Spontaneous Circulation In Patients Research Articles

Prediction Models for Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Patients with Cardiac Arrest: A Systematic Review and Critical Appraisal.

Prediction models for the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in patients with cardiac arrest play an important role in helping physicians evaluate the survival probability and providing medical decision-making reference. Although relevant models have been developed, their methodological rigor and model applicability are still unclear. Therefore, this study aims to summarize the evidence for ROSC prediction models and provide a reference for the development, validation, and application of ROSC prediction models. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Elsevier, Web of Science, SpringerLink, Ovid, CNKI, Wanfang, and SinoMed were systematically searched for studies on ROSC prediction models. The search time limit was from the establishment of the database to August 30, 2022. Two reviewers independently screened the literature and extracted the data. The PROBAST was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature. A total of 8 relevant prediction models were included, and 6 models reported the AUC of 0.662-0.830 in the modeling population, which showed good overall applicability but high risk of bias. The main reasons were improper handling of missing values and variable screening, lack of external validation of the model, and insufficient information of overfitting. Age, gender, etiology, initial heart rhythm, EMS arrival time/BLS intervention time, location, bystander CPR, witnessed during sudden arrest, and ACLS duration/compression duration were the most commonly included predictors. Obvious chest injury, body temperature below 33°C, and possible etiologies were predictive factors for ROSC failure in patients with TOHCA. Age, gender, initial heart rhythm, reason for the hospital visit, length of hospital stay, and the location of occurrence in hospital were the predictors of ROSC in IHCA patients. The performance of current ROSC prediction models varies greatly and has a high risk of bias, which should be selected with caution. Future studies can further optimize and externally validate the existing models.

Abstract 15065: A Novel Predictor of Unsustained Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Patients in Cardiac Arrest Through a Combination of Capnography and Pulse Oximetry

Introduction: Unsustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is a critical barrier to survival in cardiac arrest patients. However, no parameter so far can be used to predict the sustainability of ROSC. Research Questions: End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO 2 ) is regarded as an indicator of ROSC in cardiac arrest patients. Pulse oximetry photoplethysmogram (POP) parameters have been shown to be associated with peripheral perfusion in critically ill patients. We hypothesized that the combination of ETCO 2 and POP parameters might be discriminative for early recognition of patients at risk of unsustained ROSC before rearrest. Aims: This study examined whether ETCO 2 and POP parameters can be used to identify unsustained ROSC. Methods: We conducted a multicenter observational prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with cardiac arrest managed from 2013 to 2014. Patients’ general information, ETCO 2 , and POP parameters, including area under the curve (AUCp) and amplitude (Amp) of POP waveform, were collected and statistically analyzed. Results: The included 105 ROSC episodes (from 80 cardiac arrest patients) comprised 51 sustained ROSC episodes and 54 unsustained ROSC episodes. Patients with unsustained ROSC had lower 24-hour survival rate than sustained ROSC patients (11.5% vs. 25.0%, respectively; P<0.05). The logistic regression analysis showed that, ΔETCO 2 (difference in ETCO 2 between after to before ROSC) and ΔAUCp (difference in AUCp between after to before ROSC) were independently associated with sustained ROSC (OR = 0.931, P = 0.011 and OR = 0.998, P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of ΔETCO 2 , ΔAUCp, and the combination of both to predict unsustained ROSC were 0.752 (95% CI 0.660-0.844), 0.883 (95% CI 0.818-0.948), and 0.902 (95% CI 0.842-0.962). Conclusion: Patients with unsustained ROSC have a poor prognosis. Combined ΔETCO 2 and ΔAUCp showed significant predictive value for unsustained ROSC.

Abstract 297: A Novel Predictor of Unsustained Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Patients in Cardiac Arrest Through a Combination of Capnography and Pulse Oximetry

Introduction: Unsustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is a critical barrier to survival in cardiac arrest patients. However, no parameter so far can be used to predict the sustainability of ROSC. Research Questions: end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO 2 ) is regarded as an indicator of ROSC in cardiac arrest patients. pulse oximetry photoplethysmogram (POP) parameters have been shown to be associated with peripheral perfusion in critically ill patients. We hypothesized that the combination of ETCO 2 and POP parameters might be discriminative for early recognition of patients at risk of unsustained ROSC before rearrest. Aims: This study examined whether ETCO 2 and POP parameters can be used to identify unsustained ROSC. Methods: We conducted a multicenter observational prospective cohort study of consecutive patients with cardiac arrest managed from 2013 to 2014. Patients’ general information, ETCO 2 , and POP parameters, including area under the curve (AUCp) and amplitude (Amp) of POP waveform, were collected and statistically analyzed. Results: The included 105 ROSC episodes (from 80 cardiac arrest patients) comprised 51 sustained ROSC episodes and 54 unsustained ROSC episodes. Patients with unsustained ROSC had lower 24-hour survival rate than sustained ROSC patients (11.5% vs. 25.0%, respectively; P<0.05). The logistic regression analysis showed that, ΔETCO 2 (difference in ETCO 2 between after to before ROSC) and ΔAUCp (difference in AUCp between after to before ROSC) were independently associated with sustained ROSC (OR = 0.931, P = 0.011 and OR = 0.998, P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of ΔETCO 2 , ΔAUCp, and the combination of both to predict unsustained ROSC were 0.752 (95% CI 0.660-0.844), 0.883 (95% CI 0.818-0.948), and 0.902 (95% CI 0.842-0.962). Conclusion: Patients with unsustained ROSC have a poor prognosis. Combined ΔETCO 2 and ΔAUCp showed significant predictive value for unsustained ROSC.

A retrospective study on epidemiological analysis of pre-hospital emergency care in Hangzhou, China.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a leading cause of global mortality, with numerous factors influencing the patient survival rate and prognosis. This study aimed to evaluate the OHCA epidemiology in China and elaborate on the current Hangzhou emergency system status. This retrospective analysis was based on the medical history system of the Hangzhou Emergency Center registered from 2015-2021. We provided a detailed description of OHCA characteristics and investigated the factors affecting the success rate of emergency treatment in terms of epidemiology, causes of onset, bystander rescue, and outcome factors. We included 9585 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases, of which 5442 (56.8%) had evidence of resuscitation. Patients with underlying diseases constituted the vast majority (80.1%); trauma and physicochemical factors accounted for 16.5% and 3.4%, respectively. Only 30.4% of patients (about 80.0% of bystanders witnessed) received bystander first aid. The outcome rate of emergency doctors dispatched by emergency centres was significantly higher than doctors dispatched by hospitals. Additionally, physician's first-aid experience, emergency response time, emergency telephone availability, initial heart rhythm, out-of-hospital defibrillation, out-of-hospital intubation, and using of epinephrine significantly can significantly improve the out-of-hospital return of spontaneous circulation in patients. All steps in pre-hospital care are important for patients, especially for bystander first aid and physician's first-aid experience. The popularity of first-aid training and the public emergency medical system are not potent enough. We should take those key factors into consideration when developing a pre-hospital care system for OHCA.

Elevated albumin corrected anion gap is associated with poor in-hospital prognosis in patients with cardiac arrest: A retrospective study based on MIMIC-IV database.

Cardiac arrest(CA) is one of the most leading causes of death. Most of the indicators which used to predict the prognosis of patients with CA are not recognized. Previous studies have suggested that albumin corrected anion gap (ACAG) is associated with recovery of spontaneous circulation in patients with CA, but the predictive value of ACAG for prognosis has not been investigated. This study aims to explore the relationship between ACAG and prognosis during hospitalization in patients with CA. The baseline data of adult patients with CA hospitalized in the intensive care unit (ICU) from 2008 to 2019 in the American Intensive Care Database (MIMIC-IV, version v2.0) were collected. According to the in-hospital prognosis, patients were divided into survival and non-survival group. Based on the criteria of ACAG level in the previous literature, patients enrolled were divided into normal ACAG (12-20 mmol/L) and high ACAG (>20 mmol/L) group. The basic information of patients during hospitalization were compared and analyzed between the two groups with propensity score matching (PSM). The Kaplan-Meier method was used to compare the cumulative survival rates of normal ACAG and high ACAG groups before and after matching. Restricted cubic spline (RCS) method and multivariate COX proportional hazards regressions were used to analyze whether elevated ACAG was associated with all-cause mortality during hospitalization. A total of 764 patients were included. A matched cohort (n = 310) was obtained after PSM analysis. The mortality rate before and after matching in the high ACAG group was higher than that in the normal ACAG group (χ 2 = 25.798; P < 0.001; χ 2 = 6.258; P = 0.012) The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis before and after matching showed that the cumulative survival rate of the high ACAG group was lower (P < 0.05). RCS analysis showed that ACAG had a non-linear relationship with the risk of in-hospital all-cause mortality (χ 2 = 6.060, P < 0.001). Multivariate COX regression analysis before and after PSM suggested that elevated ACAG was an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in patients with CA during hospitalization (P < 0.01). Elevated ACAG is associated with increased all-cause mortality in patients with CA during hospitalization, it can be an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in patients with CA and remind clinicians to pay more attention to these patients.

Diaphragmatic rupture and massive pneumoperitoneum after cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Introduction:Although cardiopulmonary resuscitation is an emergency life‐saving procedure, the intervention itself can cause major and often fatal injuries, with diaphragmatic rupture being very rare. This report describes a patient who experienced bilateral pneumothoraces, left diaphragmatic rupture, and pneumoperitoneum after extended cardiopulmonary resuscitation.Case presentation:A 90‐year‐old woman experienced a cardiac arrest. Spontaneous circulation was restored after 49 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed by a bystander, emergency medical service providers, and emergency department staff. Imaging showed bilateral pneumothoraces, left diaphragmatic rupture, and massive pneumoperitoneum. The patient's guardian refused to permit surgery for the diaphragmatic rupture, and the patient died despite chest and abdominal decompression and post‐cardiac arrest care.Discussion and conclusion:Procedures to restore spontaneous circulation in patients experiencing cardiac arrest may result in fatal cardiopulmonary resuscitation–related injuries. Clinicians providing post‐cardiac arrest care should plan management for these iatrogenic injuries.

Early predictors of return of spontaneous circulation in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Early predictors of return of spontaneous circulation in patients undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Analysis of Factors Related to Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Patients with Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Korea: Using Data from the 2019 Acute Cardiac Arrest Survey

This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of out-of-hospital acute cardiac arrest patients collected from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to identify the current status and provide basic data to increase the recovery rate of out-hospital acute cardiac arrest patients. As a result of the study, the number of acute cardiac arrest patients in Korea in 2019 was 30,279, of whom 1,505 (64.4%) were men and 10,774 (35.6%) were women. Of the total patients, 1,056 (51.7%) showed good neurological outcomes when paramedics performed defibrillation at the pre-hospital stage (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.001). In the initial review of electrocardiographic rhythm performed by paramedics, 1,025 patients (52.8%) showed ventricular fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia, which indicated good neurological outcomes (&lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.001).

Prognostic value of lactate in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a prospective cohort study

Background: The prognostic role of lactate in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains unclear. Aims: To explore serum lactate as a predictor of return of spontaneous circulation in patients experiencing OHCA after arrival at hospital. Methods: This 13-month prospective observational cohort study involved patients aged ≥18 years. Serum lactate levels were measured during cardiopulmonary resuscitation before ROSC. Patients were divided into two groups by lactate level: Group 1, low (≤9.9 mmol/l) and Group 2, high (≥10 mmol/l). Findings: 105 patients were included, 50 in group 1 and 55 group 2. Median lactate were 7.4 mmol/l and 14.2 mmol/l respectively. More patients in group 1 were found with ventricular fibrillation (40% versus 14.5%; P≤0.01), obtained ROSC more quickly (37 minutes 38 seconds versus 39 minutes 13 seconds; P=0.79) and achieved short-term survival (survived &gt;24 hours) (40% versus 23.5%; P=0.32), versus group 2; prediction of survival did not reach statistical significance. Conclusion: Lower lactate levels in OHCA appear to be associated with better short-term outcomes but the cut-off points regarding survival remain unclear.

The Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Success Rate and Its Related Factors in Patients Referred to Dr. Heshmat Hospital in Rasht, Iran

Background: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure for the return of spontaneous circulation in patients with cardiac arrest. Many factors can affect the success of CPR. Objective: This study aims to investigate the success rate of CPR and its related factors in patients referred to Dr. Heshmat Hospital in Rasht, Iran. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, participants were 1008 patients who had underwent CPR in Dr. Heshmat Hospital in Rasht, Iran. Data were collected from April 2016 to March 2019 using the Utstein style standard form, which assesses related factors and the times related to CPR. The association between CPR outcome and demographic/clinical factors was examined using independent samples t-test, chi-square test, and multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: The CPR success rate was 34.8%. The CPR success rate was higher in patients with no asystole rhythm, short CPR duration, and in-hospital cardiac arrest. Compared to patients in CCU ward, those received CPR in other wards (except ICU) were more likely to have successful CPR. Furthermore, in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest, the odds of successful CPR decreased with the increase of age. Conclusion: Since patients with asystole rhythm had the lowest success rate of CPR and this rhythm occurs due to delay in initiation of treatment at the end of cardiac arrest, early treatment of patients with cardiac arrest caused by ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation can increase the chances of a successful CPR.

The Effect of Vasopressin and Methylprednisolone on Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Patients with In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Cardiac arrest is often fatal if not treated immediately by cardiopulmonary resuscitation to restore a normal heart rhythm and spontaneous circulation. We aim to evaluate the clinical benefits of vasopressin and methylprednisolone versus placebo for patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and Google Scholar from inception to October 17, 2021, by using search terms included "Vasopressin" AND "Methylprednisolone" AND "Cardiac arrest". We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared vasopressin and methylprednisolone to placebo. The main outcomes were the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival to hospital discharge. A total of three RCTs, with a total of 869 patients, were included. The pooled risk ratios (RRs) were calculated along with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Our result showed an increase in ROSC in patients who received vasopressin and methylprednisolone (RR = 1.32; 95% CI = [1.18, 1.47], p < 0.00001) when compared with the placebo group. However, there was no difference between both groups regarding survival to hospital discharge (RR = 1.76; 95% CI = [0.68, 4.56], p= 0.25). The current guidelines recommend epinephrine for patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest. Our meta-analysis updates clinicians about using vasopressin and methylprednisolone besides epinephrine, providing them with the best available evidence in managing patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest. Among patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest, administration of vasopressin and methylprednisolone besides epinephrine is associated with increased ROSC compared with placebo and epinephrine. However, high-quality RCTs are necessary before drawing a firm conclusion regarding the efficacy of vasopressin and methylprednisolone for patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Accumulated Epinephrine Dose is Associated With Acute Kidney Injury Following Resuscitation in Adult Cardiac Arrest Patients.

The goal of this study was to investigate the association between total epinephrine dosage during resuscitation and acute kidney injury after return of spontaneous circulation in patients with cardiac arrest. We performed a secondary analysis of previously published data on the resuscitation of cardiac arrest patients. Bivariate, multivariate logistic regression, and subgroup analyses were conducted to investigate the association between total epinephrine dosage during resuscitation and acute kidney injury after return of spontaneous circulation. A total of 312 eligible patients were included. The mean age of the patients was 60.8 ± 15.2 years. More than half of the patients were male (73.4%) and had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (61.9%). During resuscitation, 125, 81, and 106 patients received ≤2, 3 - 4, and ≥5 mg epinephrine, respectively. After return of spontaneous circulation, there were 165 patients (52.9%) and 147 patients (47.1%) with and without acute kidney injury, respectively. Both bivariate and multivariate analysis showed a statistically significant association between total epinephrine dosage and acute kidney injury. The subgroup analysis showed that the strength of the association between epinephrine dosage and acute kidney injury varied by location of cardiac arrest. Further multivariate regression analysis found that the association between epinephrine dosage and acute kidney injury was only observed in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest after adjusting for multiple confounding factors. Compared with in-hospital cardiac arrest patients who received ≤2 mg of epinephrine, patients with 3–4 mg of epinephrine or ≥5 mg of epinephrine had adjusted odds ratios of 4.2 (95% confidence interval 1.0–18.4) and 11.3 (95% confidence interval 2.0–63.0), respectively, to develop acute kidney injury. Therefore, we concluded that a higher epinephrine dosage during resuscitation was associated with an increased incidence of acute kidney injury after return of spontaneous circulation in adult patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest.

Effect of Vasopressin and Methylprednisolone vs Placebo on Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Patients With In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Effect of Vasopressin and Methylprednisolone vs Placebo on Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Patients With In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Effect of Vasopressin and Methylprednisolone vs Placebo on Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Patients With In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Previous trials have suggested that vasopressin and methylprednisolone administered during in-hospital cardiac arrest might improve outcomes. To determine whether the combination of vasopressin and methylprednisolone administered during in-hospital cardiac arrest improves return of spontaneous circulation. Multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted at 10 hospitals in Denmark. A total of 512 adult patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest were included between October 15, 2018, and January 21, 2021. The last 90-day follow-up was on April 21, 2021. Patients were randomized to receive a combination of vasopressin and methylprednisolone (n = 245) or placebo (n = 267). The first dose of vasopressin (20 IU) and methylprednisolone (40 mg), or corresponding placebo, was administered after the first dose of epinephrine. Additional doses of vasopressin or corresponding placebo were administered after each additional dose of epinephrine for a maximum of 4 doses. The primary outcome was return of spontaneous circulation. Secondary outcomes included survival and favorable neurologic outcome at 30 days (Cerebral Performance Category score of 1 or 2). Among 512 patients who were randomized, 501 met all inclusion and no exclusion criteria and were included in the analysis (mean [SD] age, 71 [13] years; 322 men [64%]). One hundred of 237 patients (42%) in the vasopressin and methylprednisolone group and 86 of 264 patients (33%) in the placebo group achieved return of spontaneous circulation (risk ratio, 1.30 [95% CI, 1.03-1.63]; risk difference, 9.6% [95% CI, 1.1%-18.0%]; P = .03). At 30 days, 23 patients (9.7%) in the intervention group and 31 patients (12%) in the placebo group were alive (risk ratio, 0.83 [95% CI, 0.50-1.37]; risk difference: -2.0% [95% CI, -7.5% to 3.5%]; P = .48). A favorable neurologic outcome was observed in 18 patients (7.6%) in the intervention group and 20 patients (7.6%) in the placebo group at 30 days (risk ratio, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.55-1.83]; risk difference, 0.0% [95% CI, -4.7% to 4.9%]; P > .99). In patients with return of spontaneous circulation, hyperglycemia occurred in 77 (77%) in the intervention group and 63 (73%) in the placebo group. Hypernatremia occurred in 28 (28%) and 27 (31%), in the intervention and placebo groups, respectively. Among patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest, administration of vasopressin and methylprednisolone, compared with placebo, significantly increased the likelihood of return of spontaneous circulation. However, there is uncertainty whether this treatment results in benefit or harm for long-term survival. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03640949.

Relationship between the Plasma Levels of Catecholamines and Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Patients with Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest.

Purpose The dynamic state of epinephrine (Ep) in the plasma of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the plasma levels of catecholamines (such as epinephrine (Ep), norepinephrine (Nep), and dopamine) and vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone (ADH)) and the acquisition of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in OHCA patients. Methods This was a prospective, observational clinical study. Patients with OHCA transferred to our hospital between July 2014 and July 2017 were enrolled. The levels of catecholamines and ADH in the plasma were measured using blood samples immediately obtained on arrival at our hospital and before the administration of Ep. Patients in whom Ep was already administered prior to obtaining blood samples were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups: with and without ROSC, that is, ROSC (+) and ROSC (−) groups, respectively. The plasma levels of these agents and the conditions of resuscitation were compared between the two groups. Results A total of 96 patients with OHCA were analyzed. The ROSC (+) and ROSC (−) groups included 34 and 62 patients, respectively. There were no significant differences observed between the two groups in age, cause of cardiopulmonary arrest, and prehospital resuscitation time. The plasma levels of Ep and Nep were significantly lower in the ROSC (+) group than in the ROSC (−) group. However, there were no significant differences in the plasma levels of dopamine and ADH between the two groups. Conclusion Increased levels of Ep in the plasma may not be associated with the acquisition of ROSC in patients with OHCA.

Shoulder strap fixation of LUCAS-2 to facilitate continuous CPR during non-supine (stair) stretcher transport of OHCAs patients

Early recognition and rapid initiation of high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are key to maximising chances of achieving successful return of spontaneous circulation in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs), as well as improving patient outcomes both inside and outside hospital. Mechanical chest compression devices such as the LUCAS-2 have been developed to assist rescuers in providing consistent, high-quality compressions, even during transportation. However, providing uninterrupted and effective compressions with LUCAS-2 during transportation down stairwells and in tight spaces in a non-supine position is relatively impossible. In this study, we proposed adaptations to the LUCAS-2 to allow its use during transportation down stairwells and examined its effectiveness in providing high-quality CPR to simulated OHCA patients. 20 volunteer emergency medical technicians were randomised into 10 pairs, each undergoing 2 simulation runs per experimental arm (LUCAS-2 versus control) with a loaded Resusci Anne First Aid full body manikin weighing 60 kg. Quality of CPR compressions performed was measured using the CPRmeter placed on the sternum of the manikin. The respective times taken for each phase of the simulation protocol were recorded. Fisher’s exact tests were used to analyse categorical variables and median test to analyse continuous variables. The LUCAS-2 group required a longer time (~ 35 s) to prepare the patient prior to transport (p < 0.0001) and arrive at the ambulance (p < 0.0001) compared to the control group. The CPR quality in terms of depth and rate for the overall resuscitation period did not differ significantly between the LUCAS-2 group and control group, though there was a reduction in both parameters when evaluating the device’s automated compressions during transport. Nevertheless, the application of the LUCAS-2 device yielded a significantly higher chest compression fraction of 0.76 (p < 0.0001). Our novel adaptations to the LUCAS-2 device allow for uninterrupted compressions in patients being transported down stairwells, thus yielding better chest compression fractions for the overall resuscitation period. Whether potentially improved post-OHCA survival rates may be achieved requires confirmation in a real-world scenario study.

Return of spontaneous circulation in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest caused by pulmonary embolism using early point-of-care ultrasound and timely thrombolytic agent application: Two case reports

Introduction: Acute pulmonary embolism is a confirmed cause of up to 5% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and 5%–13% of unexplained cardiac arrest in patients. However, the true incidence may be much higher, as pulmonary embolism is often clinically underdiagnosed. Thrombolytic therapy is a recognized therapy for pulmonary embolism–associated cardiac arrest but is not routinely recommended during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Therefore, clinicians should attempt to identify patients with suspected pulmonary embolism. Many point-of care ultrasound protocols suggest diagnosis of pulmonary embolism for cardiac arrest patients. Case presentation: We describe two male patients (60 years and 66 years, respectively) who presented to the emergency department with cardiac arrest within a period of 1 week. With administration of point-of care ultrasound during the ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation in both patients, fibrinolytic therapy was initiated under suspicion of cardiac arrest caused by pulmonary embolism. Both patients had return of spontaneous circulation; however, only the second patient, who received fibrinolytic therapy relatively early, was discharged with a good outcome. In this report, we discussed how to diagnose and manage patients with cardiac arrest–associated pulmonary embolism with the help of point-of care ultrasound. We also discuss the different clinical outcomes of the two patients based on the experience of the clinicians and the timing of thrombolytic agent application. Conclusions: If acute pulmonary embolism is suspected in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, we recommend prompt point-of care ultrasound examination. Point-of care ultrasound may help identify patients with pulmonary embolism during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, leading to immediate treatment, although the clinical outcomes may vary.

Serum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin at 3 hours after return of spontaneous circulation in patients with cardiac arrest and therapeutic hypothermia: early predictor of acute kidney injury

BackgroundSerum neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) could be used as a predictive marker of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) who are managed with targeted temperature management (TTM). However, the NGAL measurement timepoints vary from immediately after ROSC to several days later. The primary objective of this study was to determine an association between AKI and NGAL, both immediately (ROSC-NGAL) and 3 h after ROSC (3 h-NGAL), in OHCA patients with TTM. The secondary objective was to ascertain the association between NGAL levels in the early post-ROSC phase and the neurologic outcomes at discharge.MethodsThis prospective observational study was conducted between January 2016 and December 2018 and enrolled adult OHCA patients (≥18 years) with TTM after ROSC. The serum NGAL level was measured both immediately and 3 h after ROSC. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify the associations between AKI, poor neurologic outcome, and NGAL.ResultsAmong 861 OHCA patients, 89 patients were enrolled. AKI occurred in 48 (55.1%) patients. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, 3 h-NGAL was significantly associated with AKI (odds ratio [OR] 1.022; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.009–1.035; p = 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 3 h-NGAL for AKI was 0.910 (95% CI 0.830–0.960), and a cut-off value of 178 ng/mL was identified. Both ROSC-NGAL and 3 h-NGAL were not significantly associated with poor neurologic outcome on multivariate logistic regression analysis (ROSC-NGAL; OR 1.017; 95% CI 0.998–1.036; p = 0.084, 3 h-NGAL; OR 0.997; 95% CI 0.992–1.001; p = 0.113).ConclusionsThe serum NGAL concentration measured 3 h after ROSC is an excellent early predictive marker for AKI in OHCA patients treated with TTM. Future research is needed to identify the optimal measurement timepoint to establish NGAL as a predictor of neurologic outcome and to validate the findings of this research.

Clinical and Hematological Predictors for Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Patients With Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest.

To investigate the association of clinical and hematological parameters with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Clinical data of successive non-traumatic adult OHCA patients with available laboratory data of complete blood count and peripheral blood smear at emergency department (ED) arrival were requested. Hematological parameters were collected and calculated, and logistic regression and survival analysis were performed for association of ROSC with the parameters. From December 2015 to December 2016, a total of 188 OHCA patients transported to our ED were enrolled. In ROSC group, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were signifi cantly higher and smudge cell count was signifi cantly lower when compared with non-ROSC group. In the univariate regression, NLR more than 2.0 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.40, 95% confi dence interval [CI]: 1.31-4.41; p = 0.004) and smudge cell count less than 0.45 °- 109/L (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.15-0.71; p = 0.004) were signifi cantly associated with ROSC in OHCA. In logistic regression, bystander witnessed (OR: 3.15, 95% CI: 1.59-6.27; p = 0.001) and prehospital epinephrine use (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.10-4.23; p = 0.026) were signifi cantly associated with ROSC in OHCA. NLR and smudge cell count were also seemingly related to ROSC in OHCA, but without statistical signifi cance. In survival analysis, neither NLR nor smudge cell count was associated with patient survival to discharge in OHCA. NLR and smudge cell count at ED arrival could be potential indicators of ROSC in OHCA.

Public-access defibrillation and neurological outcomes in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Japan: a population-based cohort study

More than 80% of public-access defibrillation attempts do not result in sustained return of spontaneous circulation in patients who have had an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and a shockable heart rhythm before arrival of emergency medical service (EMS) personnel. Neurological and survival outcomes in such patients have not been evaluated. We aimed to assess the neurological status and survival outcomes in such patients. This is a retropective analysis of a cohort study from a prospective, nationwide, population-based registry of 1 299 784 patients who had an OHCA event between Jan 1, 2005, and Dec 31, 2015 in Japan. The primary outcome was favourable neurological outcome (Cerebral Performance Category of 1 or 2) at 30 days after the OHCA and the secondary outcome was survival at 30 days following the OHCA. This study is registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000009918. We identified 28 019 patients with bystander-witnessed OHCA and shockable heart rhythm who had received CPR from a bystander. Of these, 2242 (8·0%) patients did not achieve return of spontaneous circulation with CPR plus public-access defibrillation, and 25 087 (89·5%) patients did not achieve return of spontaneous circulation with CPR alone before EMS arrival. The proportion of patients with a favourable neurological outcome was significantly higher in those who received public-access defibrillation than those who did not (845 [37·7%] vs 5676 [22·6%]; adjusted odds ratio [OR] after propensity score-matching, 1·45 [95% CI 1·24-1·69], p<0·0001). The proportion of patients who survived at 30 days after the OHCA was also significantly higher in those who received public-access defibrillation than those who did not (987 [44·0%] vs 7976 [31·8%]; adjusted OR after propensity score-matching, 1·31 [95% CI 1·13-1·52], p<0·0001). Our findings support the benefits of public-access defibrillation and greater accessibility and availability of automated external defibrillators in the community. None.