Successful out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary resuscitation: what is the optimal in-hospital treatment strategy?

Contemporary Management of Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest in the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory: Current Status and Future Directions

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is an important cause of mortality and morbidity in developed countries and remains an important public health burden. A primary cardiac aetiology is common in OHCA patients, and so patients are increasingly brought to specialist cardiac centres for consideration of coronary angiography, percutaneous coronary intervention and mechanical circulatory support. This article focuses on the management of OHCA in the cardiac catheterisation laboratory. In particular, it addresses conveyance of the OHCA patient direct to a specialist centre, the role of targeted temperature management, pharmacological considerations, provision of early coronary angiography and mechanical circulatory support.

Role of Cardiac Catheterization Lab Post Resuscitation in Patients with ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background:

Cardiac arrest remains a common and lethal condition associated with high morbidity and mortality. Even with improving survival rates, the successfully resuscitated post cardiac arrest patient is also at risk for poor neurological outcomes, functional status and long- term survival if not managed appropriately. Given that acute coronary occlusion has been found to be the leading cause of cardiac arrest, long-term prognosis is good in selected patients after successful out-of-hospital resuscitation and ST elevation myocardial infarction who are taken for immediate coronary angiography, treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention and hypothermia when indicated.

Conclusion:

A priority should therefore be placed in diagnosing as quickly as possible patients who have an acute coronary occlusion (i.e. ST elevation myocardial infarction) and implementing the appropriate and timely therapeutic strategy, which will require close chain of survival co- ordination and the services of the cardiac catheterization lab. Here we review previous and current guidelines as well as associated evidence.

Postcardiac Arrest Management

Cardiac arrest afflicts more than 300,000 persons annually in North America alone. Advances in systematic, regimented postresuscitation care have lowered mortality and improved neurologic outcomes in select cohorts of patients over the last decade. Postcardiac arrest care now comprises its own link in the chain of survival. For most patients, high-quality postcardiac arrest care begins in the Emergency Department. This article reviews the evidence and offers treatment strategies for the key components of postcardiac arrest care.

Invasive strategy in patients with resuscitated cardiac arrest and ST elevation myocardial infarction

Coronary artery disease is the most frequent cause of sudden cardiac death. There is general consensus that immediate coronary angiography with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) should be performed in all conscious and unconscious patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction in post-resuscitation electrocardiogram. In these patients acute coronary thrombotic lesion (“ACS” lesion) suitable for PCI is typically present in more than 90%. PCI in these patients is not only feasible and safe but highly effective and there is evidence of improved survival with good neurological outcome. PCI of the culprit lesion is the primary goal while PCI of stable obstructive lesions may be postponed unless post-resuscitation cardiogenic shock is present.

Comparing percutaneous coronary intervention and thrombolysis in patients with return of spontaneous circulation after cardiac arrest

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of percutaneous coronary intervention and thrombolysis after restoration of spontaneous circulation in cardiac arrest patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction using meta-analysis.

METHODS

We performed a meta-analysis of clinical studies indexed in the PUBMED, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases and published between January 1995 and October 2012. In addition, we compared the hospital discharge and neurological recovery rates between the patients who received percutaneous coronary intervention and those who received thrombolysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-four studies evaluating the effects of percutaneous coronary intervention or thrombolysis after restoration of spontaneous circulation in cardiac arrest patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction were included. Seventeen of the 24 studies were used in this meta-analysis. All studies were used to compare percutaneous coronary intervention and thrombolysis. The meta-analysis showed that the rate of hospital discharge improved with both percutaneous coronary intervention (p<0.001) and thrombolysis (p<0.001). We also found that cardiac arrest patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction who received thrombolysis after restoration of spontaneous circulation did not have decreased hospital discharge (p = 0.543) or neurological recovery rates (p = 0.165) compared with those who received percutaneous coronary intervention.

CONCLUSION

In cardiac arrest patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction who achieved restoration of spontaneous circulation, both percutaneous coronary intervention and thrombolysis improved the hospital discharge rate. Furthermore, there were no significant differences in the hospital discharge and neurological recovery rates between the percutaneous coronary intervention-treated group and the thrombolysis-treated group.

Therapeutic hypothermia and reliability of somatosensory evoked potentials in predicting outcome after cardiopulmonary arrest

The loss of the N20 component on testing median somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) has been established as the most reliable indicator of unfavorable prognosis in post-cardiopulmonary arrest patients. With the intervention of therapeutic hypothermia in the management of patients who remain comatose following cardiopulmonary arrest that association is now in dispute. Abandoning SSEP as a key prognostic indicator of neurologic outcome would be a serious loss and cannot be justified.

Acute coronary angiography in patients resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest--a systematic review and meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest has a poor prognosis. The main aetiology is ischaemic heart disease.

AIM

To make a systematic review addressing the question: "In patients with return of spontaneous circulation following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, does acute coronary angiography with coronary intervention improve survival compared to conventional treatment?"

METHODS

Peer reviewed articles written in English with relevant prognostic data were included. Comparison studies on patients with and without acute coronary angiography were pooled in a meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Thirty-two non-randomised studies were included of which 22 were case-series without patients with conservative treatment. Seven studies with specific efforts to control confounding had statistical evidence to support the use of acute coronary angiography following resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The remaining 25 studies were considered neutral. Following acute coronary angiography, the survival to hospital discharge, 30 days or six months ranged from 23% to 86%. In patients without an obvious non-cardiac aetiology, the prevalence of significant coronary artery disease ranged from 59% to 71%. Electrocardiographic findings were unreliable for identifying angiographic findings of acute coronary syndrome. Ten comparison studies demonstrated a pooled unadjusted odds ratio for survival of 2.78 (1.89; 4.10) favouring acute coronary angiography.

CONCLUSION

No randomised studies exist on acute coronary angiography following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. An increasing number of observational studies support feasibility and a possible survival benefit of an early invasive approach. In patients without an obvious non-cardiac aetiology, acute coronary angiography should be strongly considered irrespective of electrocardiographic findings due to a high prevalence of coronary artery disease.

Immediate coronary angiogram in comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest--an Australian study

INTRODUCTION

The role of immediate coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (angio±PCI), amongst comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is unclear. This study was undertaken to evaluate if immediate angio±PCI compared to no initial intervention improves neurological outcome at hospital discharge amongst comatose survivors of out-of-hospital pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF).

METHODS

All patients admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU) following an out-of-hospital VF/pVT arrest from 1/1/2003 to 31/12/2008 were included. Outcome of patients who underwent immediate angio±PCI was compared to those who did not undergo any intervention before admission to ICU. Good outcome was defined as survival to hospital discharge with Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) score of 1 or 2.

RESULTS

Thirty-five patients (30 Males, 5 Females, mean age 60.3±10.1), underwent angio±PCI prior to ICU admission. A further 35 patients (20 Males, 15 Females, mean age 61.1±17.6 years) were admitted directly to ICU without undergoing any intervention. Forty percent (14/35) of patients who had immediate coronary intervention survived to hospital discharge with a good outcome compared to 31% (11/35) patients who did not undergo any intervention. After adjusting for other covariates, the probability of good outcome at hospital discharge was related to severity of illness (SAPS-II) score at ICU admission (adj OR=0.87, 95% CI 0.81-0.94, p<0.01). Immediate angio±PCI compared to no intervention was associated with an improved outcome but this difference was statistically not significant (adj OR 1.32, 95% CI 0.26-7.87, p=0.78).

CONCLUSION

Immediate angio±PCI in comatose survivors of out-of-hospital VF/pVT arrest did not lead to better neurological outcome at hospital discharge.

Acute myocardial infarction--from territory to definitive treatment in an Italian province

RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Early reperfusion is the key to therapeutic success in acute myocardial infarction (AMI). The duration of the process is influenced by various factors which in most of the cases are not easily modifiable. The aim of this study is to analyse AMI treatment process duration to identify determining factors. The objective is to better exploit time intervals imposed by spatial distance from the hospital.

METHOD

One-year data regarding acute coronary syndromes with elevated ST segment for patients presenting to Policlinico teaching hospital (Modena, Italy) have been studied. Patients were divided into two groups for hospital access: A - ambulance access to Policlinico emergency room (ER); B - self-referral to ER.

RESULTS

A total of 141 patients have undergone percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for AMI at Policlinico, 106 males, 35 females (58.1% males in group A, 82.7% in B, P 0.002), with an average age of 66.09 ± 14.30 years in group A and 60.90 ± 13.47 in B (P 0.047). Mean pre-hospital time for group A was 122.54 ± 130.69 minutes and B 171.49 ± 353.60 (P 0.25), mean hospital time in group A was 196.03 ± 67.66 and B 255.14 ± 113.16 (P<0.001), mean total time in group A was 318.56 ± 146.91 and B 426.63 ± 382.01 (P 0.02).

DISCUSSION

Data show that group B suffered on average a 108-minute delay from symptoms insurgence to definitive treatment. The duration of hospital time plays more important role in this finding than distance from the medical facility. In fact, on the ambulance a medical crew starts the diagnostic and therapeutic process relieving ER from initial evaluation.

Emergent percutaneous coronary intervention for resuscitated victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Long-term survival rates even after successful resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are dismal. Most of those initially resuscitated expired during their hospitalization. Recent reports have suggested that a more aggressive approach to postresuscitation care is the key to better outcome. Waiting for the evidence of neurological recovery before acting can result in missed opportunity to improve such recovery. Immediate induction of mild therapeutic hypothermia for all resuscitated victims who remain comatose offers the best hope for neurological recovery. Numerous reports suggest that early coronary angiography and PCI also improve outcome among those resuscitated from cardiac arrest whose postresuscitation ECG show evidence of ST elevation myocardial infarctions. Most promising is combining these two postresuscitation therapies, namely immediate induction of hypothermia and early coronary angiography and PCI. Combining these therapies has resulted in long-term survival rates of 70% with more than 80% of all such survivors neurologically functional. Even those without ST elevation on their postresuscitation ECG can greatly benefit from timely induction of hypothermia and early angiography/PCI.

Changes in serum creatinine in the first 24 hours after cardiac arrest indicate prognosis: an observational cohort study

Introduction

As patients after cardiac arrest suffer from the consequences of global ischemia reperfusion, we aimed to establish the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) in these patients, and to investigate its possible association to severe hypoxic brain damage.

Methods

One hundred and seventy-one patients (135 male, mean age 61.6 +/- 15.0 years) after cardiac arrest were included in an observational cohort study. Serum creatinine was determined at admission and 24, 48 and 72 hours thereafter. Serum levels of neuron-specific enolase (NSE) were measured 72 hours after admission as a marker of hypoxic brain damage. Clinical outcome was assessed at intensive care unit (ICU) discharge using the Pittsburgh cerebral performance category (CPC).

Results

AKI as defined by AKI Network criteria occurred in 49% of the study patients. Patients with an unfavourable prognosis (CPC 3-5) were affected significantly more frequently (P = 0.013). Whilst serum creatinine levels decreased in patients with good neurological outcome (CPC 1 or 2) over the ensuing 48 hours, it increased in patients with unfavourable outcome (CPC 3-5). ROC analysis identified DeltaCrea24 <-0.19 mg/dl as the value for prediction with the highest accuracy. The odds ratio for an unfavourable outcome was 3.81 (95% CI 1.98-7.33, P = 0.0001) in cases of unchanged or increased creatinine levels after 24 hours compared to those whose creatinine levels decreased during the first 24 hours. NSE levels were found to correlate with the change in serum creatinine in the first 24 hours both in simple and multivariate regression (both r = 0.24, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

In this large cohort of patient after cardiac arrest, we found that AKI occurs in nearly 50% of patients when the new criteria are applied. Patients with unfavourable neurological outcome are affected more frequently. A significant association between the development of AKI and NSE levels indicating hypoxic brain damage was observed. Our data show that changes in serum creatinine may contribute to the prediction of outcome in patients with cardiac arrest. Whereas a decline in serum creatinine (> 0.2 mg/dL) in the first 24 hours after cardiac arrest indicates good prognosis, the risk of unfavourable outcome is markedly elevated in patients with constant or increasing serum creatinine.

Post-cardiac arrest syndrome: Epidemiology, pathophysiology, treatment, and prognostication: A scientific statement from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation; the American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee; the Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia; the Council on Cardiopulmonary, Perioperative, and Critical Care; the Council on Clinical Cardiology; the Council on Stroke (Part 1)

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, treatment and prognostication in relation to the post-cardiac arrest syndrome.

METHODS

Relevant articles were identified using PubMed, EMBASE and an American Heart Association EndNote master resuscitation reference library, supplemented by hand searches of key papers. Writing groups comprising international experts were assigned to each section. Drafts of the document were circulated to all authors for comment and amendment.

RESULTS

The 4 key components of post-cardiac arrest syndrome were identified as (1) post-cardiac arrest brain injury, (2) post-cardiac arrest myocardial dysfunction, (3) systemic ischaemia/reperfusion response, and (4) persistent precipitating pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

A growing body of knowledge suggests that the individual components of the postcardiac arrest syndrome are potentially treatable.

Outcome of emergency percutaneous coronary intervention for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction complicated by cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

The poor prognosis of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest complicating acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) may at least partly be explained by the common presence of cardiogenic shock. This study examined the impact of emergency primary PCI on outcome in patients with STEMI not complicated by cardiogenic shock who were resuscitated from cardiac arrest.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study group included 948 consecutive patients without cardiogenic shock who underwent emergency primary PCI from 2001 to 2006 for STEMI. Twenty-one of them were resuscitated from cardiac arrest before the intervention. Data on background, clinical characteristics, and outcome were prospectively collected. There were no differences between the resuscitated and nonresuscitated patients in age, sex, infarct location, or left ventricular function. The total one-month mortality rate was higher in the resuscitated patients (14.3 vs. 3.4%, P=0.033), but noncardiac mortality accounted for the entire difference (14.3 vs. 1.2%, P=0.001), whereas cardiac mortality was similarly low in the two groups (0 vs. 2.0%, P=NS). Predictors of poor outcome in the resuscitated patients were older age (r=0.47, P=0.032), unwitnessed sudden death (r=0.44, P=0.04), longer interval between onset of cardiac arrest and arrival of a mobile unit (r=0.67, P=0.001) or to spontaneous circulation (r=0.65, P=0.001), low glomerular filtration rate (r=-0.50, P=0.02), and the initial thrombolysis in myocardial infarction grade of flow (r=-0.51, P=0.017).

CONCLUSION

Emergency PCI for STEMI not associated with cardiogenic shock exerts a similar effect on cardiac mortality in patients who were resuscitated from cardiac arrest and in those without this complication. The higher all-cause mortality rate among resuscitated patients is explained by noncardiac complications.

Cardiac catheterization is underutilized after in-hospital cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

Indications for immediate cardiac catheterization in cardiac arrest survivors without ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are uncertain as electrocardiographic and clinical criteria may be challenging to interpret in this population. We sought to evaluate rates of early catheterization after in-hospital ventricular fibrillation (VF) arrest and the association with survival.

METHODS

Using a billing database we retrospectively identified cases with an ICD-9 code of cardiac arrest (427.5) or VF (427.41). Discharge summaries were reviewed to identify in-hospital VF arrests. Rates of catheterization on the day of arrest were determined by identifying billing charges. Unadjusted analyses were performed using Chi-square, and adjusted analyses were performed using logistic regression.

RESULTS

One hundred and ten in-hospital VF arrest survivors were included in the analysis. Cardiac catheterization was performed immediately or within 1 day of arrest in 27% (30/110) of patients and of these patients, 57% (17/30) successfully received percutaneous coronary intervention. Of those who received cardiac catheterization the indication for the procedure was STEMI or new left bundle branch block (LBBB) in 43% (13/30). Therefore, in the absence of standard ECG data suggesting acute myocardial infarction, 57% (17/30) received angiography. Patients receiving cardiac catheterization were more likely to survive than those who did not receive catheterization (80% vs. 54%, p<.05).

CONCLUSION

In patients receiving cardiac catheterization, more than half received this procedure for indications other than STEMI or new LBBB. Cardiac catheterization was associated with improved survival. Future recommendations need to be established to guide clinicians on which arrest survivors might benefit from immediate catheterization.

Post-cardiac arrest syndrome: epidemiology, pathophysiology, treatment, and prognostication. A Scientific Statement from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation; the American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee; the Council on Cardiovascular Surgery and Anesthesia; the Council on Cardiopulmonary, Perioperative, and Critical Care; the Council on Clinical Cardiology; the Council on Stroke

AIM OF THE REVIEW

To review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, treatment and prognostication in relation to the post-cardiac arrest syndrome.

METHODS

Relevant articles were identified using PubMed, EMBASE and an American Heart Association EndNote master resuscitation reference library, supplemented by hand searches of key papers. Writing groups comprising international experts were assigned to each section. Drafts of the document were circulated to all authors for comment and amendment.

RESULTS

The 4 key components of post-cardiac arrest syndrome were identified as (1) post-cardiac arrest brain injury, (2) post-cardiac arrest myocardial dysfunction, (3) systemic ischaemia/reperfusion response, and (4) persistent precipitating pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

A growing body of knowledge suggests that the individual components of the post-cardiac arrest syndrome are potentially treatable.

Mild therapeutic hypothermia shortens intensive care unit stay of survivors after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest compared to historical controls

Introduction

Persistent coma is a common finding after cardiac arrest and has profound ethical and economic implications. Evidence suggests that therapeutic hypothermia improves neurological outcome in these patients. In this analysis, we investigate whether therapeutic hypothermia influences the length of intensive care unit (ICU) stay and ventilator time in patients surviving out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Methods

A prospective observational study with historical controls was conducted at our medical ICU. Fifty-two consecutive patients (median age 62.6 years, 43 males, 34 ventricular fibrillation) submitted to therapeutic hypothermia after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest were included. They were compared with a historical cohort (n = 74, median age 63.8 years, 53 males, 43 ventricular fibrillation) treated in the era prior to hypothermia treatment. All patients received the same standard of care. Neurological outcome was assessed using the Pittsburgh cerebral performance category (CPC) score. Univariate analyses and multiple regression models were used.

Results

In survivors, therapeutic hypothermia and baseline disease severity (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II [APACHE II] score) were both found to significantly influence ICU stay and ventilator time (all P < 0.01). ICU stay was shorter in survivors receiving therapeutic hypothermia (median 14 days [interquartile range (IQR) 8 to 26] versus 21 days [IQR 15 to 30] in the control group; P = 0.017). ICU length of stay and time on ventilator were prolonged in patients with CPC 3 or 4 compared with patients with CPC 1 or 2 (P = 0.003 and P = 0.034, respectively). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed improved probability for 1-year survival in the hypothermia group compared with the controls (log-rank test P = 0.013).

Conclusion

Therapeutic hypothermia was found to significantly shorten ICU stay and time of mechanical ventilation in survivors after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Moreover, profound improvements in both neurological outcome and 1-year survival were observed.

Outcome in transferred and nontransferred patients after primary percutaneous coronary intervention for ischaemic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of transfer from a referral hospital to a center with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) facilities of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

METHODS

We studied all STEMI patients with successful CPR admitted to two centers after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and CPR from January 2004 to December 2005. Subjects were divided in a transferred (PCI performed after referral from center without PCI facility) and nontransferred (PCI performed in hospital of admission, i.e. center with PCI facility) group.

RESULTS

A total of 44 patients were included. Mean age was 61 +/- 13 year and 35 (80%) patients were male. Of all patients 16 (36%) were transferred for treatment. After treatment, the left ventricular function was preserved in 4 (25%) patients of the transferred group are compared with 17 (61%) of the nontransferred group (P = 0.024). In-hospital mortality after follow-up did not differ with 7 (44%) survivors in the transferred group versus 15 (54%) survivors in the nontransferred group (P = 0.76). Patients who did not survive were more often treated with endotracheal intubation (100% versus 71%, P= 0.019), had more often an occlusion of the proximal right coronary artery (37% versus 10%, P= 0.02), and higher glucose levels at admission (15.2 mmol/l +/- 4.4 versus 11.5 mmol/l +/- 4.2, P= 0.009).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, no difference in outcome was observed between nontransferred and transferred patients. Therefore, we suggest that transfer for primary PCI for STEMI patients after successful CPR should be considered.

Reliability testing and update of the Resuscitation Predictor Scoring (RPS) Scale

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to test the reliability of the Resuscitation Predictor Scoring (RPS) Scale1 (Appendix A), a survival prediction nomogram designed to aid resuscitation termination decisions during a resuscitation attempt.

METHOD

Bivariate comparisons of predictors of survival and survival rates between the primary RPS Scale data set (1993-2000) and a secondary data set (2000-2003). A total of 2121 patients were included in the study.

RESULTS

Comparisons of the two sets of data showed an increase in resuscitation attempts for patients > or =80 years (p<0.001); an increase in pulseless electrical activity (PEA) (p=0.01) and an increase in the duration of arrests (p=0.012). However, in relation to the RPS Scale there were no statistical differences in survival between any of the sub groups demonstrating the reliability of the nomogram.

CONCLUSION

The final updated RPS Scale demonstrates predicted survival rates 15 min into a resuscitation attempt. These can be poor and suggest that it is an acceptable point at which to first consider termination (where there has been no ROSC). The RPS Scale has demonstrated reliability and validity, but can only be a guide for the cessation of resuscitation.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarctions in the East Bohemian region over the period 2002-2004

BACKGROUND

Early reperfusion by direct percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST segment elevation acute myocardial infarctions (STEMI) with an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) reduces hospital and longterm mortality.

AIMS

Evaluating the significance of direct PCI for the short-term (discharge from acute hospitalization) and 1-year survival in patients with acute STEMI after OHCA.

METHODS

In this prospective study, from April 1, 2002 up to August 31, 2004, a total of 26 hospitalized individuals (22 men, 4 women, aged 35-79 years, median 58.5) from the East Bohemian region with OHCA (primary group of 718 individuals) with acute STEMI were included. Urgent coronary angiography was performed in 20 individuals, and direct PCI was done in 19 of them. The remaining 6 patients did not undergo angiography.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients (57.7%) survived acute hospitalization, of whom 11 were without neurological deficits. In the subgroup with urgent coronary angiography 14 patients (70%) survived hospitalization, and in the subgroup without coronarography only 1 patient survived hospitalization (16.7%). In the subgroup with PCIs, 13 out of the 19 patients survived (68.4%). None of the patients died during the 1-year follow-up after being discharged from acute hospitalization. According to the urgent coronarography the artery most commonly responsible for the infarction was the left anterior descending artery (50%). Initial TIMI flow grade 0-I was found in 17 patients and grade II-III in 3 individuals. After PCI, irrespective of stent implantation, an optimal angiographic success (TIMI flow grade II-III) was obtained in 17 cases.

CONCLUSION

Short-term survival of patients after OHCA with STEMI treated with direct PCI was found to be 68.4%. Out of 6 patients not receiving reperfusion therapy 1 survived (16.7%). Over the course of the 1-year follow-up none of the patients died.

A serious complication of thrombolysis after prolonged cardiac arrest: airway obstruction from tongue injury

Prolonged cardiac arrest with external chest compression was regarded as a contraindication to thrombolysis for acute myocardial infarction, although recent work has largely refuted previous concerns. This paper presents a serious haemorrhagic complication, which risked airway patency due to unrecognised nasopharyngeal airway-induced trauma and tongue biting. The patient required blood transfusion, and owing to the haemorrhage was unable to have rescue angioplasty. Methods of revascularisation after prolonged cardiac arrest are discussed.

Six-month outcome of emergency percutaneous coronary intervention in resuscitated patients after cardiac arrest complicating ST-elevation myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND

The outcome of resuscitated patients after cardiac arrest complicating acute myocardial infarction remains poor, primarily because of the relatively low success rates of cardiopulmonary resuscitation management. Existing data suggest potential beneficial effects of early myocardial reperfusion, but the predictors of survival in these patients remain unknown.

METHODS AND RESULTS

From 1995 to 2005, 186 patients (78% men; mean age, 60.4+/-13.8 years) underwent immediate percutaneous coronary intervention after successful resuscitation for cardiac arrest complicating acute myocardial infarction. Prompt prehospital management was performed by mobile medical care units in 154 of 186 patients, whereas 32 had in-hospital cardiac arrest. Infarct location was anterior in 105 patients (56%), and shock was present on admission in 96 (52%). Percutaneous coronary intervention (stenting rate 90%) was successful in 161 of 186 patients (87%). Six-month survival rate was 100 of 186 (54%), and 6-month survival free of neurological sequelae was 46%. By multivariate analysis, predictors of 6-month survival were a shorter interval between the onset of cardiac arrest and arrival of a first responder (odds ratio, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.54 to 0.84), a shorter interval between the onset of cardiac arrest and return of spontaneous circulation (odds ratio, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.87 to 0.96), and absence of diabetes (odds ratio, 7.30; 95% CI, 1.80 to 29.41).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with resuscitated cardiac arrest complicating acute myocardial infarction, prompt prehospital management and early revascularization were associated with a 54% survival rate at 6 months. A strategy including adequate prehospital management, early revascularization, and specific care in dedicated intensive care units should be strongly considered in resuscitated patients after cardiac arrest complicating acute myocardial infarction.

A meta-analysis of cardiopulmonary resuscitation with and without the administration of thrombolytic agents

OBJECTIVE

To pool data on the role of thrombolytic agents in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and evaluate the efficacy and safety of thrombolysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The clinical studies in MEDLINE database from 1966 to August 2004 that studied the efficacy and safety in CPR with and without treatment with thrombolytic agents were assessed by a meta-analysis performed to evaluate the effect of the treatment.

RESULTS

A total of eight papers evaluating the effect of thrombolysis in CPR were identified. This meta-analysis showed that thrombolytic agents significantly improved the rate of return of spontaneous circulation, 24 h survival rate, survival to discharge and long-term neurological function in patients treated with CPR (p < 0.01). However, the patients receiving thrombolysis had a risk of severe bleeding (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Thrombolytic agents during CPR can improve the survival rate to discharge and neurological function.

Outcomes after ventricular fibrillation out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: expanding the chain of survival

Coronary heart disease is the most common cause of death in the United States, with ventricular fibrillation (VF) the most common initial rhythm when cardiac disease causes arrest. Survival after VF out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) depends on a sequence of events called the chain of survival, which Includes rapid access to emergency medical services, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, defibrillation, and advanced care. Because of widespread implementation of defibrillation programs, more patients survive VF OHCAs, making subsequent care of these patients important. Early hospitalization must focus on potential neurologic injury and therapy targeted at the underlying cardiac disease and antiarrhythmic therapy for long-term secondary prevention of sudden death. Attention to certain cohorts who are at high risk despite their underlying disease, such as women and elderly patients, is necessary. These cohorts may have the greatest response to short-term and long-term therapies for cardiac rehabilitation. With these approaches, long-term survival and quality of life after VF OHCA are favorable. Broadening the focus of the chain of survival to include in-hospital and long-term care will further improve favorable outcomes achieved in an early defibrillation program.

Resuscitation Predictor Scoring Scale for inhospital cardiac arrests

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to determine the key factors influencing survival from cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempts and to produce a survival predictor scale for use during a resuscitation attempt.

METHOD

Bivariate analysis of individual survival predictors and a prospective analysis of survival based on logistic regression models. Included in this seven year study (1993-2000) were 2567 inhospital resuscitation calls of which 1633 received full cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Immediate, 24 hour and discharge survival rates were the main outcome measures with additional analysis for the development of the Resuscitation Predictor Scoring Scale (RPS Scale).

RESULTS

The immediate survival rate was 41%, 28% at 24 hours, and 19% by discharge. Multivariate analysis showed the main factors influencing 24 hour survival to be the duration of the arrest, primary arrhythmia (VT, VF, asystole, or PEA), age, and the primary mode of arrest (respiratory or cardiac). The RPS Scale was developed from these key predictors giving resuscitation teams an accurate prediction of survival 15 minutes into a resuscitation attempt.

CONCLUSION

Data collection and analysis of cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempts are essential for the formulation of survival indicators. In this case the data have enabled the formulation of a survival predictor scale that will quantify the decision making process regarding the termination of cardiopulmonary resuscitation attempts.