[First guidelines of the Brazilian Society of Cardiology on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Cardiovascular Emergency Care]

Abdominal compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a scoping review

OBJECTIVES

to map the scientific evidence on the use of abdominal compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with cardiac arrest.

METHODS

this is a scoping review based on the question: "What is the evidence regarding the use of abdominal compressions during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in patients with cardiac arrest?". Publications up to August 2022 were collected from eight databases. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews was used.

RESULTS

seventeen publications were included. The identified general population consisted of adults and elderly individuals. The primary outcome revealed significant rates of return of spontaneous circulation. Secondary outcomes indicated a significant improvement in heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and other outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

abdominal compressions have been shown to be beneficial. However, further clinical studies are needed to identify the best execution method and its impacts.

Outcomes after Clinical and Traumatic Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

BACKGROUND

Data on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest are still scarce, very varied, and indicate a poor prognosis for traumatic events.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the out-of-hospital/in-hospital survival, survival time, and neurological conditions of those treated by advanced life support units and submitted to cardiopulmonary resuscitation and compare the results of clinical and traumatic cardiac arrests.

METHODS

This is a cohort study carried out in three stages; in the first two, data were collected from the Mobile Emergency Care Service forms and medical records; then, the Brain Performance Category Scale was applied in the third stage. The sample consisted of resuscitated victims aged ≥18 years. Fisher's and log-rank tests were used to compare the causes, considering a significance level of 5%.

RESULTS

852 patients were analyzed; 20.66% were hospitalized, 4.23% survived until transfer or discharge, and 58.33% had a favorable outcome one year after arrest. There was an association between pre/in-hospital survival and the nature of the occurrence (p=0.026), but there was no difference between the survival curves (p=0.6).

CONCLUSIONS

Survival of hospitalization after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest was low; however, most who survived to be discharged achieved a favorable outcome after one year. The survival time of those hospitalized after clinical and traumatic events were similar, but pre-hospital survival was higher among trauma patients.

Translating Neonatal Resuscitation Guidelines Into Practice in Brazil

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The Brazilian Neonatal Resuscitation Program releases guidelines based on local interpretation of international consensus on science and treatment recommendations. We aimed to analyze whether guidelines for preterm newborns were applied to practice in the 20 Brazilian Network on Neonatal Research centers of this middle-income country.

METHODS

Prospectively collected data from 2014 to 2020 were analyzed for 8514 infants born at 230/7 to 316/7 weeks' gestation. The frequency of procedures was evaluated by gestational age (GA) category, including use of a thermal care bundle, positive pressure ventilation (PPV), PPV with a T-piece resuscitator, maximum fraction of inspired oxygen (Fio2) concentration during PPV, tracheal intubation, chest compressions and medications, and use of continuous positive airway pressure in the delivery room. Logistic regression, adjusted by center and year, was used to estimate the probability of receiving recommended treatment.

RESULTS

For 3644 infants 23 to 27 weeks' GA and 4870 infants 28 to 31 weeks' GA, respectively, the probability of receiving care consistent with guidelines per year increased, including thermal care (odds ratio [OR], 1.52 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.44-1.61] and 1.45 [1.38-1.52]) and PPV with a T-piece (OR, 1.45 [95% CI 1.37-1.55] and 1.41 [1.32-1.51]). The probability of receiving PPV with Fio2 1.00 decreased equally in both GA groups (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.86-0.93).

CONCLUSIONS

Between 2014 and 2020, the resuscitation guidelines for newborns <32 weeks' GA on thermal care, PPV with a T-piece resuscitator, and decreased use of Fio2 1.00 were translated into clinical practice.

Prevalence, Outcomes, and Risk Factors for Cardiorespiratory Arrest in the Intensive Care Unit: An Observational Study

Background

Cardiorespiratory arrest is defined as an abrupt halt in the cardiac mechanical activity that is accompanied by the loss of a detectable pulse, the cessation of breathing, and the loss of consciousness. The aim of this study is to create a clinical–epidemiological profile of patients who experienced cardiorespiratory arrest and were admitted to the intensive care unit to evaluate the associated factors and their impact on the prognosis of these patients.

Patients and methods

From January to December 2019, the medical records of 135 patients who received cardiopulmonary resuscitation were reviewed for this cross-sectional observational study. The information was collected according to the Utstein model.

Results

A low return of spontaneous circulation of 22.2% was observed, with a predominance of females (53.3%) and older patients (68.9%), multiple comorbidities at admission (68.4%), and asystole as the predominant rhythm. Female sex and age >60 years were statistically significant (p = 0.017), as was the association between sex and comorbidities (p = 0.036), with heart disease being the most prevalent in females (p = 0.036).

Conclusion

In this study, even though the resuscitation maneuver time (start of resuscitation following arrest) was very short and the defibrillation was performed promptly, there was a high prevalence of cardiac arrest and low survival rates after cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

How to cite this article

Menezes da Silva A, Braga AL, Cruvinel de Souza V. Prevalence, Outcomes, and Risk Factors for Cardiorespiratory Arrest in the Intensive Care Unit: An Observational Study. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(6):704–709.

Retention of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Skills in Medical Students

Fundamento

A redução da mortalidade e das sequelas de uma vítima de parada cardíaca depende de um atendimento eficaz, rápido e iniciado o mais precocemente possível. O suporte básico de vida (SBV) compreende uma série de etapas que podem ser iniciadas fora do ambiente hospitalar, e ensinadas para qualquer pessoa em cursos específicos. Porém, é importante que o socorrista retenha o conhecimento e as habilidades, pois nunca se sabe quando será necessário realizar uma ressuscitação cardiopulmonar (RCP). Entretanto, estudos mostram que existe uma perda das habilidades em executar uma RCP já com 30 dias após o treinamento, com variações segundo algumas características das pessoas e da atividade profissional.

Objetivo

Avaliar se os estudantes de medicina são capazes de reter as habilidades por mais de seis meses.

Métodos

Estudo prospectivo, caso controle, observacional. Estudantes de medicina realizaram um curso sobre morte súbita e parada cardíaca de 40 horas. A avaliação das habilidades foi realizada imediatamente após o curso e seis meses depois. Foram comparadas as notas individuais entre dois momentos, foi avaliada a porcentagem de acerto em cada etapa e uma análise global do atendimento foi classificado como ótimo, bom e ruim. Os avaliadores e critérios foram os mesmos nos dois momentos. Os dados foram analisados pelos teste-t pareado e teste de McNemar, onde para um nível de confiança de 95% o critério para significância foi p < 0,05.

Resultados

Cinquenta estudantes (27 do sexo feminino) do primeiro ano, com idade entre 18 e 24 anos (média 21), realizaram o curso. O número de etapas cumpridas de forma correta após seis meses foi significativamente menor que logo após o curso (10,8 vs 12,5 p < 0,001). O sexo e idade não interferiram nos resultados. A qualidade global foi considerada ótima em 78% dos atendimentos realizados logo após o curso, significativamente, maior que os 40% após seis meses (p < 0,01). Após seis meses, maior número de erros foi observado nas etapas relacionadas às habilidades mais práticas (como posicionamento das mãos).

Conclusão

Seis meses após o curso observamos uma perda significativa das habilidades, entre estudantes de medicina, prejudicando a eficácia global do atendimento.

Learning Assessment from a Lecture about Fundamentals on Basic Life Support among Undergraduate Students of Health Sciences

Introduction: Cardiac arrest is one of the leading public health problems worldwide and in Brazil. A victim of cardiorespiratory arrest needs prompt basic life support (BLS) to increase survival. Objective: To evaluate the performance of a synthesis lecture on BLS given to university students in Health Sciences. Methods: A total of 422 undergraduate students in Nursing, Physiotherapy, and Medicine participated in this study. Data were collected by applying a pre-test through a BLS questionnaire based on the American Heart Association guidelines. Results: Students obtained a minimum grade of 40% of the pre-test questions. The score increased to 75% in the post-test; the students with the best performance in the pre-test maintained a higher total number of correct answers in the post-test. There was also better performance in those with previous training in BLS. The students from the first year of medical school were the ones who benefited the most from the lecture. Conclusion: Regardless of the grade course, the Health Science students showed a significant improvement in their level of knowledge after attending the synthesis lecture, indicating its adequacy to promote initial learning about BLS.

Sign language instrument for assessing the knowledge of deaf people about Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Objective:

to build and validate the content on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) of a sign language instrument for assessing the knowledge of the deaf.

Method:

methodological study in which the content validity process was used by 22 specialists in cardiac arrest and 16 deaf people. In the validation of internal consistency, 113 deaf people participated. For the assessment of the deaf, the Assistive Technology Assessment Questionnaire was used and, in the content validity, an instrument with a Likert scale was used, which included the content, clarity, objectivity, organization and language. Items with a minimum agreement of 80% were considered valid, according to the Content Validity Index (CVI) and binomial test. The internal consistency was verified by Cronbach’s alpha.

Results:

The instrument contains 11 questions about the identification of cardiorespiratory arrest, activation by aid and high quality chest compression. It had a minimum content validity of 81% by the specialists, 90% by the deaf participants and internal consistency by the Cronbach alpha of 0.86, being considered high.

Conclusion:

the instrument can be used in research to survey the previous knowledge of deaf people about CPR, as well as in pre and/or post-testing studies that test educational interventions with this public.

Basic Life Support: an accessible tool in layperson training

OBJECTIVES

1) To evaluate the efficiency of a new method of training laypeople on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 2) To assess previous knowledge of the participants.

METHODS

Instructors were trained according to the 2015 American Heart Association Guidelines, with emphasis on CPR. Dummies made with PET bottles were used, and a questionnaire was applied to the participants before and after training. Statistical analysis was performed in the R commander program. Participants with incomplete documents were excluded from the study.

RESULTS

Out of 101 participants, 96 were included: 69 lay people, 17 health professionals, and ten health students. There was an improvement in the overall performance after training (mean pre: 62.7%, mean post: 75.8%, p <0.01), also present in the following main concepts: "mouth-to-mouth breathing is not necessary" (p <0.01), "risk of contamination" (p <0.01), "compression technique" (p <0.01). The concepts "recognition of severity" and "what is chest compression" did not improve, but had good pre-test means, 96.8% and 81.2%. There was no statistical difference in the knowledge between the groups (laypeople vs. health professionals and students, pre=0,06 e post=0,33).

CONCLUSION

The tools used in training were efficient. However, further studies are necessary to assess the long-term impact of this intervention.

Development and clinical validation of a non-invasive, beat-to-beat blood pressure monitoring device, compared to invasive blood pressure monitoring during coronary angiography

Objective

To develop and test a beat-to-beat blood pressure monitoring device during coronary angiography, and compare it with invasive blood pressure monitoring.

Methods

Twenty-eight patients with an indication for hemodynamic study were selected for this investigation, and kept in supine position. Before starting the coronary angiography, they were instructed about the use of the left radial bracelet for beat-to-beat blood pressure monitoring.

Results

There was a significant difference between the time required for the catheterization laboratory team to acquire the first invasive blood pressure reading and the time to obtain the first beat-to-beat reading (11.1±5.1 and 1.5±1.8, respectively; p<0.0001). The intraclass correlation coefficients (95%CI) of systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 0.897 (0.780-0.952) and 0.876 (0.734-0.942), indicating good reproducibility.

Conclusion

This study showed the process to develop a beat-to-beat blood pressure monitoring device. When compared to invasive blood pressure monitoring, there were no significant differences between the two methods. This technique may play a promising coadjuvant role when combined with invasive monitoring during coronary angiography procedures.

Results of the implementation of integrated care after cardiorespiratory arrest in a university hospital

OBJECTIVES

to identify the care measures performed after cardiorespiratory arrest (CRA) and to relate them to the neurological status and survival at four moments: within the first 24 hours, at the discharge, six months after discharge, and one year after discharge.

METHOD

retrospective, analytical and quantitative study performed at the Emergency Department of a university hospital in São Paulo. Eighty-eight medical records of CRA patients who had a return of spontaneous circulation sustained for more than 20 minutes were included and the post-CRA care measures performed in the first 24 hours were identified, as well as its relationship with survival and neurological status.

RESULTS

the most frequent post-CRA care measures were use of advanced airway access techniques and indwelling bladder catheterization. Patients who had maintained good breathing and circulation, temperature control and who were transferred to intensive care unit had a better survival in the first 24 hours, after six months and one year after discharge. Good neurological status at six months and one year after discharge was associated with non-use of vasoactive drugs and investigation of the causes of the CRA.

CONCLUSION

the identification of good practices in post-CRA care may help to reduce the mortality of these individuals and to improve their quality of life.

Instructional design in the development of an online course on Basic Life Support

OBJECTIVE

To develop and evaluate an online course on Basic Life Support.

METHOD

Technological production research of online course guided by the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) instructional design model based on Andragogy and the Meaningful Learning Theory. The online course was constructed in the platform Moodle, previously assessed by a group of experts, and then presented to the students of the Nursing School of the University of São Paulo, who assessed it at the end of the course.

RESULTS

The course was evaluated by the experts and obtained a mean score of 0.92 (SD 0.15), considered as good quality (between 0.90-0.94), and by the students, with a mean score of 0.95 (SD 0.03), considered as high quality (0.95-1.00).

CONCLUSION

The instructional design used was found to be appropriate to the development of the online course. As an active educational strategy, it contributed to the learning on Basic Life Support during cardiac arrest-related procedures in adults. In view of the need for technological innovations in education and systematization of care in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, the online course allows the establishment of continuous improvement processes in the quality of resuscitation in the care provided by students and professionals.

Design and validation of a tool for the evaluation of the quality of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: SIEVCA-CPR 2.0®

INTRODUCTION

Currently, no system completely evaluates the quality of cardio pulmonary resusciation.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, prospective, longitudinal study using Delphi methodology was performed in three phases: preparatory, consultation and consensus. The validation was made by a prospective longitudinal study using the tool in the evaluation of 11 videos to determine the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and the intra-subject (ICC-Initial), the latter repeated at four weeks (ICC-Final). We have determined intra-subject ICC: Initial-Final. This last result has been compared with a gold-standard value.

RESULTS

After the first phase, a 28-items list has been developed. In the second phase: ICC-Initial = 0.727 (p < .001), 95% CI (0.625, 0.801), ICC-Final = 0.860 (p < .001), 95% CI (0.807; 0.898) and ICC Initial-Final = 0.880 (p < .001), 95% CI (0.835; 0.913). Finally, an online tool has been developed (SIEVCA 2.0).

CONCLUSION

The designed tool presents good reliability in the assessment of cardio pulmonary resuscitation and it is useful in different fields and scenarios.

Basic life support: evaluation of learning using simulation and immediate feedback devices1

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate students' learning in an online course on basic life support with immediate feedback devices, during a simulation of care during cardiorespiratory arrest.

METHOD

a quasi-experimental study, using a before-and-after design. An online course on basic life support was developed and administered to participants, as an educational intervention. Theoretical learning was evaluated by means of a pre- and post-test and, to verify the practice, simulation with immediate feedback devices was used.

RESULTS

there were 62 participants, 87% female, 90% in the first and second year of college, with a mean age of 21.47 (standard deviation 2.39). With a 95% confidence level, the mean scores in the pre-test were 6.4 (standard deviation 1.61), and 9.3 in the post-test (standard deviation 0.82, p <0.001); in practice, 9.1 (standard deviation 0.95) with performance equivalent to basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation, according to the feedback device; 43.7 (standard deviation 26.86) mean duration of the compression cycle by second of 20.5 (standard deviation 9.47); number of compressions 167.2 (standard deviation 57.06); depth of compressions of 48.1 millimeter (standard deviation 10.49); volume of ventilation 742.7 (standard deviation 301.12); flow fraction percentage of 40.3 (standard deviation 10.03).

CONCLUSION

the online course contributed to learning of basic life support. In view of the need for technological innovations in teaching and systematization of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, simulation and feedback devices are resources that favor learning and performance awareness in performing the maneuvers.

Cardiovascular risk factors in children

INTRODUCTION

Systemic hypertension is one of the main risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Early diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in childhood can potentially have a significant impact on future adverse outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the relationship of diastolic (DBP) and systolic blood pressure (SBP) with anthropometric data and area of residence of children in municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil.

METHODS

This is a cross-sectional study of 709 children between six and nine years of age. Blood pressure, weight, height and waist circumference (WC) were measured. Statistical tests had a maximum significance level of 5% (p≤0.05) and the software used was SPSS version 13.0.

RESULTS

Obesity was significantly associated with pre-hypertension, and stage 1 and 2 hypertension as assessed by DBP and SBP (≤0.05); high WC was significantly associated with a classification of pre-hypertension and stage 1 hypertension based on DBP and a classification of stage 1 and 2 hypertension based on SBP (≤0.01).

CONCLUSION

Children living in urban areas had significantly higher mean SBP than those living in rural areas. Those with high WC presented higher SBP and DBP compared to children with normal WC. Obese children showed higher mean SBP and DBP compared to those who were overweight or normal weight and mean SBP and DBP also increased with older age and higher mean body mass index and WC.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation of adults with in-hospital cardiac arrest using the Utstein style

Objective

The objective of this study was to analyze the clinical profile of patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest using the Utstein style.

Methods

This study is an observational, prospective, longitudinal study of patients with cardiac arrest treated in intensive care units over a period of 1 year.

Results

The study included 89 patients who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers. The cohort was 51.6% male with a mean age 59.0 years. The episodes occurred during the daytime in 64.6% of cases. Asystole/bradyarrhythmia was the most frequent initial rhythm (42.7%). Most patients who exhibited a spontaneous return of circulation experienced recurrent cardiac arrest, especially within the first 24 hours (61.4%). The mean time elapsed between hospital admission and the occurrence of cardiac arrest was 10.3 days, the mean time between cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was 0.68 min, the mean time between cardiac arrest and defibrillation was 7.1 min, and the mean duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation was 16.3 min. Associations between gender and the duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (19.2 min in women versus 13.5 min in men, p = 0.02), the duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the return of spontaneous circulation (10.8 min versus 30.7 min, p < 0.001) and heart disease and age (60.6 years versus 53.6, p < 0.001) were identified. The immediate survival rates after cardiac arrest, until hospital discharge and 6 months after discharge were 71%, 9% and 6%, respectively.

Conclusions

The main initial rhythm detected was asystole/bradyarrhythmia; the interval between cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was short, but defibrillation was delayed. Women received cardiopulmonary resuscitation for longer periods than men. The in-hospital survival rate was low.

Characterization of cardiac arrest in the emergency department of a Brazilian University Reference Hospital: A prospective study

Background & objectives:

Sudden cardiac arrest (CA) represents one of the greatest challenges for medicine due to the vast number of cases and its social and economic impact. Despite advances in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques, mortality rates have not significantly decreased over decades. This study was undertaken to characterize patients that have suffered CA and to identify factors related to mortality.

Methods:

This prospective study was conducted at Emergency Department of São Paulo Hospital, Brazil. Two hundred and eighty five patients were followed for one year after treatment for CA. The mean age was 66.3±17.2 yr, and they were predominantly male (55.8%) and Caucasian (71.9%). Mortality rate and factors associated with mortality were the primary and secondary outcome measures. Data were collected using an in-hospital Utstein-style report. A logistic regression analysis was used to determine which variables were related to mortality.

Results:

Regarding the characteristics of CPR, 76.5 per cent occurred in hospital, respiratory failure was the most common presumed immediate cause of CA (30.8%) and pulseless electrical activity was the most frequent initial rhythm (58.7%). All attempts at CPR utilized chest compressions and ventilation and the most utilized interventions were epinephrine (97.2%) and intubation (68.5%). Of all patients treated, 95.4 per cent died. Patients with pulseless electrical activity had a higher risk of death than those patients with ventricular fibrillation.

Interpretation & conclusions:

The findings of the study highlighted that the mortality rate among CA patients was high. The variable that best explained mortality was the initial CA rhythm.

PetCO2, VCO2 and CorPP Values in the Successful Prediction of the Return of Spontaneous Circulation: An Experimental Study on Unassisted Induced Cardiopulmonary Arrest

Introduction

During cardiac arrest, end-tidal CO₂ (PetCO₂), VCO₂ and coronary perfusion pressure fall abruptly and tend to return to normal levels after an effective return of spontaneous circulation. Therefore, the monitoring of PetCO₂ and VCO₂ by capnography is a useful tool during clinical management of cardiac arrest patients.

Objective

To assess if PetCO₂, VCO₂ and coronary perfusion pressure are useful for the prediction of return of spontaneous circulation in an animal model of cardiac arrest/cardiopulmonary resuscitation treated with vasopressor agents.

Methods

42 swine were mechanically ventilated (FiO₂=0.21). Ventricular fibrillation was induced and, after 10 min, unassisted cardiac arrest was initiated, followed by compressions. After 2 min of basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation, each group received: Adrenaline, Saline-Placebo, Terlipressin or Terlipressin + Adrenaline. Two minutes later (4^th min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation), the animals were defibrillated and the ones that survived were observed for an additional 30 min period. The variables of interest were recorded at the baseline period, 10 min of ventricular fibrillation, 2^nd min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 4^th min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and 30 min after return of spontaneous circulation.

Results

PetCO₂ and VCO₂ values, both recorded at 2 min and 4 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, have no correlation with the return of spontaneous circulation rates in any group. On the other hand, higher values of coronary perfusion pressure at the 4th min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation have been associated with increased return of spontaneous circulation rates in the adrenaline and adrenaline + terlipressin groups.

Conclusion

Although higher values of coronary perfusion pressure at the 4th min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation have been associated with increased return of spontaneous circulation rates in the animals that received adrenaline or adrenaline + terlipressin, PetCO₂ and VCO₂ have not been shown to be useful for predicting return of spontaneous circulation rates in this porcine model.

Avaliação de treinamento em suporte básico de vida para médicos e enfermeiros da atenção primária

Objetivo: Foram avaliados conhecimentos e habilidades sobre reanimação cardiopulmonar antes e após a capacitação em Suporte Básico de Vida (SBV) para médicos e enfermeiros que atuam na atenção primária. Métodos: Estudo quasi-experimental, com amostra aleatória de profissionais. Inicialmente, avaliou-se o desempenho cognitivo em um teste de múltipla escolha sobre o atendimento a uma parada cardiorrespiratória (PCR) e, em seguida, conduziu-se um atendimento simulado de PCR, para a avaliação de habilidades, usando um checklist baseado nas recomendações da American Heart Association (AHA). Após avaliação inicial, todos os profissionais participaram de curso teórico-prático em SBV, durante três encontros. Após o curso, todos se submeteram a nova avaliação. Resultados: Participaram do estudo 32 profissionais. O nível de conhecimentos e habilidades foi insatisfatório antes do curso. Após a capacitação, a média de acertos na avaliação teórico-prática apresentou aumento significativo (p<0,001). Conclusão: Registrou-se impacto positivo da capacitação em SBV para os profissionais da atenção primária.

The use of a metronome during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the emergency room of a university hospital

Objective:

to compare the rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and death after cardiac arrest, with and without the use of a metronome during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Method:

case-control study nested in a cohort study including 285 adults who experienced cardiac arrest and received CPR in an emergency service. Data were collected using In-hospital Utstein Style. The control group (n=60) was selected by matching patients considering their neurological condition before cardiac arrest, the immediate cause, initial arrest rhythm, whether epinephrine was used, and the duration of CPR. The case group (n=51) received conventional CPR guided by a metronome set at 110 beats/min. Chi-square and likelihood ratio were used to compare ROSC rates considering p≤0.05.

Results:

ROSC occurred in 57.7% of the cases, though 92.8% of these patients died in the following 24 hours. No statistically significant difference was found between groups in regard to ROSC (p=0.2017) or the occurrence of death (p=0.8112).

Conclusion:

the outcomes of patients after cardiac arrest with and without the use of a metronome during CPR were similar and no differences were found between groups in regard to survival rates and ROSC.

One-year follow-up of neurological status of patients after cardiac arrest seen at the emergency room of a teaching hospital

Objective:

To describe neurological status and associated factors of survivors after cardiac arrest, upon discharge, and at 6 and 12 month follow-up.

Methods:

A cohort, prospective, descriptive study conducted in an emergency room. Patients who suffered cardiac arrest and survived were included. A one-year consecutive sample, comprising 285 patients and survivors (n=16) followed up for one year after discharge. Neurological status was assessed by the Cerebral Performance Category before the cardiac arrest, upon discharge, and at 6 and 12 months after discharge. The following factors were investigated: comorbidities, presence of consciousness upon admission, previous cardiac arrest, witnessed cardiac arrest, location, cause and initial rhythm of cardiac arrest, number of cardiac arrests, interval between collapse and start of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and between collapse and end of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Results:

Of the patients treated, 4.5% (n=13) survived after 6 and 12 months follow-up. Upon discharge, 50% of patients remained with previous Cerebral Performance Category of the cardiac arrest and 50% had worsening of Cerebral Performance Category. After 6 months, 53.8% remained in the same Cerebral Performance Category and 46.2% improved as compared to discharge. After 12 months, all patients remained in the same Cerebral Performance Category of the previous 6 months. There was no statistically significant association between neurological outcome during follow-up and the variables assessed.

Conclusion:

There was neurological worsening at discharge but improvement or stabilization in the course of a year. There was no association between Cerebral Performance Category and the variables assessed.

Basic life support knowledge of first-year university students from Brazil

We aimed to evaluate knowledge of first aid among new undergraduates and whether it is affected by their chosen course. A questionnaire was developed to assess knowledge of how to activate the Mobile Emergency Attendance Service - MEAS (Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência; SAMU), recognize a pre-hospital emergency situation and the first aid required for cardiac arrest. The students were also asked about enrolling in a first aid course. Responses were received from 1038 of 1365 (76.04%) new undergraduates. The questionnaires were completed in a 2-week period 1 month after the beginning of classes. Of the 1038 respondents (59.5% studying biological sciences, 11.6% physical sciences, and 28.6% humanities), 58.5% knew how to activate the MEAS/SAMU (54.3% non-biological vs 61.4% biological, P=0.02), with an odds ratio (OR)=1.39 (95%CI=1.07-1.81) regardless of age, sex, origin, having a previous degree or having a relative with cardiac disease. The majority could distinguish emergency from non-emergency situations. When faced with a possible cardiac arrest, 17.7% of the students would perform chest compressions (15.5% non-biological vs 19.1% biological first-year university students, P=0.16) and 65.2% would enroll in a first aid course (51.1% non-biological vs 74.7% biological, P<0.01), with an OR=2.61 (95%CI=1.98-3.44) adjusted for the same confounders. Even though a high percentage of the students recognized emergency situations, a significant proportion did not know the MEAS/SAMU number and only a minority had sufficient basic life support skills to help with cardiac arrest. A significant proportion would not enroll in a first aid course. Biological first-year university students were more prone to enroll in a basic life support course.

Quality of continuous chest compressions performed for one or two minutes

OBJECTIVES

This study was designed to assess cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality and rescuer fatigue when rescuers perform one or two minutes of continuous chest compressions.

METHODS

This prospective crossover study included 148 lay rescuers who were continuously trained in a cardiopulmonary resuscitation course. The subjects underwent a 120-min training program comprising continuous chest compressions. After the course, half of the volunteers performed one minute of continuous chest compressions, and the others performed two minutes, both on a manikin model. After 30 minutes, the volunteers who had previously performed one minute now performed two minutes on the same manikin and vice versa.

RESULTS

A comparison of continuous chest compressions performed for one and two minutes, respectively, showed that there were significant differences in the average rate of compressions per minute (121 vs. 124), the percentage of compressions of appropriate depth (76% vs. 54%), the average depth (53 vs. 47 mm), and the number of compressions with no errors (62 vs. 47%). No parameters were significantly different when comparing participants who performed regular physical activity with those who did not and participants who had a normal body mass index with overweight/obese participants.

CONCLUSION

The quality of continuous chest compressions by lay rescuers is superior when it is performed for one minute rather than for two minutes, independent of the body mass index or regular physical activity, even if they are continuously trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is beneficial to rotate rescuers every minute when performing continuous chest compressions to provide higher quality and to achieve greater success in assisting a victim of cardiac arrest.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: determinant factors for immediate survival after cardiopulmonary resuscitation

OBJECTIVE

to analyze determinant factors for the immediate survival of persons who receive cardiopulmonary resuscitation from the advanced support units of the Mobile Emergency Medical Services (SAMU) of Belo Horizonte.

METHOD

this is a retrospective, epidemiological study which analyzed 1,165 assistance forms, from the period 2008 - 2010. The collected data followed the Utstein style, being submitted to descriptive and analytical statistics with tests with levels of significance of 5%.

RESULTS

the majority were male, the median age was 64 years, and the ambulance response time, nine minutes. Immediate survival was observed in 239 persons. An association was ascertained of this outcome with "cardiac arrest witnessed by persons trained in basic life support" (OR=3.49; p<0.05; CI 95%), "cardiac arrest witnessed by Mobile Emergency Medical Services teams" (OR=2.99; p<0.05; CI95%), "only the carry out of basic life support" (OR=0.142; p<0.05; CI95%), and "initial cardiac rhythm of asystole" (OR=0.33; p<0.05; CI 95%).

CONCLUSION

early access to cardiopulmonary resuscitation was related to a favorable outcome, and the non-undertaking of advanced support, and asystole, were associated with worse outcomes. Basic and advanced life support techniques can alter survival in the event of cardiac arrest.

Teaching basic life support to students of public and private high schools

BACKGROUND

Despite being recommended as a compulsory part of the school curriculum, the teaching of basic life support (BLS) has yet to be implemented in high schools in most countries.

OBJECTIVES

To compare prior knowledge and degree of immediate and delayed learning between students of one public and one private high school after these students received BLS training.

METHODS

Thirty students from each school initially answered a questionnaire on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of the automated external defibrillator (AED). They then received theoretical-practical BLS training, after which they were given two theory assessments: one immediately after the course and the other six months later.

RESULTS

The overall success rates in the prior, immediate, and delayed assessments were significantly different between groups, with better performance shown overall by private school students than by public school students: 42% ± 14% vs. 30.2% ± 12.2%, p = 0.001; 86% ± 7.8% vs. 62.4% ± 19.6%, p < 0.001; and 65% ± 12.4% vs. 45.6% ± 16%, p < 0.001, respectively. The total odds ratio of the questions showed that the private school students performed the best on all three assessments, respectively: 1.66 (CI95% 1.26-2.18), p < 0.001; 3.56 (CI95% 2.57-4.93), p < 0.001; and 2.21 (CI95% 1.69-2.89), p < 0.001.

CONCLUSIONS

Before training, most students had insufficient knowledge about CPR and AED; after BLS training a significant immediate and delayed improvement in learning was observed in students, especially in private school students.

[Reaction time of a health care team to monitoring alarms in the intensive care unit: implications for the safety of seriously ill patients]

OBJECTIVE

To define the characteristics and measure the reaction time of a health care team monitoring alarms in the intensive care unit.

METHODS

A quantitative, observational, and descriptive study developed at the coronary care unit of a cardiology public hospital in Rio de Janeiro state (RJ). Data were obtained from the information collected on the patients, the monitoring used, and the measurement of the team's reaction time to the alarms of multi-parameter monitors during a non-participatory field observation.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight patients were followed (49 during the day shift and 39 during the night shift). During the 40 hours of observation (20 hours during the day shift and 20 hours during the night shift), the total number of monitoring alarms was 227, with 106 alarms during the day shift and 121 during the night shift, an average of 5.7 alarms/hour. In total, 145 alarms unanswered by the team were observed, with 68 occurring during the day shift (64.15%) and 77 during the night shift (63.64%). This study demonstrated that the reaction time was longer than 10 minutes in more than 60% of the alarms, which were considered as unanswered alarms. The median reaction time of the answered alarms was 4 minutes and 54 seconds during the day shift and 4 minutes and 55 seconds during the night shift. The respiration monitoring was activated in only nine patients (23.07%) during the night shift. Regarding the alarm quality of these variables, the arrhythmia alarm was qualified in only 10 (20.40%) of the day-shift patients and the respiration alarm in four night-shift patients (44.44%).

CONCLUSION

The programming and configuration of the physiological variables monitored and the parameters of alarms in the intensive care unit were inadequate; there was a delay and lack of response to the alarms, suggesting that relevant alarms may have been ignored by the health care team, thus compromising the patient safety.