Duration of resuscitation efforts and survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest: an observational study

Associated Factors of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Outcomes; a Cohort Study on an Adult In-hospital Cardiac Arrest Registry

Introduction

In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) remains a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality for hospitalized patients worldwide. This study aimed to identify associated factors of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival with favorable neurological outcomes of IHCA patients.

Method

A two-year retrospective cohort study was conducted at a university-based tertiary care hospital in Bangkok, Thailand, studying adult patients aged ≥ 18 years with IHCA from January 2021 to December 2022. The primary endpoint was sustained ROSC, and the secondary endpoint was survival with favorable neurological outcomes defined as Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) Scale of 1 or 2 at discharge. Pre-arrest and intra-arrest variables were collected and analyzed using multivariable logistic regression to identify independent factors associated with the outcomes.

Results

During the study period, 156 patients were included in the study. 105 (67.3%) patients achieved sustained ROSC after the CPR, 28 patients (18.0%) were discharged alive, and 15 patients (9.6%) survived with a favorable neurological outcome at hospital discharge. Overall, sustained ROSC was higher in patients who had IHCA during the day shift (odds ratio (OR): 4.11; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-16.06) and electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring prior to arrest (OR: 6.38; 95% CI: 1.18-34.54). In contrast, higher adrenaline doses administrated, and increased CPR duration reduced the odds of sustained ROSC (OR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.54-0.94 and OR: 0.92; 95% CI: 0.85-0.98, respectively). Arrest due to cardiac etiology was associated with increased discharged survival with favorable neurological outcomes (OR: 13.43; 95% CI: 2.00-89.80), while a higher Good Outcome Following Attempted Resuscitation (GO-FAR) score reduced the odds of the secondary outcome (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.81-0.98).

Conclusion

The sustained ROSC was higher in IHCA during the daytime shift and under prior ECG monitoring. The administration of higher doses of adrenaline and prolonged CPR durations decreased the likelihood of achieving sustained ROSC. Furthermore, patients with cardiac-related causes of cardiac arrest exhibited a higher rate of survival to hospital discharge with favorable neurological outcomes.

Duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and outcomes for adults with in-hospital cardiac arrest: retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To quantify time dependent probabilities of outcomes in patients after in-hospital cardiac arrest as a function of duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, defined as the interval between start of chest compression and the first return of spontaneous circulation or termination of resuscitation.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Multicenter prospective in-hospital cardiac arrest registry in the United States.

PARTICIPANTS

348 996 adult patients (≥18 years) with an index in-hospital cardiac arrest who received cardiopulmonary resuscitation from 2000 through 2021.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Survival to hospital discharge and favorable functional outcome at hospital discharge, defined as a cerebral performance category score of 1 (good cerebral performance) or 2 (moderate cerebral disability). Time dependent probabilities of subsequently surviving to hospital discharge or having favorable functional outcome if patients pending the first return of spontaneous circulation at each minute received further cardiopulmonary resuscitation beyond the time point were estimated, assuming that all decisions on termination of resuscitation were accurate (that is, all patients with termination of resuscitation would have invariably failed to survive if cardiopulmonary resuscitation had continued for a longer period of time).

RESULTS

Among 348 996 included patients, 233 551 (66.9%) achieved return of spontaneous circulation with a median interval of 7 (interquartile range 3-13) minutes between start of chest compressions and first return of spontaneous circulation, whereas 115 445 (33.1%) patients did not achieve return of spontaneous circulation with a median interval of 20 (14-30) minutes between start of chest compressions and termination of resuscitation. 78 799 (22.6%) patients survived to hospital discharge. The time dependent probabilities of survival and favorable functional outcome among patients pending return of spontaneous circulation at one minute's duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation were 22.0% (75 645/343 866) and 15.1% (49 769/328 771), respectively. The probabilities decreased over time and were <1% for survival at 39 minutes and <1% for favorable functional outcome at 32 minutes' duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

CONCLUSIONS

This analysis of a large multicenter registry of in-hospital cardiac arrest quantified the time dependent probabilities of patients' outcomes in each minute of duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The findings provide resuscitation teams, patients, and their surrogates with insights into the likelihood of favorable outcomes if patients pending the first return of spontaneous circulation continue to receive further cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for refractory cardiac arrest in Australia: a narrative review

Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in patients with prolonged or refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is likely to be beneficial when used as part of a well developed emergency service system. ECPR is technically challenging to initiate and resource-intensive, but it has been found to be cost-effective in hospital-based ECPR programs. ECPR expansion within Australia has thus far been reactive and does not provide broad coverage or equity of access for patients. Newer delivery strategies that improve access to ECPR for patients with OHCA are being trialled, including networked hospital-based ECPR and pre-hospital ECPR programs. The efficacy, scalability, sustainability and cost-effectiveness of these programs need to be assessed. There is a need for national collaboration to determine the most cost-effective delivery strategies for ECPR provision along with its place in the OHCA survival chain.

Interdisciplinary collaboration in critical care alarm research: A bibliometric analysis

BACKGROUND

Alarm fatigue in nurses is a major patient safety concern in the intensive care unit. This is caused by exposure to high rates of false and non-actionable alarms. Despite decades of research, the problem persists, leading to stress, burnout, and patient harm resulting from true missed events. While engineering approaches to reduce false alarms have spurred hope, they appear to lack collaboration between nurses and engineers to produce real-world solutions. The aim of this bibliometric analysis was to examine the relevant literature to quantify the level of authorial collaboration between nurses, physicians, and engineers.

METHODS

We conducted a bibliometric analysis of articles on alarm fatigue and false alarm reduction strategies in critical care published between 2010 and 2022. Data were extracted at the article and author level. The percentages of author disciplines per publication were calculated by study design, journal subject area, and other article-level factors.

RESULTS

A total of 155 articles with 583 unique authors were identified. While 31.73 % (n = 185) of the unique authors had a nursing background, publications using an engineering study design (n = 46), e.g., model development, had a very low involvement of nursing authors (mean proportion at 1.09 %). Observational studies (n = 58) and interventional studies (n = 33) had a higher mean involvement of 52.27 % and 47.75 %, respectively. Articles published in nursing journals (n = 32) had the highest mean proportion of nursing authors (80.32 %), while those published in engineering journals (n = 46) had the lowest (9.00 %), with 6 (13.04 %) articles having one or more nurses as co-authors.

CONCLUSION

Minimal involvement of nursing expertise in alarm research utilizing engineering methodologies may be one reason for the lack of successful, real-world solutions to ameliorate alarm fatigue. Fostering a collaborative, interdisciplinary research culture can promote a common publication culture across fields and may yield sustainable implementation of technological solutions in healthcare.

Pre-hospital ECPR in an Australian metropolitan setting: a single-arm feasibility assessment-The CPR, pre-hospital ECPR and early reperfusion (CHEER3) study

INTRODUCTION

Survival from refractory out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) without timely return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) utilising conventional advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) therapies is dismal. CHEER3 was a safety and feasibility study of pre-hospital deployed extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for refractory OHCA in metropolitan Australia.

METHODS

This was a single jurisdiction, single-arm feasibility study. Physicians, with pre-existing ECMO expertise, responded to witnessed OHCA, age < 65 yrs, within 30 min driving-time, using an ECMO equipped rapid response vehicle. If pre-hospital ECPR was undertaken, patients were transported to hospital for investigations and therapies including emergent coronary catheterisation, and standard intensive care (ICU) therapy until either cardiac and neurological recovery or palliation occurred. Analyses were descriptive.

RESULTS

From February 2020 to May 2023, over 117 days, the team responded to 709 "potential cardiac arrest" emergency calls. 358 were confirmed OHCA. Time from emergency call to scene arrival was 27 min (15-37 min). 10 patients fulfilled the pre-defined inclusion criteria and all were successfully cannulated on scene. Time from emergency call to ECMO initiation was 50 min (35-62 min). Time from decision to ECMO support was 16 min (11-26 min). CPR duration was 46 min (32-62 min). All 10 patients were transferred to hospital for investigations and therapy. 4 patients (40%) survived to hospital discharge neurologically intact (CPC 1/2).

CONCLUSION

Pre-hospital ECPR was feasible, using an experienced ECMO team from a single-centre. Overall survival was promising in this highly selected group. Further prospective studies are now warranted.

The effect of simulation-based advanced cardiac life support training on nursing students' self-efficacy, attitudes, and anxiety in Palestine: a quasi-experimental study

BACKGROUND

Cardiac Arrest (CA) is one of the leading causes of death, either inside or outside hospitals. Recently, the use of creative teaching strategies, such as simulation, has gained popularity in Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) instruction. This study aimed to assess the effect of High-Fidelity Simulation (HFS) training on nursing students' self-efficacy, attitude, and anxiety in the context of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS).

METHODOLOGY

The study design is quasi-experimental employing a pre-test and post-test approach during April and May 2023. A convenient sample of 60 undergraduate nursing students in a 4-year class from a nursing college at the Arab American University/ Palestine (AAUP) participated in this study. The data were analyzed using a paired sample t-test in SPSS program version 26. Three data collection tools were used pre- and post-intervention; the Resuscitation Self-Efficacy Scale (RSES), The Attitudinal instrument, and the State Anxiety Inventory (SAI).

RESULTS

The total number of nursing students was 60, out of them (56.7%) were female, while the mean age was (22.2) years. Improvements were seen in all four domains of self-efficacy following HFS training: recognition, debriefing, recording, responding and rescuing, and reporting. (t (59) = 26.80, p < 0.001, confidence interval [29.32, 34.05]). After receiving HFS training on ACLS, the post-intervention for the same group attitude scores significantly increased from 32.83 (SD = 15.35) to 54.58 (SD = 8.540) for emotion, from 6.72 (SD = 2.44) to 10.40 (SD = 1.40) for behavior, and from 7.03 (SD = 2.03) to 10.33 (SD = 1.42) for cognitive. The anxiety level decreased post-simulation from 3.53 (SD = 0.3) to 2.14 (SD = 0.65), which was found to be statistically significant (t(59) = 16.68, p < 0.001, 95% CI [1.22 to 1.55]). Female students (M = 73.18), students who observed a real resuscitation (M = 71.16), and who were satisfied with their nursing major (M = 72.17) had significantly higher self-efficacy scores post-simulation.

CONCLUSION

The HFS can be recommended as an effective training strategy among nursing students. The ACLS training-based HFS was effective in improving the students' self-efficacy and attitudes and decreasing their anxiety.

How to predict the death risk after an in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) in intensive care unit? A retrospective double-centre cohort study from a tertiary hospital in China

OBJECTIVES

Our objective is to develop a prediction tool to predict the death after in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA).

DESIGN

We conducted a retrospective double-centre observational study of IHCA patients from January 2015 to December 2021. Data including prearrest diagnosis, clinical features of the IHCA and laboratory results after admission were collected and analysed. Logistic regression analysis was used for multivariate analyses to identify the risk factors for death. A nomogram was formulated and internally evaluated by the boot validation and the area under the curve (AUC). Performance of the nomogram was further accessed by Kaplan-Meier survival curves for patients who survived the initial IHCA.

SETTING

Intensive care unit, Tongji Hospital, China.

PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients (≥18 years) with IHCA after admission. Pregnant women, patients with 'do not resuscitation' order and patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation were excluded.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the death after IHCA.

RESULTS

Patients (n=561) were divided into two groups: non-sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) group (n=241) and sustained ROSC group (n=320). Significant differences were found in sex (p=0.006), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) duration (p<0.001), total duration of CPR (p=0.014), rearrest (p<0.001) and length of stay (p=0.004) between two groups. Multivariate analysis identified that rearrest, duration of CPR and length of stay were independently associated with death. The nomogram including these three factors was well validated using boot calibration plot and exhibited excellent discriminative ability (AUC 0.88, 95% CI 0.83 to 0.93). The tertiles of patients in sustained ROSC group stratified by anticipated probability of death revealed significantly different survival rate (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our proposed nomogram based on these three factors is a simple, robust prediction model to accurately predict the death after IHCA.

Physiological effects of N95 respirators on rescuers during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Objectives

There is a lack of evidence in the medical literature reporting the physiological stress imposed by the wearing of N95 respirators during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in healthcare providers. The aim of this study is to monitor the changes in hemodynamics and blood gas profiles in rescuers during the performance of CPR while wearing N95 respirators.

Methods

Thirty-two healthy healthcare workers performed standard CPR on manikins, each participant conducted 2 min of chest compression followed by 2 min of rest for 3 cycles. A non-invasive blood gas measuring device via a fingertip detector was used to collect arterial blood gas and hemodynamic data. Student t-test was used for comparison of various physiologic parameters before and after each session of chest compression.

Results

There were no significant differences in arterial blood gas profiles including partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide and partial pressure of arterial oxygen before and after each session of chest compression (p > 0.05 for all). Heart rate and cardiac output were significantly higher after CPR (p < 0.05 for all), but no significant changes were found on blood pressure.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that healthcare providers wearing N95 respirators during provision of CPR in a short period of time does not cause any significant abnormalities in blood gas profiles and blood pressure. This may provide evidence to reassure the safe use of N95 respirator during performance of CPR.

Pulseless electrical activity and asystole during in-hospital cardiac arrest: Disentangling the 'nonshockable' rhythms

BACKGROUND

Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) and asystole account for 81% of initial in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) rhythms in the U.S.A. These "non-shockable" rhythms are often grouped together in resuscitation research and practice. We hypothesized that PEA and asystole are distinct initial IHCA rhythms with distinguishing features.

METHODS

This was an observational cohort study using the prospectively collected nationwide Get With The Guidelines®-Resuscitation registry. Adult patients with an index IHCA and an initial rhythm of PEA or asystole between the years of 2006 and 2019 were included. Patients with PEA vs. asystole were compared with respect to pre-arrest characteristics, resuscitation practice, and outcomes.

RESULTS

We identified 147,377 (64.9%) PEA and 79,720 (35.1%) asystolic IHCA. Asystole had more arrests in non-telemetry wards (20,530/147,377 [13.9%] PEA vs. 17,618/79,720 [22.1%] asystole). Asystole had 3% lower adjusted odds of ROSC (91,007 [61.8%] PEA vs. 44,957 [56.4%] asystole, aOR 0.97, 95%CI 0.96-0.97, P < 0.01); there was no statistically significant difference in survival to discharge (28,075 [19.1%] PEA vs. 14,891 [18.7%] asystole, aOR 1.00, 95%CI 1.00-1.01, P = 0.63). Duration of resuscitation for those without ROSC were shorter for asystole (29.8 [±22.5] minutes in PEA vs. 26.2 [±21.5] minutes in asystole, adjusted mean difference -3.05 95%CI -3.36--2.74, P < 0.01).

INTERPRETATION

Patients suffering IHCA with an initial PEA rhythm had patient and resuscitation level differences from those with asystole. PEA arrests were more common in monitored settings and received longer resuscitations. Even though PEA was associated with higher rates of ROSC, there was no difference in survival to discharge.

Serum neurofilament light chain as a predictive marker of neurologic outcome after cardiac arrest: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Recently, an increasing number of studies have suggested using serum neurofilament light (NfL) chain to predict the neurologic outcome after cardiac arrest. However, the predictive ability of this approach remains inconclusive. Meta-analysis was performed on related studies to assess the ability of serum NfL to predict the neurologic outcome after cardiac arrest.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, ScienceDirect and Embase were systematically searched from the date of their inception until June 2022. Data were extracted to calculate the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), the sensitivity, the specificity and the publication bias to evaluate the predictive power of serum NfL using Stata 14.0.

RESULTS

Nine studies were included in the present meta-analysis. Seven studies involving 1296 participants reported serum NfL 24 h post arrest for predicting the neurological outcome, and the AUC was 0.92 (77% sensitivity and 96% specificity). Seven studies involving 1020 participants reported serum NfL 48 h post arrest for predicting the neurological outcome, and the AUC was 0.94 (78% sensitivity and 98% specificity). Four studies involving 804 participants reported serum NfL 72 h post arrest for predicting the neurological outcome, and the AUC was 0.96 (90% sensitivity and 98% specificity). No significant publication bias was observed among the included studies.

CONCLUSION

The present meta-analysis results support the potential use of serum NfL as an early biomarker of neurologic outcome, especially 72 h post arrest.

The effects of ECMO on neurological function recovery of critical patients: A double-edged sword

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) played an important role in the treatment of patients with critical care such as cardiac arrest (CA) and acute respiratory distress syndrome. ECMO is gradually showing its advantages in terms of speed and effectiveness of circulatory support, as it provides adequate cerebral blood flow (CBF) to the patient and ensures the perfusion of organs. ECMO enhances patient survival and improves their neurological prognosis. However, ECMO-related brain complications are also important because of the high risk of death and the associated poor outcomes. We summarized the reported complications related to ECMO for patients with CA, such as north–south syndrome, hypoxic–ischemic brain injury, cerebral ischemia–reperfusion injury, impaired intracranial vascular autoregulation, embolic stroke, intracranial hemorrhage, and brain death. The exact mechanism of ECMO on the role of brain function is unclear. Here we review the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with ECMO in the protection of neurologic function in recent years, as well as the ECMO-related complications in brain and the means to improve it, to provide ideas for the treatment of brain function protection in CA patients.

Unexpected carboxyhemoglobin half-life during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a case report

BACKGROUND

Cardiac arrest (CA) following CO poisoning (CO-induced CA) exposes patients to an extremely high risk of mortality and remains challenging to treat effectively. Terminal carboxyhemoglobin elimination half-life (COHbt_1/2) is critically affected by ventilation, oxygen therapy, and cardiac output, which are severely affected conditions in cases of CA.

CASE PRESENTATION

Asystole occurred in an 18-year-old woman after unintentional exposure to CO in her bathroom. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was started immediately, including mechanical ventilation with a fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂) of 1.0 and external chest compressions with a LUCAS® device. CPR was stopped after 101 min, as it was unsuccessful. During this period, we calculated a COHbt_1/2 of 40.3 min using a single compartmental model.

CONCLUSIONS

This result suggests that prolongation of CPR time needed to back COHb at 10%, a level more compatible with successful return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), could be compatible with a realistic CPR time. Calculating COHbt_1/2 during CPR may help with decision-making regarding the optimal duration of resuscitation efforts and further with HBO₂ or ECLS. Further evidence-based data are needed to confirm this result.

Survival after multiple episodes of cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is widely used in response to cardiac arrest. However, little is known regarding outcomes for those who undergo multiple episodes of cardiac arrest while in the hospital.

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the association of multiple cardiac events with in-hospital mortality for patients admitted to our tertiary care hospital who underwent multiple code events.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study on all patients who underwent cardiac arrest from 2012 to 2016. Primary outcome was survival to discharge. Secondary outcomes included post-cardiac-arrest neurologic events (PCANE), non-home discharge, and one-year mortality.

RESULTS

There were 622 patients with an overall mortality rate of 78.0%. Patients undergoing CPR for cardiac arrest once during their admission had lower in-hospital mortality rates compared to those that had multiple (68.9% versus 91.3%, p<.01). Subset analysis of those who had multiple episodes of CPR revealed that more than one event within a 24-hour period led to significantly higher in-hospital mortality rates (94.7% versus 74.4%, p<.01). Other variables associated with in-hospital mortality included body mass index, female sex, malignancy, and increased down time per code. Patients that had a non-home discharge were more likely to have sustained a PCANE than those that were discharged home (31.4% versus 3.9%, p<.01). A non-home discharge was associated with higher one-year mortality rates compared to a home discharge (78.4% versus 54.3%, p=.01).

CONCLUSION

Multiple codes within a 24-hour period and the average time per code were associated with in-hospital mortality in cardiac arrest patients.

Pediatric Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: Development of a Porcine Model and the Influence of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Duration on Brain Injury

Background The primary objective was to develop a porcine model of prolonged (30 or 60 minutes) pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) followed by 22- to 24-hour survival with extracorporeal life support, and secondarily to evaluate differences in neurologic injury. Methods and Results Ten-kilogram, 4-week-old female piglets were used. First, model development established the technique (n=8). Then, a pilot study was conducted (n=15). After 80% survival was achieved in the final 5 pilot animals, a proof-of-concept randomized study was completed (n=11). Shams (n=6) underwent anesthesia only. Severe neurological injury was determined by a composite score of mitochondrial function, neuropathology, and cerebral metabolism: scale of 0-6 (severe: >3). Among 15 piglets in the pilot study, overall survival was 10 (67%); of the final 5, overall survival was 4 (80%). Eleven piglets were then randomized to 60 (CPR60, n=5) or 30 minutes of CPR (CPR30, n=5); 1 animal was excluded from prerandomization for intra-abdominal hemorrhage (10/11, 91% survival). Three of 5 animals in the CPR60 group had severe neurological injury scores versus 1 of 5 in the CPR30 group (P=0.52). During ECMO, CPR60 animals had lower pH (CPR60: 7.4 [IQR 7.4-7.4] versus CPR30: 7.5 [IQR 7.4-7.5], P=0.022), higher lactate (CPR60: 6.8 [IQR 6.8-11] versus CPR30: 4.2 [IQR 4.1-4.3] mmol/L; P=0.012), and higher ICP (CPR60: 19.3 [IQR 11.7-29.3] versus CPR30: 7.9 [IQR 6.7-9.3] mm Hg; P=0.037). Both groups had greater mitochondrial injury than shams (CPR60: P<0.001; CPR30: P<0.001). CPR60 did not differ from CPR30 in mitochondrial respiration, neuropathology, or cerebral metabolism. Conclusions A pediatric porcine model of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation after 60 and 30 minutes of CPR consistently resulted in 24-hour survival with more severe lactic acidosis in the 60-minute cohort.

Heart rate and QRS duration as biomarkers predict the immediate outcome from pulseless electrical activity

INTRODUCTION

Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is commonly observed in in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). Universally available ECG characteristics such as QRS duration (QRSd) and heart rate (HR) may develop differently in patients who obtain ROSC or not. The aim of this study was to assess prospectively how QRSd and HR as biomarkers predict the immediate outcome of patients with PEA.

METHOD

We investigated 327 episodes of IHCA in 298 patients at two US and one Norwegian hospital. We assessed the ECG in 559 segments of PEA nested within episodes, measuring QRSd and HR during pauses of compressions, and noted the clinical state that immediately followed PEA. We investigated the development of HR, QRSd, and transitions to ROSC or no-ROSC (VF/VT, asystole or death) in a joint longitudinal and competing risks statistical model.

RESULTS

Higher HR, and a rising HR, reflect a higher transition intensity ("hazard") to ROSC (p < 0.001), but HR was not associated with the transition intensity to no-ROSC. A lower QRSd and a shrinking QRSd reflect an increased transition intensity to ROSC (p = 0.023) and a reduced transition intensity to no-ROSC (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

HR and QRSd convey information of the immediateoutcome during resuscitation from PEA. These universally available and promising biomarkers may guide the emergency team in tailoring individual treatment.

State of implementation of the Corona-Virus-Disease-2019 resuscitation guidelines : An online-based survey one year after publication in Germany

BACKGROUND

The present study evaluated the implementation of the European Resuscitation Council Corona-Virus-Disease 2019 (COVID-19) resuscitation guidelines in Germany 1 year after publication.

AIM OF THE WORK

To evaluate the practical implementation of the COVID-19 resuscitation guidelines in Germany one year after their publication.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In an online survey between April and May 2021 participants were asked about awareness of COVID-19 resuscitation guidelines, corresponding training, the resuscitation algorithm used and COVID-19 infections of emergency medicine personnel associated with COVID-19 resuscitation.

RESULTS

A total of 961 (8%) of the 11,000 members took part in the survey and 85% (818/961) of questionnaires were fully completed. While 577 (70%) of the respondents were aware of the COVID-19 guidelines, only 103 (13%) had received respective training. A specific COVID-19 resuscitation algorithm was used by 265 respondents (32%). Adaptations included personal protective equipment (99%), reduction of staff caring for the patient, or routine use of video laryngoscopy for endotracheal intubation (each 37%), securing the airway before rhythm analysis (32%), and pausing chest compressions during endotracheal intubation (30%). Respondents without a specific COVID-19 resuscitation algorithm were more likely to use mouth-nose protection (47% vs. 31%; p < 0.001), extraglottic airway devices (66% vs. 55%; p = 0.004) and have more than 4 team members close to the patient (45% vs. 38%; p = 0.04). Use of an Filtering-Face-Piece(FFP)-2 or FFP3 mask (89% vs. 77%; p < 0.001; 58% vs. 70%; p ≤ 0.001) or performing primary endotracheal intubation (17% vs. 31%; p < 0.001) were found less frequently and 9% reported that a team member was infected with COVID-19 during resuscitation.

CONCLUSION

The COVID-19 resuscitation guidelines are still insufficiently implemented 1 year after publication. Future publication strategies must ensure that respective guideline adaptations are implemented in a timely manner.

Quality of observational studies of clinical interventions: a meta-epidemiological review

BACKGROUND

This meta-epidemiological study aimed to assess methodological quality of a sample of contemporary non-randomised clinical studies of clinical interventions.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of observational studies published between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2018. Studies were identified in PubMed using search terms 'association', 'observational,' 'non-randomised' 'comparative effectiveness' within titles or abstracts. Each study was appraised against 35 quality criteria by two authors independently, with each criterion rated fully, partially or not satisfied. These quality criteria were grouped into 6 categories: justification for observational design (n = 2); minimisation of bias in study design and data collection (n = 11); use of appropriate methods to create comparable groups (n = 6); appropriate adjustment of observed effects (n = 5); validation of observed effects (n = 9); and authors interpretations (n = 2).

RESULTS

Of 50 unique studies, 49 (98%) were published in two US general medical journals. No study fully satisfied all applicable criteria; the mean (+/-SD) proportion of applicable criteria fully satisfied across all studies was 72% (+/- 10%). The categories of quality criteria demonstrating the lowest proportions of fully satisfied criteria were measures used to adjust observed effects (criteria 20, 23, 24) and validate observed effects (criteria 25, 27, 33). Criteria associated with ≤50% of full satisfaction across studies, where applicable, comprised: imputation methods to account for missing data (50%); justification for not performing an RCT (42%); interaction analyses in identifying independent prognostic factors potentially influencing intervention effects (42%); use of statistical correction to minimise type 1 error in multiple outcome analyses (33%); clinically significant effect sizes (30%); residual bias analyses for unmeasured or unknown confounders (14%); and falsification tests for residual confounding (8%). The proportions of fully satisfied criteria did not change over time.

CONCLUSIONS

Recently published observational studies fail to fully satisfy more than one in four quality criteria. Criteria that were not or only partially satisfied were identified which serve as remediable targets for researchers and journal editors.

Socioeconomic status and outcomes after in-hospital cardiac arrest

AIM

To investigate the association between socioeconomic status and outcomes after in-hospital cardiac arrest in Denmark.

METHODS

We conducted an observational cohort study based on nationwide registries and prospectively collected data on in-hospital cardiac arrest from 2017 and 2018 in Denmark. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses using regression models were performed to assess the association between socioeconomic status and outcomes after in-hospital cardiac arrest. Outcomes included return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival to 30 days, survival to one year, and the duration of resuscitation among patients without ROSC.

RESULTS

A total of 3,223 patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest were included in the study. In the adjusted analyses, high household assets were associated with 1.20 (95 %CI: 0.96, 1.51) times the odds of ROSC, 1.49 (95 %CI: 1.14, 1.96) times the odds of survival to 30 days, 1.40 (95 %CI: 1.04, 1.90) times the odds of survival to one year, and 2.8 (95 %CI: 0.9, 4.7) minutes longer duration of resuscitation among patients without ROSC compared to low household assets. Similar albeit attenuated associations were observed for education. While high household income was associated with better outcomes in the unadjusted analyses, these associations largely disappeared in the adjusted analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study of patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest, we found that high household assets were associated with a higher odds of survival and a longer duration of resuscitation among patients without ROSC compared to low household assets. However, the effect size may potentially be small. The results varied based on socioeconomic status measure, outcome of interest, and across adjusted analyses.

Duration of Resuscitation and Long-Term Outcome After In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Nationwide Observational Study

BACKGROUND

Prior studies have investigated the association between duration of resuscitation and short-term outcomes following in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). However, it remains unknown whether there is an association between duration of resuscitation and long-term survival and functional outcomes.

METHOD

We linked data from the Danish in-hospital cardiac arrest registry with nationwide registries and identified 8,727 patients between 2013 and 2019. Patients were stratified into four groups (A-D) according to quartiles of duration of resuscitation. Standardized average probability of outcomes was estimated using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 8,727 patients, 53.1% (n=4,604) achieved return of spontaneous circulation. Median age was 74 (1^st-3^rd quartile [Q1-Q3] 65-81 years) and 63.1% were men. Among all IHCA patients the standardized 30-day survival was 62.0% (95% CI 59.8%-64.2%) for group A (< 5 minutes), 32.7% (30.8%-34.6%) for group B (5-11 minutes), 14.4% (12.9%-15.9%) for group C (12-20 minutes) and 8.1% (7.0%-9.1%) for group D (21 minutes or more). Similarly, 1-year survival was also highest for group A (50.4%; 48.2%-52.6%) gradually decreasing to 6.6% (5.6%-7.6%) in group D. Among 30-day survivors, survival without anoxic brain damage or nursing home admission within one-year post-arrest was highest for group A (80.4%; 78.2%-82.6%), decreasing to 73.3% (70.0%-76.6%) in group B, 67.2% (61.7%-72.6%) in group C and 73.3% (66.9%-79.7%) in group D.

CONCLUSION

Shorter duration of resuscitation attempt during an IHCA is associated with higher 30-day and 1-year survival. Furthermore, we found that the majority of 30-day survivors were still alive 1-year post-arrest without anoxic brain damage or nursing home admission despite prolonged resuscitation.

Effects of Methylprednisolone on Myocardial Function and Microcirculation in Post-resuscitation: A Rat Model

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated that inflammation and impaired microcirculation are key factors in post-resuscitation syndromes. Here, we investigated whether methylprednisolone (MP) could improve myocardial function and microcirculation by suppressing the systemic inflammatory response following cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a rat model of cardiac arrest (CA).

Methods

Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to (1) sham, (2) control, and (3) drug groups. Ventricular fibrillation was induced and then followed by CPR. The rats were infused with either MP or vehicle at the start of CPR. Myocardial function and microcirculation were assessed at baseline and after the restoration of spontaneous circulation. Blood samples were drawn at baseline and 60-min post-resuscitation to assess serum cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) levels.

Results

Myocardial function [estimated by the ejection fraction (EF), myocardial performance index (MPI), and cardiac output (CO)] improved post-ROSC in the MP group compared with those in the control group (p &lt; 0.05). MP decreased the levels of the aforementioned pro-inflammatory cytokines and alleviated cerebral, sublingual, and intestinal microcirculation compared with the control (p &lt; 0.05). A negative correlation emerged between the cytokine profile and microcirculatory blood flow.

Conclusion

MP treatment reduced post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction, inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines, and improved microcirculation in the initial recovery phase in a CA and resuscitation animal model. Therefore, MP could be a potential clinical target for CA patients in the early phase after CPR to alleviate myocardial dysfunction and improve prognosis.

The Impact of Withdrawn vs. Agitated Relatives during Resuscitation on Team Workload: A Single-Center Randomised Simulation-Based Study

Background: Guidelines recommend that relatives be present during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This randomised trial investigated the effects of two different behaviour patterns of relatives on rescuers’ perceived stress and quality of CPR. Material and methods: Teams of three to four physicians were randomised to perform CPR in the presence of no relatives (control group), a withdrawn relative, or an agitated relative, played by actors according to a scripted role, and to three different models of leadership (randomly determined by the team or tutor or left open). The scenarios were video-recorded. Hands-on time was primary, and the secondary outcomes comprised compliance to CPR algorithms, perceived workload, and the influence of leadership. Results: 1229 physicians randomised to 366 teams took part. The presence of a relative did not affect hands-on time (91% [87−93] vs. 92% [88−94] for “withdrawn” and 92 [88−93] for “agitated” relatives; p = 0.15). The teams interacted significantly less with a “withdrawn” than with an “agitated” relative (11 [7−16]% vs. 23 [15−30]% of the time spent for resuscitation, p < 0.01). The teams confronted with an “agitated” relative showed more unsafe defibrillations, higher ventilation rates, and a delay in starting CPR (all p < 0.05 vs. control). The presence of a relative increased frustration, effort, and perceived temporal demands (all <0.05 compared to control); in addition, an “agitated” relative increased mental demands and total task load (both p < 0.05 compared to “withdrawn” and control group). The type of leadership condition did not show any effects. Conclusions: Interaction with a relative accounted for up to 25% of resuscitation time. Whereas the presence of a relative per se increased the task load in different domains, only the presence of an “agitated” relative had a marginal detrimental effect on CPR quality (GERMAN study registers number DRKS00024761).

Necrosulfonamide improves post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction via inhibiting pyroptosis and necroptosis in a rat model of cardiac arrest

The systemic inflammatory response following global myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a critical driver of poor outcomes. Both pyroptosis and necroptosis are involved in the systemic inflammatory response and contribute to regional myocardial I/R injury. This study aimed to explore the effect of necrosulfonamide (NSA) on post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction in a rat model of cardiac arrest. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly categorized to Sham, CPR and CPR-NSA groups. For rats in the latter two groups, ventricular fibrillation was induced without treatment for 6 min, with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) being sustained for 8 min. Rats were injected with NSA (10 mg/kg in DMSO) or vehicle at 5 min following return of spontaneous circulation. Myocardial function was measured by echocardiography, survival and neurological deficit score (NDS) were recorded at 24, 48, and 72 h after ROSC. Western blotting was used to assess pyroptosis- and necroptosis-related protein expression. ELISAs were used to measure levels of inflammatory cytokine. Rats in the CPR-NSA group were found to exhibit superior post-resuscitation myocardial function, and better NDS values in the group of CPR-NSA. Rats in the group of CPR-NSA exhibited median survival duration of 68 ± 8 h as compared to 34 ± 21 h in the CPR group. After treatment with NSA, NOD-like receptor 3 (NLRP3), GSDMD-N, phosphorylated-MLKL, and phosphorylated-RIP3 levels in cardiac tissue were reduced with corresponding reductions in inflammatory cytokine levels. Administration of NSA significantly improved myocardial dysfunction succeeding global myocardial I/R injury and enhanced survival outcomes through protective mechanisms potentially related to inhibition of pyroptosis and necroptosis pathways.

Anisodamine hydrobromide ameliorates cardiac damage after resuscitation

The microcirculation is correlated with the prognosis of patients with cardiac arrest and changes after resuscitation. In the present study, the effects of anisodamine hydrobromide (AH) on microcirculation was investigated and its potential mechanisms were explored. A total of 24 pigs were randomly grouped into three groups (n=8): Sham, Saline and AH group. After pigs were anesthetized, intubated and mechanically ventilated, ventricular fibrillation was induced by electrical stimulation. After 8 min, cardiopulmonary resuscitation was given to the restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Arteriovenous blood was collected at baseline and 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 h after ROSC to measure blood gas and cytokines. Perfused vessel density (PVD) and microvascular flow index (MFI) were measured to reflect the microcirculation. Continuous cardiac output and global ejection fraction were measured to indicate hemodynamics. Compared with Sham group, PVD and MFI in the intestines and the sublingual regions decreased significantly after resuscitation. The microcirculation recovered faster in the AH group than the SA group. The decrease of intestinal microcirculatory blood flow was closely related to the decrease of sublingual microcirculatory blood flow. The cardiac function was impaired after resuscitation, and a decrease of IFN-γ as well as IL-2 and an increase of IL-4 as well as IL-10 suggested the immune imbalance. The microcirculation changes in sublingual regions were closely related to the changes in intestines. AH could improve the immune imbalance after resuscitation and was beneficial to the recovery of cardiac function.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation duration and favorable neurological outcome after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a nationwide multicenter observational study in Japan (the JAAM-OHCA registry)

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to assess the association between cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR duration) and outcomes after OHCA.

METHODS

This secondary analysis of a prospective, multicenter, observational study included adult non-traumatic OHCA patients aged ≥ 18 years between June 2014 and December 2017. CPR duration was defined as the time from professional CPR initiation to the time of return of spontaneous circulation or termination of resuscitation. The primary outcome was 1-month survival, with favorable neurological outcomes defined by cerebral performance category 1 or 2. We performed multivariable logistic regression analysis to investigate the association between CPR duration and favorable neurological outcomes. We also investigated the association between CPR duration and favorable neurological outcomes stratified by case features, including the first documented cardiac rhythm, witnessed status, and presence of bystander CPR.

RESULTS

A total of 23,803 patients were included in this analysis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis demonstrated that the probability of favorable neurological outcomes decreased with CPR duration (i.e., 20.8% [226/1084] in the ≤ 20 min group versus 0.0% [0/708] in the 91-120 min group, P for trend < 0.001). Furthermore, the impact of CPR duration differed depending on the presence of case features; those with shockable, witnessed arrest, and bystander CPR were more likely to achieve favorable neurological outcomes after prolonged CPR duration > 30 min.

CONCLUSION

The probability of favorable neurological outcome rapidly decreased within a few minutes of CPR duration. But, the impact of CPR duration may be influenced by each patient's clinical feature.

Impact of family presence during cardiopulmonary resuscitation on team performance and perceived task load: a prospective randomised simulator-based trial

OBJECTIVES

Guidelines recommend family presence to be offered during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Data on the effects of family presence on the quality of CPR and rescuers' workload and stress levels are sparse and conflicting. This randomised trial investigated the effects of family presence on quality of CPR, and rescuers' perceived stress.

DESIGN

Prospective randomised single-blind trial.

SETTING

Voluntary workshops of educational courses.

PARTICIPANTS

1085 physicians (565 men) randomised to 325 teams entered the trial. 318 teams completed the trial without protocol violation.

INTERVENTIONS

Teams were randomised to a family presence group (n=160) or a control group (n=158) and to three versions of leadership: (a) designated at random, (b) designated by the team or (c) left open. Thereafter, teams were confronted with a simulated cardiac arrest which was video-recorded. Trained actors played a family member according a scripted role.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary endpoint was hands-on time. Secondary outcomes included interaction time, rescuers' perceived task load and adherence to CPR algorithms.

RESULTS

Teams interacted with the family member during 24 (17-36) % of the time spent for resuscitation. Family presence had no effect on hands-on time (88% (84%-91%) vs 89% (85%-91%); p=0.18). Family presence increased frustration (60 (30-75) vs 45 (30-70); p<0.001) and perceived temporal (75 (55-85) vs 70 (50-80); p=0.001) and mental demands (75 (60-85) vs 70 (55-80); p=0.009), but had no relevant effect on CPR performance markers. Leadership condition had no effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Interacting with a family member occupied about a quarter of the time spent for CPR. While this additional task was associated with an increase in frustration and perceived temporal and mental demands, family presence had no relevant negative effect on the quality of CPR.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

DRKS00024759.

Knowledge, Attitude and Decision-making of Nurses in the Resuscitation Team towards Terminating Resuscitation and Do-not-Resuscitate Order

Background

Making appropriate decisions for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is very challenging for healthcare providers. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge, attitude, and decision making about do-not-resuscitate (DNR) and termination of resuscitation (ToR) among nurses in the resuscitation team.

Methods

This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in April-September 2020. Participants were 128 nurses from the CPR teams of two hospitals in Kermanshah and Hamedan, Iran. A valid and reliable researcher-made instrument was used for data collection. Data were analyzed using the Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Mann-Whitney U tests, the Spearman's correlation analysis, and the logistic and rank regression analyses.

Results

Only 22.7% and 37.5% of participants had adequate knowledge about ToR and DNR. The significant predictor of DNR and ToR knowledge was educational level and the significant predictors of decision making for CPR were educational level, gender, and history of receiving CPR-related education (P<0.05). When facing a cardiac arrest and indication of DNR or ToR, 12.5% of participants reported that they would not start CPR, 21.5% of them reported that they would terminate CPR, and 14.8% of them reported that they would perform slow code. The DNR decision had significant relationship with educational level, DNR knowledge, and ToR knowledge (P< 0.05), while the ToR decision had significant relationship with educational level and ToR knowledge (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Nurses' limited DNR and ToR knowledge and physicians' conflicting orders and documentation can cause ethical challenges for nurses. Clear guidelines for DNR orders or TOR is necessary for nurses, in order to prevent any potential confusion, legal or psychosocial issues and concerns surrounding CPR and improve their involvement in CPR decision making process.

Factors Affecting Outcomes of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in a Nephro-Urology Unit: A Retrospective Analysis

Background

Availability of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) data from India is limited in published literature and data on patients with renal disease even more so. Documented survival-to-discharge rates worldwide range from 8 to 15% in renal disease as compared to 25% in the general population.

Methods

An institution-wide format for collection of cardiac arrest data was introduced in late 2015. We have analyzed all adult onsite cardiac arrests from January 2016 to December 2019. Patient characteristics and CPR parameters were both studied in detail. Primary endpoint was defined as survival to discharge. Association between patient and treatment characteristics and survival to discharge was studied.

Results

Successful CPR resulting in patient discharge occurred in 28 (31.4%) out of 89 patients. A very strong association was found between mortality and prolonged CPR (p <0.00001). Events occurring out of hours (p = 0.0029), patients admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) (p = 0.03), initiated on inotropes (p = 0.003), and patients already on a ventilator (p = 0.0018) had poorer outcomes. Sepsis as the etiology emerged as the most significant association with mortality (p = 0.0007). Patient characteristics such as age, sex, presence or absence of chronic kidney disease, type of dialysis treatment, and vintage were found to be insignificant.

Conclusion

Analysis revealed survival to discharge of 31.4%. Sepsis in association with renal disease has been found to be consistent with higher risk for mortality. Other factors such as an out of hours event, admission to ICU, early intubation and inotrope initiation were associated with worse outcomes.

How to cite this article

Sharma S, Raman P, Sinha M, Deo AS. Factors Affecting Outcomes of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in a Nephro-Urology Unit: A Retrospective Analysis. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(3):322–326.

Resuscitation Using ECPR During In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (RESCUE-IHCA) Mortality Prediction Score and External Validation

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a score to accurately predict the probability of death for adult extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR).

BACKGROUND

ECPR is being increasingly used to treat refractory in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), but survival varies from 20% to 40%.

METHODS

Adult patients with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for IHCA (ECPR) were identified from the American Heart Association GWTG-R (Get With the Guidelines-Resuscitation) registry. A multivariate survival prediction model and score were developed to predict hospital death. Findings were externally validated in a separate cohort of patients from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization registry who underwent ECPR for IHCA.

RESULTS

A total of 1,075 patients treated with ECPR were included. Twenty-eight percent survived to discharge in both the derivation and validation cohorts. A total of 6 variables were associated with in-hospital death: age, time of day, initial rhythm, history of renal insufficiency, patient type (cardiac vs noncardiac and medical vs surgical), and duration of the cardiac arrest event, which were combined into the RESCUE-IHCA (Resuscitation Using ECPR During IHCA) score. The model had good discrimination (area under the curve: 0.719; 95% CI: 0.680-0.757) and acceptable calibration (Hosmer and Lemeshow goodness of fit P = 0.079). Discrimination was fair in the external validation cohort (area under the curve: 0.676; 95% CI: 0.606-0.746) with good calibration (P = 0.66), demonstrating the model's ability to predict in-hospital death across a wide range of probabilities.

CONCLUSIONS

The RESCUE-IHCA score can be used by clinicians in real time to predict in-hospital death among patients with IHCA who are treated with ECPR.

Comparison of Machine Learning Methods for Predicting Outcomes After In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

OBJECTIVES

Prognostication of neurologic status among survivors of in-hospital cardiac arrests remains a challenging task for physicians. Although models such as the Cardiac Arrest Survival Post-Resuscitation In-hospital score are useful for predicting neurologic outcomes, they were developed using traditional statistical techniques. In this study, we derive and compare the performance of several machine learning models with each other and with the Cardiac Arrest Survival Post-Resuscitation In-hospital score for predicting the likelihood of favorable neurologic outcomes among survivors of resuscitation.

DESIGN

Analysis of the Get With The Guidelines-Resuscitation registry.

SETTING

Seven-hundred fifty-five hospitals participating in Get With The Guidelines-Resuscitation from January 1, 2001, to January 28, 2017.

PATIENTS

Adult in-hospital cardiac arrest survivors.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Of 117,674 patients in our cohort, 28,409 (24%) had a favorable neurologic outcome, as defined as survival with a Cerebral Performance Category score of less than or equal to 2 at discharge. Using patient characteristics, pre-existing conditions, prearrest interventions, and periarrest variables, we constructed logistic regression, support vector machines, random forests, gradient boosted machines, and neural network machine learning models to predict favorable neurologic outcome. Events prior to October 20, 2009, were used for model derivation, and all subsequent events were used for validation. The gradient boosted machine predicted favorable neurologic status at discharge significantly better than the Cardiac Arrest Survival Post-Resuscitation In-hospital score (C-statistic: 0.81 vs 0.73; p < 0.001) and outperformed all other machine learning models in terms of discrimination, calibration, and accuracy measures. Variables that were consistently most important for prediction across all models were duration of arrest, initial cardiac arrest rhythm, admission Cerebral Performance Category score, and age.

CONCLUSIONS

The gradient boosted machine algorithm was the most accurate for predicting favorable neurologic outcomes in in-hospital cardiac arrest survivors. Our results highlight the utility of machine learning for predicting neurologic outcomes in resuscitated patients.

In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survival in the United States During and After the Initial Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic Surge

BACKGROUND

Recent reports on challenges in resuscitation care at hospitals severely affected by the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic raise questions about how the pandemic affected outcomes for in-hospital cardiac arrest throughout the United States.

METHODS

Within Get With The Guidelines-Resuscitation, we conducted a retrospective cohort study to compare in-hospital cardiac arrest survival during the presurge (January 1-February 29), surge (March 1-May 15) and immediate postsurge (May 16-June 30) periods in 2020 compared to 2015 to 2019. Monthly COVID-19 mortality rates for each hospital's county were categorized, per 1 000 000 residents, as low (0-10), moderate (11-50), high (51-100), or very high (>100). Using hierarchical regression models, we compared rates of survival to discharge in 2020 versus 2015 to 2019 for each period.

RESULTS

Of 61 586 in-hospital cardiac arrests, 21 208 (4309 in 2020), 26 459 (5949 in 2020), and 13 919 (2686 in 2020) occurred in the presurge, surge, and postsurge periods, respectively. During the presurge period, 24.2% survived to discharge in 2020 versus 24.7% in 2015 to 2019 (adjusted odds ratio, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.02-1.22]). In contrast, during the surge period, 19.6% survived to discharge in 2020 versus 26.0% in 2015 to 2019 (adjusted odds ratio, 0.81 [0.75-0.88]). Lower survival was most pronounced in communities with high (28% lower survival) and very high (42% lower survival) monthly COVID-19 mortality rates (interaction P<0.001). Resuscitation times were shorter (median: 22 versus 25 minutes; P<0.001), and delayed epinephrine treatment was more prevalent (11.3% versus 9.9%; P=0.004) during the surge period. Survival was lower even when patients with confirmed/suspected COVID-19 infection were excluded from analyses. During the postsurge period, survival rates were similar in 2020 versus 2015 to 2019 (22.3% versus 25.8%; adjusted odds ratio, 0.93 [0.83-1.04]), including communities with high COVID-19 mortality (interaction P=0.16).

CONCLUSIONS

Early during the pandemic, rates of survival to discharge for IHCA decreased, even among patients without COVID-19 infection, highlighting the early impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on in-hospital resuscitation.

Survival to Discharge Rate and Favorable Neurological Outcome Related to Gender, Duration of Resuscitation and First Document of Patients In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Systematic Meta-Analysis

Objective

To investigate the relationship between outcomes and demographic-clinical variables in in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA).

Methods

The Medline database was searched along with Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and Persian language database without time limitation until January 6^th, 2020. The inclusion criteria included papers published in journals or presented in English and Persian congress that reported the IHCA outcomes based on the Utstein criterion. All the descriptive, cross-sectional, and cohort studies on CPR were covered based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Primary checks covered titles and abstracts followed by a full-text check of the remaining papers from the first screening stage. Data analysis was done using comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) software version 2.0. The finding's heterogeneity was checked using Q and Cochran tests with heterogeneity >50% and the random-effects model was used to estimate survival and favorable neurological outcome (FNO) in the analysis. To detect the publication bias of studies, the subgroup test, meta-regression test, sensitivity analysis test, funnel plot, and Eagger's regression test were used.

Results

Survival to discharge was 19.1% (95% CI=16.8-21.7) and FNO in the survived to discharge cases was 68.1% (95% CI=55.8-78.3). Survival to discharge and FNO were notably higher in men, CPR duration <15min, and shockable dysrhythmias.

Conclusion

IHCA outcomes are poor in developing countries. The outcomes of IHCA in terms of gender were inconsistent with the result reported by other meta-analyses.

Validation of the CREST score for predicting circulatory-aetiology death in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest without STEMI

AIMS

The CREST tool was recently developed to stratify the risk of circulatory-aetiology death (CED) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients without ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We aimed to validate the CREST score using an external cohort and determine whether it could be improved by the addition of serum lactate on admission.

METHODS

The study involved the retrospective analysis of consecutive patients admitted to a single tertiary centre with OHCA of presumed cardiac origin over a 51-month period. The CREST score was calculated by attributing points to the following variables: Coronary artery disease (CAD), non-shockable Rhythm, Ejection fraction <30%, cardiogenic Shock at presentation and ischaemic Time ≥25 minutes. The primary endpoint was CED vs neurological aetiology death (NED) or survival.

RESULTS

Of 500 patients admitted with OHCA, 211 did not meet criteria for STEMI and were included. 115 patients died in hospital (71 NED, 44 CED). When analysed individually, CED was associated with all CREST variables other than a previous diagnosis of CAD. The CREST score accurately predicted CED with excellent discrimination (C-statistic 0.880, 95% CI 0.813-0.946) and calibration (Hosmer and Lemeshow P=0.948). Although an admission lactate ≥7 mmol/L also predicted CED, its addition to the CREST score (the C-AREST score) did not significantly improve the predictive ability (CS 0.885, 0.815-0.954, HS P=0.942, X² difference in -2 log likelihood =0.326, P=0.850).

CONCLUSION

Our study is the first to independently validate the CREST score for predicting CED in patients presenting with OHCA without STEMI. Addition of lactate on admission did not improve its predictive ability.

Contemporary Management of Cardiogenic Shock: A RAND Appropriateness Panel Approach

BACKGROUND

Current practice in cardiogenic shock is guided by expert opinion in guidelines and scientific statements from professional societies with limited high quality randomized trial data to inform optimal patient management. An international panel conducted a modified Delphi process with the intent of identifying aspects of cardiogenic shock care where there was uncertainty regarding optimal patient management.

METHODS

An 18-person multidisciplinary panel comprising international experts was convened. A modified RAND/University of California Los Angeles appropriateness methodology was used. A survey comprising 70 statements was completed. Participants anonymously rated the appropriateness of each statement on a scale of 1 to 9: 1 to 3 inappropriate, 4 to 6 uncertain, and 7 to 9 appropriate. A summary of the results was discussed as a group, and the survey was iterated and completed again before final analysis.

RESULTS

There was broad alignment with current international guidelines and consensus statements. Overall, 44 statements were rated as appropriate, 19 as uncertain, and 7 as inappropriate. There was no disagreement with a disagreement index <1 for all statements. Routine fluid administration was deemed to be inappropriate. Areas of uncertainty focused panel on pre-PCI interventions, the use of right heart catheterization to guide management, routine use of left ventricular unloading strategies, and markers of futility when considering escalation to mechanical circulatory support.

CONCLUSIONS

While there was broad alignment with current guidance, an expert panel found several aspects of care where there was clinical equipoise, further highlighting the need for randomized controlled trials to better guide patient management and decision making in cardiogenic shock.

Clinical Characteristics of Intraoperative Cardiac Arrest During Cancer Surgery

Purpose: Intraoperative cardiac arrest (IOCA) is rare, unpredictable, and may result in a poor outcome. The features of IOCA during cancer surgery and factors related to survival following an IOCA were examined.Methods: This was a retrospective study of patients who had cancer surgery under general anesthesia between March 2009 and March 2021 (<i>n</i> = 84,615) to determine the number of patients who had an IOCA. Patients’ clinical information, cause of IOCA, hypoxemia during anesthesia, and the duration of hypotension and CPR were analyzed.Results: A total of 22 cases of IOCA occurred during cancer surgery (overall incidence: 2.6 per 10,000 surgeries). Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in 17 patients, but only 13 survived until discharge. There were statistically significant differences between the deceased and the survival cancer patient groups in; (1) duration of hypoxemia (survival group: 5 minutes, range: 2-18 minutes; deceased group: 60 minutes, range, 22.5-120 minutes; <i>p</i> = 0.019); (2) duration of hypotension (survival group: 35 minutes, range, 15-55 minutes; deceased group 160 minutes, range, 140-185 minutes; <i>p</i> = 0.007); and (3) total duration of CPR (survival group: 3 minutes, range: 1-15 minutes; deceased group: 40 minutes, range: 19-149 minutes; <i>p</i> = 0.005).Conclusion: The duration of hypoxemia and hypotension prior to the onset of IOCA, as well as the duration of CPR were associated with the prognosis of IOCA, highlighting the need to reduce multiorgan damage caused by hypoxemia and hypotension during surgery in high-risk patients.

The Effect of Group Random Quality Control on the First Aid Ability of Ward Doctors and Nurses with Respect to the Resuscitation of Patients with In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Objective

This study was designed to verify the effect of group random quality control on the first aid ability of ward doctors and nurses with regard to the resuscitation of patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA).

Methods

The first aid quality control team of our hospital was established in December 2018, when the number, qualifications, organizational structure, quality control methods, and responsibilities of the team and team members were determined. The baseline data and assessment results of examinees, the rates of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and the discharge survival rate of IHCA patients in 2019 and 2020 were compared.

Results

There were no significant differences in the baseline data of examinees at each stage (p > 0.05). As time went on, the results of the four practical examinations were significantly improved (pairwise comparison, p < 0.05). The number of problems in examinations was significantly higher for physicians than for nurses. After guidance in department relearning, the incidence of related problems was significantly reduced, but the mastery of the frequency and depth of extracorporeal cardiac compression were not always up to standard. The proportion of critically ill patients and the incidence of IHCA in the hospital in 2020 was higher than in 2019 (p < 0.05), and the ROSC rate was also significantly higher than it was in 2019 (p < 0.05), but the difference in the survival rate at discharge was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Group random quality control meets the needs of IHCA emergencies, and it can improve the first aid skills and organizational coordination of doctors and nurses on the ward through continuous discovery and problem solving so that the ultimate goal of improving the success rate of resuscitation can be achieved.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Outcomes of Patients with COVID-19; a One-Year Survey

INTRODUCTION

Assessing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) outcomes of patients with COVID-19 and employing effective strategies for their improvement are essential. This study is designed in this regard.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted between January 20, 2020 and January 20, 2021 in the emergency departments of two hospitals in Hamadan and Kermanshah, Iran. Participants were 487 patients with confirmed COVID-19 and cardiac arrest (CA) who had undergone CPR during the study period. Data were collected using the available CPR documentation forms developed based on the Utstein Style and analyses were performed using Chi-square, Fisher's exact, and Mann-Whitney U tests and the logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Participants' mean age was 69.31±14.73 years and most of them were male (61.8%) and suffered from at least one underlying disease (58.1%). The rate of total and in-hospital CA was 9.67% and 9.39%, respectively. The most prevalent first documented rhythm was asystole (67.9%) and the highest responsivity to CPR was for shockable rhythms. The rate of the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was 9% and the rate of survival to hospital discharge was 2%. The significant predictors of CPR success were age (p = 0.035), epinephrine administration time interval (p = 0.00), CPR duration (p = 0.00), and First documented rhythm (p = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

The rate of in-hospital CA among studied COVID-19 cases was 9.39% with 9% ROSC and 2% survival to hospital discharge rates after CPR. Primary CPR success among patients with COVID-19 was poor, particularly among those with asystole and bradycardia. It seems that old age and improper doses of epinephrine can reduce CPR success.

Effect of Temporal Difference on Clinical Outcomes of Patients with Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Retrospective Study from an Urban City of Taiwan

Circadian pattern influence on the incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has been demonstrated. However, the effect of temporal difference on the clinical outcomes of OHCA remains inconclusive. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study in an urban city of Taiwan between January 2018 and December 2020 in order to investigate the relationship between temporal differences and the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), sustained (≥24 h) ROSC, and survival to discharge in patients with OHCA. Of the 842 patients with OHCA, 371 occurred in the daytime, 250 in the evening, and 221 at night. During nighttime, there was a decreased incidence of OHCA, but the outcomes of OHCA were significant poor compared to the incidents during the daytime and evening. After multivariate adjustment for influencing factors, OHCAs occurring at night were independently associated with lower probabilities of achieving sustained ROSC (aOR = 0.489, 95% CI: 0.285–0.840, p = 0.009) and survival to discharge (aOR = 0.147, 95% CI: 0.03–0.714, p = 0.017). Subgroup analyses revealed significant temporal differences in male patients, older adult patients, those with longer response times (≥5 min), and witnessed OHCA. The effects of temporal difference on the outcome of OHCA may be a result of physiological factors, underlying etiology of arrest, resuscitative efforts in prehospital and in-hospital stages, or a combination of factors.

Features of Patients Receiving Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Relative to Cardiogenic Shock Onset: A Single-Centre Experience

Background and Objectives: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be helpful in patients with cardiogenic shock associated with myocardial infarction, and its early use can improve the patient survival rate. In this study, we report a mortality rate-difference analysis that examined the time and location of shock occurrence. Materials and Methods: We enrolled patients who underwent ECMO due to cardiogenic shock related to myocardial infarction and assigned them to either a pre- or post-admission shock group. The primary outcome was the 1-month mortality rate; a subgroup analysis was conducted to assess the effect of bailout ECMO. Results: Of the 113 patients enrolled, 67 (38 with pre-admission shock, 29 with post-admission shock) were analysed. Asystole was more frequently detected in the pre-admission shock group than in the post-admission group. In both groups, the commonest culprit lesion location was in the left anterior descending artery. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed significantly more frequently and earlier in the pre-admission group. The 1-month mortality rate was significantly lower in the pre-admission group than in the post-admission group. Male sex and ECMO duration (≥6 days) were factors significantly related to the reduced mortality rate in the pre-admission group. In the subgroup analysis, the mortality rate was lower in patients receiving bailout ECMO than in those not receiving it; the difference was not statistically significant. Conclusions: ECMO application resulted in lower short-term mortality rate among patients with out-of-hospital cardiogenic shock onset than with in-hospital shock onset; early cardiopulmonary resuscitation and ECMO might be helpful in select patients.

The Use of Slow Codes and Medically Futile Codes in Practice

CONTEXT

Slow codes, which occur when clinicians symbolically appear to conduct advanced cardiac life support but do not provide full resuscitation efforts, are ethically controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the use of slow codes in practice and their association with clinicians' attitudes and moral distress.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional survey at Rush University and University of Chicago in January 2020. Participants included physician trainees, attending physicians, nurses, and advanced practice providers who care for critically ill patients.

RESULTS

Of the 237 respondents to the survey (31% response rate, n = 237/753), almost half (48%) were internal medicine residents (46% response rate, n = 114/246). Over two-thirds of all respondents (69%) reported caring for a patient where a slow code was performed, with a mean of 1.3 slow codes (SD 1.7) occurring in the past year per participant. A narrow majority of respondents (52%) reported slow codes are ethical if the code is medically futile. Other respondents (46%) reported slow codes are not ethical, with 19% believing no code should be performed and 28% believing a full guideline consistent code should be performed. Most respondents reported moral distress when being required to run (75%), do chest compressions for (80%), or witness (78%) a cardiac resuscitation attempt they believe to be medically futile.

CONCLUSION

Slow codes occur in practice, even though many clinicians ethically disagree with their use. The use of cardiac resuscitation attempts in medically futile situations can cause significant moral distress to medical professionals who agree or are forced to participate in them.

Impact of insurance type on outcomes in cardiac arrest patients from 2004 to 2015: A nation-wide population-based study

Objectives

There do not appear to be many studies which have examined the socio-economic burden and medical factors influencing the mortality and hospital costs incurred by patients with cardiac arrest in South Korea. We analyzed the differences in characteristics, medical factors, mortality, and costs between patients with national health insurance and those on a medical aid program.

Methods

We selected patients (≥20 years old) who experienced their first episode of cardiac arrest from 2004 to 2015 using data from the National Health Insurance Service database. We analyzed demographic characteristics, insurance type, urbanization of residential area, comorbidities, treatments, hospital costs, and mortality within 30 days and one year for each group. A multiple regression analysis was used to identify an association between insurance type and outcomes.

Results

Among the 487,442 patients with cardiac arrest, the medical aid group (13.3% of the total) had a higher proportion of females, rural residents, and patients treated in low-level hospitals. The patients in the medical aid group also reported a higher rate of non-shockable conditions; a high Charlson Comorbidity Index; and pre-existing comorbidities, such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and renal failure with a lower rate of providing a coronary angiography. The national health insurance group reported a lower one-year mortality rate (91.2%), compared to the medical aid group (94%), and a negative association with one-year mortality (Adjusted OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.71–0.76). While there was no significant difference in short-term costs between the two groups, the medical aid group reported lower long-term costs, despite a higher rate of readmission.

Conclusions

Medical aid coverage was an associated factor for one-year mortality, and may be the result of an insufficient delivery of long-term services as reflected by the lower long-term costs and higher readmission rates. There were differences of characteristics, comorbidities, medical and hospital factors and treatments in two groups. These differences in medical and hospital factors may display discrepancies by type of insurance in the delivery of services, especially in chronic healthcare services.

Impact of COVID-19 adapted guidelines on resuscitation quality in out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest: a manikin study

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the effects of European Resuscitation Council (ERC) COVID-19-guidelines on resuscitation quality emphasizing advanced airway management in out-of-hospital-cardiacarrest.

METHODS

In a manikin study paramedics and emergency physicians performed Advanced-Cardiac-Life-Support in three settings: ERC guidelines 2015 (Control), COVID-19-guidelines as suggested with minimum staff (COVID-19-minimal-personnel); COVID-19-guidelines with paramedics and an emergency physician (COVID-19-advanced-airway-manager). Main outcome measures were no-flow-time, quality metrics as defined by ERC and time intervals to first chest compression, oxygen supply, intubation and first rhythm analysis. Data were presented as mean±standard deviation.

RESULTS

Thirty resuscitation scenarios were completed. No-flow-time was markedly prolonged in COVID-19-minimal-personnel [113±37sec] compared to Control [55±9sec] and COVID-19-advanced-airway-manager [76±38sec](p<0.001 each). In both COVID-19-groups chest compressions started later [COVID-19-minimal-personnel:32±6sec; COVID-19-advancedairway-manager:37±7sec; each p<0.001 vs. Control (21±5sec)], but oxygen supply [COVID-19-minimal-personnel:29±5sec; COVID-19-advanced-airway-manager:34±7sec; each p<0.001 vs. Control (77±19sec)] and first intubation attempt [COVID-19-minimalpersonnel: 111±14sec; COVID-19-advanced-airway-manager:131±20sec; each p<0.001 vs. Control (178±44sec)] were performed earlier. However, time interval to successful intubation was similar [Control:198±48sec; COVID-19-minimal-personnel:181±42sec; COVID-19-advanced-airway-manager:130±25sec] due to a longer intubation time in COVID-19-minimalpersonnel [61±35sec] compared to COVID-19-advanced-airway-manager (p=0.002) and control [19±6sec;p<0.001]. Time to first rhythm analysis was more than doubled in COVID-19-minimal-personnel [138±96sec] compared to control [50±12sec;p<0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

Delayed chest compressions and prolonged no-flow-time markedly reduced the quality of resuscitation. These negative effects were attenuated by increasing the number of staff and by adding an experienced airway manager. The use of endotracheal intubation for reducing aerosol release during resuscitation should be discussed critically as its priorization is associated with an increase in no-flow-time.

Outcomes of adult patients supported by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) following cardiopulmonary arrest. The Mayo Clinic experience

INTRODUCTION

To describe our experience in use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) as a rescue strategy in patients following cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed for patients (n = 101) who received ECLS after cardiorespiratory arrest between May 2001 and December 2014. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge.

RESULTS

In this cohort median (IQR) age was 56 (37-67) years, 53 (53%) were male, and 90 (89%) were Caucasian. Ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillations were the initial cardiac rhythm in 49 (48.5%) and asystole/pulseless electrical activity in 37 (36.8%). Median (IQR) time to initiation of extracorporeal support from arrest time was 72 (43-170) min. The median (IQR) duration of support was 100 (47-157) hours. Renal failure (66%) and bleeding (66%) were the two most commonly observed complications during ECLS support. The survival to hospital discharge was seen in 47 (47%) patients, and good neurologic outcome (mRs 0-3) was seen in 29%. Acidosis, lactate and continuous renal replacement therapy were independent predictors of mortality. The median (IQR) intensive care unit stay was 14 (4-28) days and hospital stay was 17 (4-35) days.

CONCLUSION

Our institutional experience with ECLS as a rescue measure following cardiac arrest is associated with improvement in mortality, and favorable neurologic status at hospital discharge.

Long-Term Functional Outcome and Quality of Life Following In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest-A Longitudinal Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the functional outcome and health-related quality of life of in-hospital cardiac arrest survivors at 6 and 12 months.

DESIGN

A longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING

Seven metropolitan hospitals in Australia.

PATIENTS

Data were collected for hospitalized adults (≥ 18 yr) who experienced in-hospital cardiac arrest, defined as "a period of unresponsiveness, with no observed respiratory effort and the commencement of external cardiac compressions."

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Prior to hospital discharge, patients were approached for consent to participate in 6-month and 12-month telephone interviews. Outcomes included the modified Rankin Scale, Barthel Index, Euro-Quality of Life 5 Dimension 5 Level, return to work and hospital readmissions. Forty-eight patients (80%) consented to follow-up interviews. The mean age of participants was 67.2 (± 15.3) years, and 33 of 48 (68.8%) were male. Good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 3) was reported by 31 of 37 participants (83.8%) at 6 months and 30 of 33 (90.9%) at 12 months. The median Euro-Quality of Life-5D index value was 0.73 (0.33-0.84) at 6 months and 0.76 (0.47-0.88) at 12 months. The median Euro-Quality of Life-Visual Analogue Scale score at 6 months was 70 (55-80) and 75 (50-87.5) at 12 months. Problems in all Euro-Quality of Life-5D-5 L dimension were reported frequently at both time points. Hospital readmission was reported by 23 of 37 patients (62.2%) at 6 months and 16 of 33 (48.5%) at 12 months. Less than half of previously working participants had returned to work by 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of in-hospital cardiac arrest survivors had a good functional outcome and health-related quality of life at 6 months, and this was largely unchanged at 12 months. Despite this, many reported problems with mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain, and anxiety/depression. Return to work rates was low, and hospital readmissions were common.

Age and sex differences in outcomes after in-hospital cardiac arrest

INTRODUCTION

While specific factors have been associated with outcomes after in-hospital cardiac arrest, the association between sex and outcomes remains debated. Moreover, age-specific sex differences in outcomes have not been fully characterized in this population.

METHODS

Adult patients (≥18 years) with an index in-hospital cardiac arrest were included from the Danish In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Registry (DANARREST) from January 1st, 2017 to December 31st, 2018. Population-based registries were used to obtain data on patient characteristics, cardiac arrest characteristics, and outcomes. Unadjusted and adjusted estimates for return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival to 30 days, survival to one year, duration of resuscitation, and post-cardiac arrest time-to-death were computed.

RESULTS

A total of 3266 patients were included, of which 2041 (62%) patients were male with a median age of 73 years (quartiles: 64, 80). Among 1225 (38%) female patients, the median age was 76 years (quartiles: 67, 83). Younger age was associated with higher odds of ROSC and survival. Sex was not associated with ROSC and survival in the unadjusted analyses. In the adjusted analyses, women had 1.32 (95%CI: 1.12, 1.54) times the odds of survival to 30 days and 1.26 (95%CI: 1.02, 1.57) times the odds of survival to one year compared to men. The overall association between sex and survival did not vary substantially across age categories, although female sex was associated with a higher survival within certain age categories. Among patients who did not achieve ROSC, female sex was associated with a shorter duration of resuscitation, which was more pronounced in younger age categories.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study of patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest, female sex was associated with a shorter duration of resuscitation among patients without ROSC but a higher survival to 30 days and one year. While the overall association between sex and outcomes did not vary substantially across age categories, female sex was associated with a higher survival within certain age categories.

Discharge survival of patients undergoing ECMO therapy after ECPR in a third level hospital

GOAL

The goal of this study was to assess the survival to hospital discharge in patients after the implementation of venoarterial-extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) during cardiopulmonary arrest (simultaneously or during the first six hours after the event) in a Spanish tertiary hospital.

METHOD

This is a descriptive and retrospective study conducted with patients subjected to VA-ECMO therapy during or after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in the last 10 years. The variables were extracted from the electronic medical record of each patient.

RESULTS

175 ECMO therapies were implemented, 84% (147) were VA-ECMO, and the indication for 17% (25) was CPR. In 40% (10), ECMO therapy was initiated simultaneously during CPR, and the rest (15) during the first six hours after the event. Survival rates reached 44%.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of CPR in well-selected patients can improve their survival.