67–0.93), respectively. It is implied that the effect of number of defibrillation on CPC (1, 2) was negatively modified by defibrillation waveform. ConclusionsAn increased number of defibrillations was associated with a decreased ROSC in the case of biphasic and monophasic defibrillation, while an increased number of defibrillations was related to an increased 1-month survival rate and CPC (1, 2) only in the case of biphasic defibrillation. When two or more defibrillations were performed, a biphasic waveform was more effective in terms of long-term survival than a monophasic waveform.

Out-of-hospital ECPR

Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has been used successfully for several years in refractory cardiogenic shock. Of note, the survival rate is markedly affected by the underlying patient condition, and especially their capacity to recover. Combes et al. 1 demonstrated a short- and a long-term survival rate (11 months of median follow-up time) of, respectively, 42 and 36% in a large series of patients with cardiogenic shock of various origins, including fulminant myocarditis (30%), post-cardiotomy (24%), post-myocardial infarction (15%), and shock after heart transplantation (15%). In that study, 1 implantation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was associated with a marked increase in the risk of death (OR 20.68 (1.09–392.03)). As the probability of achieving return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC) decreases rapidly when the duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation CPR exceeds 10 min and dramatically after 30 min, 2 some clinicians questioned whether ECMO could also be used...

Abstract 13106: Improved Outcomes of Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest - A Community-wide Evaluation

Introduction: The patient outcome after OHCA is poor. Return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC) dramatically decreases with the duration of CPR. It has been proposed to implement extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in order to assist CPR (ECPR) in OHCA. Objective: To investigate the effects of ECPR in emergency (ED) for OHCA. Methods: A prospective 4-year observational database collected from a community-wide OHCA registry in an urban EMS was studied. The EMS ambulance staffs were capable with advanced airway, intravenous (iv) fluid skills, basic and advanced life support and AED techniques. Outcomes included 2-hour and 24-hour sustained ROSC, survival (SD) and cerebral performance category scale (CPC) at discharge. OHCA receiving ECPR were included and their pre-hospital (pre-H) and hospital (H) characteristics and outcomes were evaluated by regression analysis. Results: In the 4 years among a total of 7,220 OHCA resuscitated in ED, ECPR was used 88 times (90% male, median age 54 [IQR 44-63]), 90% non-traumatic, 58.6% arrest witnessed, 50.6% with bystander CPR, up to 72.6% initial AED rhythm showing shockable, 54% with LMA (laryngeal mask airway), 5.7% with endotracheal intubation, 18.2% with pre-H iv epinephrine, and 12.5% of them received therapeutic hypothermia. Pre-H time intervals (min:sec, median [IQR]) were 04:38 [03:30-06:08] for response, 13:00 [10:05-16:00] for scene, and 03:08 [02:09-05:00] for transport. Only 10.2% of cases presented pre-H ROSC and 9.1% got ROSC upon H arrival. Outcomes were 88.6% for 2-hr ROSC, 69.3% for 24-hr ROSC, 39.1% for SD, and 21% for good CPC 1or2 respectively. Patients with CPC 1or2 tended to be younger (median age 46.8 vs. 55.9, p=0.04) and less with LMA (29.4 vs. 61.9%, p=0.02). Conclusions: ECPR can lead to survival and good neurological outcome in selected OHCA regardless of positive ROSC at pre-H or upon H arrival after EMS resuscitation. Elder age and pre-H LMA may be adverse to neurological outcome for OHCA with ECPR.

Abstract 13104: Comparison of Patient Characteristics and Outcomes Between Adult Non-traumatic Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrests With and Without Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation - A Community-wide Evaluation

Objectives: The outcome of patients after OHCA is poor. Return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC) dramatically decreases with the duration of CPR. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation has been proposed to assist CPR (ECPR) in OHCA. This study was to investigate the effects and characteristics of ECPR for adult non-traumatic (ANT) OHCA versus Non-ECPR on a community-wide basis. Methods: A prospective four-year observational database collected from a community-wide OHCA web registry in an urban EMS (emergency medical services) was studied. The EMS ambulance teams were capable with advanced airway, intravenous (iv) fluid skills, basic and advanced life support and automated external defibrillator techniques. Outcomes included survival and cerebral performance category scale (CPC) at discharge. ANT OHCA with and without ECPR in emergency were compared by regression analysis including factors of patient, pre-hospital and hospital characteristics and outcomes. Results: Comparing OHCA receiving ECPR (n=79) to those without (n=959), ECPR group were younger (median age 56 vs 78 p&lt;0.001) and had higher portion for men (89 vs 64% p&lt;0;001), witnessed arrest (Wit) (60.8 vs 32.5% p&lt;0.001), bystander CPR (BCPR) (53.2 vs 36.8% p=0.005), initial shockable rhythms (SR) (74.6 vs 12.2% p&lt;0.001) and therapeutic hypothermia (TH) (22.8 vs 1.1%, p&lt;0.001). They (EPCR vs non-ECPR) had no difference for prehospital time intervals (22.5 vs 23 min.), laryngeal mask airway treatment (55.7 vs 52.8%), EMS iv epinephrine (20.3 vs 15.5%), endotracheal intubation (6.3 vs 8.0%), prehospital ROSC (11.4 vs 6% p=0.09), and ROSC upon hospital arrival (10.1 vs 8.5%). Outcomes were better in ECPR for discharged survival (41 vs 7% p&lt;0.001) and CPC 1or2 (20.8 vs 3.8% p&lt;0.001). After adjusting for Wit, BCPR, SR, TH, age and sex, both survival (adjusted odds ratio: 3.6 [95% 2.0-6.6]) and good CPC 1or2 (adjusted OR: 2.9 [95% 1.2-6.9]) were still significantly higher in ECPR. Conclusions: In current emergency practice for ANT OHCA, ECPR tended to apply to patients of younger age, men, witnessed arrest, BCPR, and initially shockable rhythms regardless of positive ROSC upon hospital arrival, that can independently lead to higher survival and good neurological outcome compared to non-ECPR.

Abstract 14288: Implementation of a Multidimensional Bundle for Dispatcher Telephone CPR in a Horizontal Dispatch System is Associated With Increased Bystander CPR and Good Neurological Survival From Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Background: The resuscitation guidelines indicate pre-arrival dispatcher-assisted telephone CPR (DATCPR) instructions and measurement to increase the proportion of bystander CPR (BCPR), however the impact of those guidelines on survival is not well known. Objective: To describe the impact of a comprehensive bundle of DATCPR on BCPR and survival from OHCA in a horizontal computerized-aided dispatch (CAD) system. Methods: A centralize CAD system in a metropolitan EMS is studied. Routinely in system the time from call to ambulance dispatch should be within 60 seconds. The audio recordings of confirmed OHCAs were reviewed using a standardized format linked with EMS and hospital process and outcome data. The proportions of BCPR and survival six months after implementation (P1) of a bundle that included guideline-based protocol changes, staff training, computerized audit, feedback to providers and leadership rebuilt are compared with that of the same month period in the prior year as control group (P0), using regression analysis for statistics. Results: There were 1437 OHCAs [665 P0, 772 P1; 64% male, median age 62 (IQR: 47-74)](Table 1). The rate of BCPR went from 20.6% in P0 to 35.0% in P1 (p&lt;0.001). Outcome of ROSC (return to spontaneous circulation) upon hospital arrival was significantly higher in P1 (10.4%) compared to P0 (6.6% p=0.037), as was good neurological outcome (CPC 1or2: 5.5% in P1 vs. 2.6% in P0 p=0.029). Survival to hospital discharge was higher in P1 (8.3%, vs. P0: 6.4%) but not statistically significant. After adjusting for witnessed arrest, shockable rhythms, age, sex, and pre-hospital time intervals, good neurological outcome were still significantly higher in P1 vs. P0 [adjusted odds ratios: 2.1 (95% 1.1-4.4)]. Conclusions: The implementation of a comprehensive bundle of DATCPR in a metropolitan horizontal dispatch system was associated with significant improvements in the rates of BCPR and good neurologic outcome after OHCA.

Innovative media technology for recognition of cardiac arrest

s / Resuscitation 96S (2015) 43–157 149 interleukin 6) and echocardiography to quantify how these variables can help to predict the evolution of patients who developed cardiac arrest. Method: In this study we prospectively analysed a sample of 47 patientswith cardio-respiratory arrest, presented consecutively in the Emergency Unit of the Clinical Emergency County Hospital “St. Spiridon” in the period 1 January to 15 July 2014. Data were collected and analysed using specialized statistical software (SPSS 20.0). Results: Lot analysed included a 70.2% percentage of male patients, the average age in the study group was 65.66±15.45 years. CPC score 4was themost common53.19%, initial rhythmwas asystole-bradyarrhythmia (48.945) and pulseless electrical activity in 14.89%. RCP duration was 21.19±10.98min, cardiopulmonary arrest occurred frequently in the patient’s home only 63.83%. On 95.74% achieved return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and of these, 9 patients survived to hospital discharge. The study reveals statistically significant differences between patients who died or not in terms of CPC score (p=0.031), duration CPR (p=0.045), syncope onset event (p=0.035), performing mouth-to-mouth ventilation (p=0.041), echocardiographic parameters of the presence of aortic stenosis (p=0.032) and inferior vena cava diameter as a marker of hypovolemic status (p<0.001), and during CPR: administration of epinephrine (p=0.002), amiodarone (p=0.006) and performing coronary angiography (p=0.039). Conclusions: Assessing the role of inflammatory markers (interleukin-6 and hsCRP) and apoptosis (cytochrome c) in determining prognosis (survival and neurologic) showed no statistically significant relationship. Although well-known difficulties, the study in cardiac arrest patient is the only way to improve survival in this patient population. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.resuscitation.2015.09.354

Design of the PRINCESS trial: pre-hospital resuscitation intra-nasal cooling effectiveness survival study (PRINCESS)

BackgroundTherapeutic hypothermia (TH, 32-34°C) has been shown to improve neurological outcome in comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) with ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation. Earlier initiation of TH may increase the beneficial effects. Experimental studies have suggested that starting TH during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may further enhance its neuroprotective effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether intra-arrest TH (IATH), initiated in the field with trans nasal evaporative cooling (TNEC), would provide outcome benefits when compared to standard of care in patients being resuscitated from OHCA.Methods/designWe describe the methodology of a multi-centre, randomized, controlled trial comparing IATH delivered through TNEC device (Rhinochill, Benechill Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) during CPR to standard treatment, including TH initiated after hospital admission. The primary outcome is neurological intact survival defined as cerebral performance category 1–2 at 90 days among those patients who are admitted to the hospital. Secondary outcomes include survival at 90 days, proportion of patients achieving a return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC), the proportion of patients admitted alive to the hospital and the proportion of patients achieving target temperature (<34°C) within the first 4 hours since CA.DiscussionThis ongoing trial will assess the impact of IATH with TNEC, which may be able to rapidly induce brain cooling and have fewer side effects than other methods, such as cold fluid infusion. If this intervention is found to improve neurological outcome, its early use in the pre-hospital setting will be considered as an early neuro-protective strategy in OHCA.Trial registrationNCT01400373.

Peri-mortem laparotomy in a patient with a ruptured intra-abdominal pregnancy

Intra-abdominal pregnancies can present at an advanced stage of pregnancy and can have the potential for life-threatening rupture and haemorrhage. The purpose of this case report was to discuss the early recognition and prompt management options of a patient with a life threatening ruptured intra-abdominal pregnancy. We report what we believe to be the first case of a patient who presented with an intra-abdominal pregnancy who underwent a peri-mortem laparotomy in the Emergency Centre following a cardiac arrest, and who exhibited a return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Peri-mortem laparotomy/thoracotomy coupled with high quality CPR and resuscitation may be lifesaving in a patient with a life threatening ruptured intra-abdominal pregnancy. Les grossesses extra-utérines peuvent se présenter à un stade avancé de la grossesse et peuvent entraîner une rupture mortelle et une hémorragie. L’objet de cette observation était de discuter de l’identification précoce et des options de prise en charge rapide d’une patiente présentant une grossesse extra-utérine rompue mortelle. Nous faisons état de ce qui semble être le premier cas de patiente se présentant avec une grossesse extra-utérine et ayant subi une césarienne périmortem au service des urgences suite à un arrêt cardiaque, avec retour spontané de la circulation. Une césarienne/thoracotomie périmortem, associée à une réanimation cardio-respiratoire de qualité et aux techniques de réanimation, peut sauver la vie d’une patiente présentant une grossesse extra-utérine rompue mortelle.

Out-of-hospital use of an automated chest compression device: facilitating access to extracorporeal life support or non–heart-beating organ procurement

Objective The aim of the study was to assess the ease-of-use, safety, and usefulness of an automated external chest compression device for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Methods Adults with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) were included prospectively. The emergency medical services (EMS) in a large suburb northeast of Paris (France) recorded data for standard criteria for EMS care for CA and specific criteria on device use—application time, ease of application and use (visual analog scale score: 0, impossible; 5, very easy), technical incidents, and clinical complications. Results We attended 4868 OHCA patients (January 2005 to April 2010) and used the device in 285 patients (6%) (212 males [74%], 73 females [26%]; median age, 56 [43-70] years). Results (medians with 25-75 percentiles) were as follows: time to apply device, 30 seconds (20-60); ease of application and activation, 5 (4-5) and 5 (5-5), respectively; duration of use, 30 (20-41) minutes; return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC), 76 patients (27%); and time to ROSC, 19 (12-32) minutes after placement. Twenty-seven patients (9%) with refractory CA benefited from extracorporeal life support. Overall, 32 patients were alive after 24 hours, 11 at 7 days, and 3 at 1 month. An additional 23 patients (8%) with refractory CA were selected for non–heart-beating kidney procurement. Ten patients were used to harvest kidneys and 15 were transplanted. There were 21 technical incidents (7%) and 19 clinical complications (7%). Conclusion The device was easy to use in routine emergency practice and of particular value in facilitating access to extracorporeal life support or non–heart-beating organ procurement. These uses should be itemized in all OHCA studies.

Trans-nasal cooling during CPR: a single-center experience

IntroductionTrans-nasal cooling started during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has shown to improve the return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival rate in an experimental prolonged cardiac arrest model. A multicenter randomized trial (PRINCE) has also suggested an improved neurological outcome in patients receiving trans-nasal cooling during CPR in the prehospital setting when compared with those treated by conventional hypothermia on hospital arrival, provided a delay between collapse and CPR of less than 10 minutes. MethodsPatients with witnessed cardiac arrest and a downtime less than 20 minutes were randomized to prehospital intra-arrest cooling versus standard ACLS care. Trans-nasal cooling (RhinoChill, BeneChill Inc., CA, USA) was initiated using a mixture of volatile coolant fluid with oxygen delivered into the nasopharynx for rapid evaporative heat transfer. Cooling was continued during CPR and, for patients who achieved ROSC, until initiation of systemic cooling at hospital. Resuscitation was continued for at least 30 minutes. All patients were then cooled at the hospital. ResultsTwenty-four patients were included, but one in the treatment group was excluded from the per-protocol analysis because of DNR orders. Patients randomized to treatment group (n = 9) or standard care (n = 14) had similar demographics, initial rhythm, time from collapse to CPR and ALS arrival. Median time from collapse to cooling initiation was 19 minutes. In total, 6/9 (66%) treated and 6/14 (42%) control patients achieved ROSC. Three patients (33%) in the treatment group survived to hospital discharge with CPC 1 to 2, while only one (7%) of the control group patients had good neurological outcome. No serious adverse events occurred in treated patients. ConclusionsTrans-nasal cooling seems to be safe and feasible in a prehospital setting. These single-center data confirm that trans-nasal cooling may improve the ROSC rate as well as good neurological outcome if started in patients with a short delay between collapse and CPR.

Abstract P26: Intra-CPR Hypothermia with and Without Volume Loading in an Ischemic Model of Cardiac Arrest

Background: Coronary occlusive ischemic events are responsible for 50 –70% of cardiac arrests in adults. We investigated the effects of intra-CPR mild hypothermia (HTM) (target 32–33°C) with and without volume loading on return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and infarction size in a severe, mid-LAD occlusion model of cardiac arrest. Methods: 46 (27±2.3kg) pigs had their mid LAD balloon occluded and were divided in 5 groups. After 15 minutes, ventricular fibrillation (VF) was electrically induced and 5 minutes of untreated VF were followed by 5 minutes of pneumatic vest CPR with a set compression pressure (250mmHg). If ROSC was obtained, animals were followed for another 95 minutes for a total LAD occlusion time of 120 min. Subsequently the balloon was deflated and 90 min of reperfusion were followed by myocardial staining to define area at risk (AAR) and myocardial infarct size. Group A had no additional intervention. Group B received immediately post ROSC surface cooling with cooling blankets and ice. Group C received intra-CPR 680±23ml of 28°C 0.9% NS via a central femoral venous catheter. Group D received during CPR 673±26 of 4°C NS followed by post ROSC surface cooling as in group B. Group E received intra-CPR and post ROSC volume-sparing HTM with an Endovascular Therapeutic Hypothermia System (ETHS) placed into the right atrium and set at a target of 32°C. Results: During CPR, coronary perfusion pressure was significantly decreased in groups C and D compared to groups A, B and E but groups D and E had significantly reduced infarct size. Group E had significantly improved EF compared to all other groups. Table . Conclusions: Intra-CPR HTM significantly reduces myocardial infarction size. Volume loading during CPR is detrimental for ROSC due to reduction of coronary perfusion pressure. ETHS intra-CPR application improves ROSC and post-resuscitation LV function and minimizes infarction in this ischemia-reperfusion cardiac arrest model. Results

Public health impact of full implementation of therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest

Induced hypothermia improves outcomes in patients resuscitated successfully after cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation. However, a minority of US physicians currently use the therapy. The aim of this study was to project the public health impact of implementing hypothermia in all eligible US out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors. The number of OHCA patients expected to have a good outcome after hypothermia was calculated using a linear model. Literature-derived input variables included OHCA incidence rates and US 2000 census data, percent with return to spontaneous circulation (ROSC), percent eligible for hypothermia, and the expected benefit from hypothermia. Sensitivity analyses were performed to calculate a plausible range around the reference case. An additional 2298 US patients per year are expected to have a good neurological outcome if US physicians implement hypothermia fully in comatose survivors of OHCA. The two-way sensitivity analyses found that this number ranged from 766 to 5171 patients. This model is similarly sensitive to varying the incidence of OHCA, percent with ROSC, percent of patients eligible for hypothermia, and the number needed to treat. If US physicians adopt therapeutic hypothermia fully in eligible patients with OHCA, 2298 additional patients per year would be expected to achieve a good neurological outcome, a substantial public health impact. Barriers to adoption should be researched and addressed to increase acceptance and use by US physicians.