Myocardial dysfunction after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: predictors and prognostic implications

Sulforaphane improves post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction by inhibiting cardiomyocytes ferroptosis via the Nrf2/IRF1/GPX4 pathway

BACKGROUND

Ferroptosis is an important type of cell death contributing to myocardial dysfunction induced by whole body ischemia reperfusion following cardiac arrest (CA) and resuscitation. Sulforaphane (SFN), known as the activator of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), has been proven to effectively alleviate regional myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. The present study was designed to investigate whether SFN could improve post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction by inhibiting cardiomyocytes ferroptosis and its potential regulatory mechanism.

METHODS AND RESULTS

An in vivo pig model of CA and resuscitation was established. Hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-stimulated AC16 cardiomyocytes was constructed as an in vitro model to simulate the process of CA and resuscitation. In vitro experiment, SFN reduced ferroptosis-related ferrous iron, lipid reactive oxygen species, and malondialdehyde, increased glutathione, and further promoted cell survival after H/R stimulation in AC16 cardiomyocytes. Mechanistically, the activation of Nrf2 with the SFN decreased interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1) expression, then reduced its binding to the promoter of glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and finally recovered the latter's transcription after H/R stimulation in AC16 cardiomyocytes. In vivo experiment, SFN reversed abnormal expression of IRF1 and GPX4, inhibited cardiac ferroptosis, and improved myocardial dysfunction after CA and resuscitation in pigs.

CONCLUSIONS

SFN could effectively improve myocardial dysfunction after CA and resuscitation, in which the mechanism was potentially related to the inhibition of cardiomyocytes ferroptosis through the regulation of Nrf2/IRF1/GPX4 pathway.

Cardiac arrest, stony heart, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation: An updated revisit

The post-resuscitation period is recognized as the main predictor of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) outcomes. The first description of post-resuscitation syndrome and stony heart was published over 50 years ago. Major manifestations may include but are not limited to, persistent precipitating pathology, systemic ischemia/reperfusion response, post-cardiac arrest brain injury, and finally, post-cardiac arrest myocardial dysfunction (PAMD) after successful resuscitation. Why do some patients initially survive successful resuscitation, and others do not? Also, why does the myocardium response vary after resuscitation? These questions have kept scientists busy for several decades since the first successful resuscitation was described. By modifying the conventional modalities of resuscitation together with new promising agents, rescuers will be able to salvage the jeopardized post-resuscitation myocardium and prevent its progression to a dismal, stony heart. Community awareness and staff education are crucial for shortening the resuscitation time and improving short- and long-term outcomes. Awareness of these components before and early after the restoration of circulation will enhance the resuscitation outcomes. This review extensively addresses the underlying pathophysiology, management, and outcomes of post-resuscitation syndrome. The pattern, management, and outcome of PAMD and post-cardiac arrest shock are different based on many factors, including in-hospital cardiac arrest vs out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), witnessed vs unwitnessed cardiac arrest, the underlying cause of arrest, the duration, and protocol used for CPR. Although restoring spontaneous circulation is a vital sign, it should not be the end of the game or lone primary outcome; it calls for better understanding and aggressive multi-disciplinary interventions and care. The development of stony heart post-CPR and OHCA remain the main challenges in emergency and critical care medicine.

Cardiac arrest related lung edema: examining the role of downtimes in transpulmonary thermodilution analysis

Pulmonary edema and its association with low flow times has been observed in postcardiac arrest patients. However, diagnosis of distinct types of lung pathology is difficult.The aim of this study was to investigate pulmonary edema by transpulmonary thermodilution (TPTD) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), and the correlation to downtimes. In this retrospective single-center study consecutive patients with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) following OHCA, age ≥ 18, and applied TPTD were enrolled. According to downtimes, patients were divided into a short and a long no-flow-time group, and data of TPTD were analysed. We identified 45 patients (n = 25 short no-flow time; n = 20 long no-flow time) who met the inclusion criteria. 24 h after ROSC, the extra vascular lung water index (EVLWI) was found to be lower in the group with short no-flow time compared to the group with long no-flow time (10.7 ± 3.5 ml/kg vs. 12.8 ± 3.9 ml/kg; p = 0.08) and remained at a similar level 48 h (10.9 ± 4.3 ml/kg vs. 12.9 ± 4.9 ml/kg; p = 0.25) and 72 h (11.1 ± 5.0 ml/kg vs. 13.9 ± 7.7 ml/kg; p = 0.27) post-ROSC. We found a statistically significant and moderate correlation between no-flow duration and EVLWI 48 h (r = 0.51; p = 0.002) and 72 h (r = 0.54; p = 0.004) post-ROSC. Pulmonary vascular permeability index (PVPI) was not correlated with downtimes. Our observation underlines the presence of cardiac arrest-related lung edema by determination of EVLWI. The duration of no-flow times is a relevant factor for increased extravascular lung water index.

Prognostic implication of heart failure stage and left ventricular ejection fraction for patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest: a 16-year retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The 2022 AHA/ACC/HFSA guidelines for the management of heart failure (HF) makes therapeutic recommendations based on HF status. We investigated whether the prognosis of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) could be stratified by HF stage and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF).

METHODS

This single-center retrospective study analyzed the data of patients who experienced IHCA between 2005 and 2020. Based on admission diagnosis, past medical records, and pre-arrest echocardiography, patients were classified into general IHCA, at-risk for HF, pre-HF, HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and HF with mildly reduced ejection fraction or HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFmrEF-or-HFrEF) groups.

RESULTS

This study included 2,466 patients, including 485 (19.7%), 546 (22.1%), 863 (35.0%), 342 (13.9%), and 230 (9.3%) patients with general IHCA, at-risk for HF, pre-HF, HFpEF, and HFmrEF-or-HFrEF, respectively. A total of 405 (16.4%) patients survived to hospital discharge, with 228 (9.2%) patients achieving favorable neurological recovery. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that pre-HF and HFpEF were associated with better neurological (pre-HF, OR: 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.23-3.61, p = 0.006; HFpEF, OR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.00-3.61, p = 0.05) and survival outcomes (pre-HF, OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.34-2.97, p < 0.001; HFpEF, OR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.20-3.05, p = 0.007), compared with general IHCA.

CONCLUSION

HF stage and LVEF could stratify patients with IHCA into different prognoses. Pre-HF and HFpEF were significantly associated with favorable neurological and survival outcomes after IHCA. Further studies are warranted to investigate whether HF status-directed management could improve IHCA outcomes.

Critical Care Management of Patients After Cardiac Arrest: A Scientific Statement from the American Heart Association and Neurocritical Care Society

The critical care management of patients after cardiac arrest is burdened by a lack of high-quality clinical studies and the resultant lack of high-certainty evidence. This results in limited practice guideline recommendations, which may lead to uncertainty and variability in management. Critical care management is crucial in patients after cardiac arrest and affects outcome. Although guidelines address some relevant topics (including temperature control and neurological prognostication of comatose survivors, 2 topics for which there are more robust clinical studies), many important subject areas have limited or nonexistent clinical studies, leading to the absence of guidelines or low-certainty evidence. The American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee and the Neurocritical Care Society collaborated to address this gap by organizing an expert consensus panel and conference. Twenty-four experienced practitioners (including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and a respiratory therapist) from multiple medical specialties, levels, institutions, and countries made up the panel. Topics were identified and prioritized by the panel and arranged by organ system to facilitate discussion, debate, and consensus building. Statements related to postarrest management were generated, and 80% agreement was required to approve a statement. Voting was anonymous and web based. Topics addressed include neurological, cardiac, pulmonary, hematological, infectious, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and general critical care management. Areas of uncertainty, areas for which no consensus was reached, and future research directions are also included. Until high-quality studies that inform practice guidelines in these areas are available, the expert panel consensus statements that are provided can advise clinicians on the critical care management of patients after cardiac arrest.

Critical Care Management of Patients After Cardiac Arrest: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association and Neurocritical Care Society

The critical care management of patients after cardiac arrest is burdened by a lack of high-quality clinical studies and the resultant lack of high-certainty evidence. This results in limited practice guideline recommendations, which may lead to uncertainty and variability in management. Critical care management is crucial in patients after cardiac arrest and affects outcome. Although guidelines address some relevant topics (including temperature control and neurological prognostication of comatose survivors, 2 topics for which there are more robust clinical studies), many important subject areas have limited or nonexistent clinical studies, leading to the absence of guidelines or low-certainty evidence. The American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care Committee and the Neurocritical Care Society collaborated to address this gap by organizing an expert consensus panel and conference. Twenty-four experienced practitioners (including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and a respiratory therapist) from multiple medical specialties, levels, institutions, and countries made up the panel. Topics were identified and prioritized by the panel and arranged by organ system to facilitate discussion, debate, and consensus building. Statements related to postarrest management were generated, and 80% agreement was required to approve a statement. Voting was anonymous and web based. Topics addressed include neurological, cardiac, pulmonary, hematological, infectious, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and general critical care management. Areas of uncertainty, areas for which no consensus was reached, and future research directions are also included. Until high-quality studies that inform practice guidelines in these areas are available, the expert panel consensus statements that are provided can advise clinicians on the critical care management of patients after cardiac arrest.

Post-cardiac arrest temporal evolution of left ventricular function in a rat model: speckle-tracking echocardiography and cardiac circulating biomarkers

Aims

There is little information from experimental studies regarding the evolution of post-resuscitation cardiac arrest [post-return of spontaneous circulation (post-ROSC)] myocardial dysfunction during mid-term follow-up. For this purpose, we assessed left ventricular (LV) function and circulating cardiac biomarkers at different time points in a rat model of cardiac arrest (CA).

Methods and results

Rats were divided into two groups: control and post-ROSC rats. Eight minutes of untreated ventricular fibrillation were followed by 8 min of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiographic (STE) parameters and cardiac circulating biomarkers concentrations were assessed, at 3, 4, 72, and 96 h post-ROSC. At 3 and 4 h post-ROSC, LV systolic function was severely impaired, and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T and N-terminal pro-atrial natriuretic peptide (NT-proANP) plasma concentrations were significantly increased, compared with control rats (P < 0.0001 for all). At 72 and 96 h post-ROSC, LV ejection fraction (LVEF) normalized. At 96 h, the following variables were significantly different from control rats: early trans-mitral peak velocity, 56.8 ± 3.1 vs. 87.8 ± 3.8 cm/s, P < 0.0001; late trans-mitral peak velocity, 50.6 ± 4.7 vs. 73.7 ± 4.2 cm/s, P < 0.0001; mean s' wave velocity, 4.6 ± 0.3 vs. 5.9 ± 0.3 cm/s, P < 0.0001, global longitudinal strain (GLS) -7.5 ± 0.5 and vs. -11 ± 1.2%, P < 0.01; GLS rate (GLSR) -0.9 ± 0.4 and -2.3 ± 0.2 1/s, P < 0.01; and NT-proANP concentration, 2.5 (0.2; 6.0) vs. 0.4 (0.01; 1.0) nmol/L, P < 0.01.

Conclusion

s' velocity, GLS, and GLSR indicated that LV systolic function was still impaired 96 h post-ROSC. These findings agree with NT-proANP concentrations, which continue to be high. Normalization of LVEF supports the use of STE for its greater sensitivity for monitoring post-CA cardiac function. Further investigations are needed to provide evidence of the post-ROSC LV diastolic function pattern.

Cumulative dose of epinephrine and mode of death after non-shockable out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a registry-based study

BACKGROUND

Epinephrine increases the chances of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), especially when the initial rhythm is non-shockable. However, this drug could also worsen the post-resuscitation syndrome (PRS). We assessed the association between epinephrine use during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and subsequent intensive care unit (ICU) mortality in patients with ROSC after non-shockable OHCA.

METHODS

We used data prospectively collected in the Sudden Death Expertise Center (SDEC) registry (capturing OHCA data located in the Greater Paris area, France) between May 2011 and December 2021. All adults with ROSC after medical, cardiac and non-cardiac causes, non-shockable OHCA admitted to an ICU were included. The mode of death in the ICU was categorized as cardiocirculatory, neurological, or other.

RESULTS

Of the 2,792 patients analyzed, there were 242 (8.7%) survivors at hospital discharge, 1,004 (35.9%) deaths from cardiocirculatory causes, 1,233 (44.2%) deaths from neurological causes, and 313 (11.2%) deaths from other etiologies. The cardiocirculatory death group received more epinephrine (4.6 ± 3.8 mg versus 1.7 ± 2.8 mg, 3.2 ± 2.6 mg, and 3.5 ± 3.6 mg for survivors, neurological deaths, and other deaths, respectively; p < 0.001). The proportion of cardiocirculatory death increased linearly (R2 = 0.92, p < 0.001) with cumulative epinephrine doses during CPR (17.7% in subjects who did not receive epinephrine and 62.5% in those who received > 10 mg). In multivariable analysis, a cumulative dose of epinephrine was strongly associated with cardiocirculatory death (adjusted odds ratio of 3.45, 95% CI [2.01-5.92] for 1 mg of epinephrine; 12.28, 95% CI [7.52-20.06] for 2-5 mg; and 23.71, 95% CI [11.02-50.97] for > 5 mg; reference 0 mg; population reference: alive at hospital discharge), even after adjustment on duration of resuscitation. The other modes of death (neurological and other causes) were also associated with epinephrine use, but to a lesser extent.

CONCLUSIONS

In non-shockable OHCA with ROSC, the dose of epinephrine used during CPR is strongly associated with early cardiocirculatory death. Further clinical studies aimed at limiting the dose of epinephrine during CPR seem warranted. Moreover, strategies for the prevention and management of PRS should take this dose of epinephrine into consideration for future trials.

Protective effect of canagliflozin on post-resuscitation myocardial function in a rat model of cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

Currently, most patients with cardiac arrest (CA) show reversible myocardial dysfunction, hemodynamic instability, systemic inflammation and other pathophysiological state in early stage of resuscitation, some patients may eventually progress to multiple organ failure. There is evidence that heart failure is the terminal stage in the development of various cardiovascular diseases. Although the cardio-protective effect of canagliflozin (CANA) has been confirmed in large clinical studies and recommended in domestic and international heart failure-related guidelines, the effectiveness of CANA after resuscitation remains unclear. In this study, we constructed a modified CA/CPR rat model to investigate whether CANA administered on post-resuscitation improves myocardial function.

METHODS

Twenty-fourth healthy male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into four groups: (1) Sham + placebo group, (2) Sham + CANA group, (3) CPR + placebo group, and (4) CPR + CANA group. Ventricular fibrillation was induced by transcutaneous electrical stimulation on epicardium. After 6 min untreated ventricular fibrillation, chest compressions was initiated. The rats were received an injection of placebo or canagliflozin (3 ug/kg) randomly 15 min after restore of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Electrocardiogram (ECG) and blood pressure were continuously detected in each group throughout the experiment. The rats were killed 6 h after ROSC to collected the arterial serum and myocardial tissue. Myocardial injury was estimated with concentrations of inflammatory factors, oxidative stress indexes and, apoptosis index, myocardial injury markers, echocardiography and myocardial pathological slices.

RESULTS

After resuscitation, mean arterial pressure (MAP) were significantly increased after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in CANA group rats when compared with placebo group. Heart rate, body lactate returned and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) to normal levels in a shorter time and the myocardial injury was obviously attenuated in CPR + CANA group. Inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α) and oxidative stress indexes (MAD, SOD, CAT) were dramatically decreased with the administration of CANA. The expression of apoptosis index (BAX, caspase-3) were higher in CPR + placebo group and the expression of anti-apoptosis index (Bcl-2) was lower (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The administration of CANA effectively reduces myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury after cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and the underlying mechanism may be related to anti-inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Prehospital Administration of Norepinephrine and Epinephrine for Shock after Resuscitation from Cardiac Arrest

INTRODUCTION

Shock after resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is often treated with vasopressors. We examined whether infusion of epinephrine versus norepinephrine was associated with prehospital rearrest and neurologically favorable survival among OHCA patients.

METHODS

This retrospective study included OHCA cases in Seattle, Washington from 2014-2021 who had return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) followed by vasopressor infusion. Our primary exposure was infusion of epinephrine or norepinephrine. Our primary outcome was prehospital rearrest. Secondary outcomes included survival and neurologically favorable outcome (Cerebral Performance Category score of 1 or 2). We used multivariable logistic regression to test associations between exposures and outcomes adjusting for key covariates.

RESULTS

Of 451 OHCA patients with ROSC followed by vasopressor infusion, 253 (56%) received norepinephrine and 198 (44%) received epinephrine infusions. Those who received epinephrine were older (median 66 [interquartile ranges {IQR} 53-79] vs 63 [IQR 47-75] years), but otherwise had similar baseline characteristics. Patients who received epinephrine were twice as likely to rearrest (55% vs 25%). After adjustment, the difference in rearrest rates between epinephrine and norepinephrine persisted (OR 3.28, 95%CI 2.25-5.08), and the odds of pulses at hospital arrival were lower in the epinephrine group (OR 0.52 95%CI 0.32-0.83). After adjustment, there was no difference in neurologically favorable survival, survival to hospital admission, or survival to discharge.

CONCLUSION

Patients who received epinephrine infusions after ROSC suffered prehospital rearrest more frequently than those who received norepinephrine. Survival and neurological status at hospital discharge were similar. Future trials should examine the optimal approach to hemodynamic management for post-OHCA shock.

A machine learning algorithm to predict a culprit lesion after out of hospital cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

We aimed to develop a machine learning algorithm to predict the presence of a culprit lesion in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

METHODS

We used the King's Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Registry, a retrospective cohort of 398 patients admitted to King's College Hospital between May 2012 and December 2017. The primary outcome was the presence of a culprit coronary artery lesion, for which a gradient boosting model was optimized to predict. The algorithm was then validated in two independent European cohorts comprising 568 patients.

RESULTS

A culprit lesion was observed in 209/309 (67.4%) patients receiving early coronary angiography in the development, and 199/293 (67.9%) in the Ljubljana and 102/132 (61.1%) in the Bristol validation cohorts, respectively. The algorithm, which is presented as a web application, incorporates nine variables including age, a localizing feature on electrocardiogram (ECG) (≥2 mm of ST change in contiguous leads), regional wall motion abnormality, history of vascular disease and initial shockable rhythm. This model had an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.89 in the development and 0.83/0.81 in the validation cohorts with good calibration and outperforms the current gold standard-ECG alone (AUC: 0.69/0.67/0/67).

CONCLUSIONS

A novel simple machine learning-derived algorithm can be applied to patients with OHCA, to predict a culprit coronary artery disease lesion with high accuracy.

EFFECTS OF MESENCHYMAL STEM CELLS ON POSTRESUSCITATION RENAL AND INTESTINAL INJURIES IN A PORCINE CARDIAC ARREST MODEL

ABSTRACT

Objectives: Systemic ischemia-reperfusion triggered by cardiac arrest (CA) and resuscitation often causes postresuscitation multiple organ injuries. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been proven to be a promising treatment for regional renal and intestinal ischemia reperfusion injuries. This study aimed to investigate the effects of MSCs on renal and intestinal injuries after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in a porcine CA model. Methods: Twenty-two male pigs were randomly assigned to the sham (n = 6), CA/CPR (n = 8), and CA/CPR + MSC (n = 8) groups. Mesenchymal stem cells were differentiated from human embryonic stem cells and then intravenously administered at a dose of 2.5 × 10 6 /kg at 1.5 and 3 d before the CA/CPR procedure. The experimental model was established by 8 min of untreated CA, followed by 8 min of CPR. Renal and intestinal injuries were evaluated based on the serum levels of creatinine, serum urea nitrogen, intestinal fatty acid-binding protein, and diamine oxidase at 1, 2, 4, and 24 h after resuscitation. At the end of the experiment, pathological damage was determined by cell apoptosis and ferroptosis in the renal and intestinal tissues. Results: During CPR, five pigs in the CA/CPR group and seven pigs in the CA/CPR + MSC group were successfully resuscitated. After resuscitation, the serum levels of creatinine, serum urea nitrogen, intestinal fatty acid-binding protein, and diamine oxidase were significantly increased in the CA/CPR and CA/CPR + MSC groups compared with those in the sham group. However, MSC administration significantly decreased the levels of renal and intestinal injury biomarkers compared with those in the CA/CPR group. Cell apoptosis and ferroptosis, which were indicated by the levels of apoptotic cells, iron deposition, lipid peroxidation, antioxidants, and ferroptosis-related proteins, were observed in renal and intestinal tissues after resuscitation in the CA/CPR and CA/CPR + MSC groups. Nevertheless, both were significantly milder in the CA/CPR + MSC group than in the CA/CPR group. Conclusions: MSC administration was effective in alleviating postresuscitation renal and intestinal injuries possibly through inhibition of cell apoptosis and ferroptosis in a porcine CA model.

Effects of temperature control on hyperthermia-related cardiac dysfunction in a porcine model of cardiac arrest

The outcome of cardiac arrest is worse when there is fever after spontaneous circulation is restored (ROSC). The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanism of post-ROSC cardiac dysfunction after hyperthermia treatment and the effects of temperature control. Twenty-four male Bama minipigs were randomized into 3 groups (8 per group): CPR + controlled normothermia (CN), CPR + hyperthermia (HT), and CPR + therapeutic mild hypothermia (TMH). Defibrillation was given to pigs with ventricular fibrillation after 8 min of untreated fibrillation. Subsequently, these animals received the post-ROSC treatments of hyperthermia (38 °C), controlled normothermia (37 °C) or hypothermia (33 °C) according to the groups. Hemodynamic parameters, left ventricular ejection fraction, blood samples and myocardial tissues were assessed. At 24 h after the post-ROSC treatments, the pigs treated with hyperthermia showed increments in heart rate and plasma cardiac troponin I, and decreases in mean arterial pressure, cardiac index, and left ventricular ejection fraction, compared to those with the controlled normothermia pigs. However, the deterioration of the above parameters can be attenuated by TMH. The pigs in the TMH group also had a reduced percentage of apoptotic cardiomyocytes, an increased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2/Bax ratio and a decreased caspase-3 activity in myocardium, as compared with both controlled normothermia and hyperthermia pigs. In conclusion, hyperthermia is associated with a worse myocardial dysfunction. TMH improves hyperthermia-induced myocardial dysfunction by attenuating apoptosis in a porcine model of cardiac arrest.

Scoping review of echocardiographic parameters associated with diagnosis and prognosis after resuscitated sudden cardiac arrest

AIM

Current international guidelines recommend early echocardiography after resuscitated sudden death despite limited data. Our aim was to analyze published data on early post-resuscitation echocardiography to identify cardiac causes of sudden death and prognostic implications.

METHODS

We reviewed MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL databases to December 2021 for echocardiographic studies of adult patients after resuscitation from non-traumatic sudden death. Studies were included if echocardiography was performed <48 hours after resuscitation and reported (1) diagnostic accuracy to detect cardiac etiologies of sudden death or (2) prognostic outcomes. Diagnostic endpoints were associations of regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA), ventricular function, and structural abnormalities with cardiac etiologies of arrest. Prognostic endpoints were associations of echocardiographic findings with survival to hospital discharge and favorable neurological outcome.

RESULTS

Of 2877 articles screened, 16 (0.6%) studies met inclusion criteria, comprising 2035 patients. Two of six studies formally reported diagnostic accuracy for echocardiography identifying cardiac etiology of arrest; RWMA (in 5 of 6 studies) were associated with presumed cardiac ischemia in 17-89% of cases. Among 12 prognostic studies, there was no association of reduced left ventricular ejection fraction with hospital survival (v10) or favorable neurologic status (n = 5). Echocardiographic high mitral E/e' ratio (n = 1) and right ventricular systolic dysfunction (n = 2) were associated with poor survival.

CONCLUSION

This scoping review highlights the limited data on early echocardiography in providing etiology of arrest and prognostic information after resuscitated sudden death. Further research is needed to refine the clinical application of early echocardiographic findings in post arrest care.

Bispectral index and suppression ratio after cardiac arrest: are they useful as bedside tools for rational treatment escalation plans?

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Myocardial dysfunction contributes to early mortality (24-72 hours) among survivors of a cardiac arrest (CA). The benefits of mechanical support in refractory shock should be balanced against the patient's potential for neurological recovery. To date, these early treatment decisions have been taken based on limited information leading mainly to undertreatment. Therefore, there is a need for early, reliable, accessible, and simple tools that offer information on the possibilities of neurological improvement.

METHODS

We collected data from bispectral index (BIS) and suppression ratio (SR) monitoring of adult comatose survivors of CA managed with targeted temperature management (TTM). Neurological status was assessed according to the Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) scale.

RESULTS

We included 340 patients. At the first full neurological evaluation, 211 patients (62.1%) achieved good outcome or CPC 1-2. Mean BIS values were significantly higher and median SR lower in patients with CPC 1-2. An average BIS> 26 during first 12 hours of TTM predicted good outcome with 89.5% sensitivity and 75.8% specificity (AUC of 0.869), while average SR values> 24 during the first 12 hours of TTM predicted poor outcome (CPC 3-5) with 91.5% sensitivity and 81.8% specificity (AUC, 0.906). Hourly BIS and SR values exhibited good predictive performance (AUC> 0.85), as soon as hour 2 for SR and hour 4 for BIS.

CONCLUSIONS

BIS/SR are associated with patients' potential for neurological recovery after CA. This finding could help to create awareness of the possibility of a better outcome in patients who might otherwise be wrongly considered as nonviable and to establish personalized treatment escalation plans.

The association between arterial-end-tidal carbon dioxide difference and outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

AIM

We sought to determine if the difference between P_aCO₂ and E_TCO₂ is associated with hospital mortality and neurologic outcome following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of adult patients who achieved return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after OHCA over 3 years. The primary exposure was the P_aCO₂-E_TCO₂ difference on hospital arrival. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. The secondary outcome was favorable neurologic status at discharge. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves to determine discrimination threshold and multivariate logistic regression to examine the association between the P_aCO₂-E_TCO₂ difference and outcome.

RESULTS

Of 698 OHCA patients transported to the hospitals, 381 had sustained ROSC and qualifying E_TCO₂ and P_aCO₂ values. Of these, 160 (42%) survived to hospital discharge. Mean E_TCO₂ was 39 mmHg among survivors and 43 mmHg among non-survivors. Mean P_aCO₂-E_TCO₂ was 6.8 mmHg and 9.0 mmHg (p < 0.05) for survivors and non-survivors. After adjustment for Utstein characteristics, a higher P_aCO₂-E_TCO₂ difference on hospital arrival was not associated with hospital mortality (OR 0.99, 95% CI: 0.97-1.0) or neurological outcome. Area under the ROC curve or P_aCO₂-E_TCO₂ difference was 0.56 (95% CI 0.51-0.62) compared with 0.58 (95% CI 0.52-0.64) for E_TCO₂.

CONCLUSION

Neither P_aCO₂-E_TCO₂ nor E_TCO₂ were strong predictors of survival or neurologic status at hospital discharge. While they may be useful to guide ventilation and resuscitation, these measures should not be used for prognostication after OHCA.

Synchronizing systolic calcium release with azumolene in an experimental model

Background

Post-defibrillation myocardial contractile dysfunction adversely affects the survival of patients after cardiac arrest. Attenuation of diastolic calcium (Ca2+) overload by stabilization of the cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) is found to reduce refibrillation after long-duration ventricular fibrillation (LDVF).

Objective

In the present study, we explored the effects of RyR2 stabilization by azumolene on systolic Ca2+ release synchrony and myocardial contractility.

Methods

After completion of baseline optical mapping, Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts were subjected to global ischemia followed by reperfusion with azumolene or deionized distilled water (vehicle). Following reperfusion, LDVF was induced with burst pacing. In the first series of experiments (n = 16), epicardial Ca2+ transient was analyzed for Ca2+ transient amplitude alternans and dispersion of Ca2+ transient amplitude alternans index (CAAI). In the second series of experiments following the same protocol (n = 12), ventricular contractility was assessed by measuring the left ventricular pressure.

Results

Ischemic LDVF led to greater CAAI (0.06 ± 0.02 at baseline vs 0.12 ± 0.02 post-LDVF, P < .01) and magnitude of dispersion of CAAI (0.04 ± 0.01 vs 0.09 ± 0.01, P < .01) in control hearts. In azumolene-treated hearts, no significant changes in CAAI (0.05 ± 0.01 vs 0.05 ± 0.01, P = .84) and dispersion of CAAI (0.04 ± 0.01 vs 0.04 ± 0.01, P = .99) were noted following ischemic LDVF. Ischemic LDVF was associated with reduction in left ventricular developed pressure (100% vs 36.8% ± 6.1%, P = .002) and dP/dtmax (100% vs 45.3% ± 6.5%, P = .003) in control hearts, but these reductions were mitigated (left ventricular developed pressure: 100% vs 74.0% ± 8.1%, P = .052, dP/dtmax: 100% vs 80.8% ± 7.9%, P = .09) in azumolene-treated hearts.

Conclusion

Treatment with azumolene is associated with improvement of systolic Ca2+ release synchrony and myocardial contractility following ischemic LDVF.

The Association of Modifiable Postresuscitation Management and Annual Case Volume With Survival After Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

It is not know if hospital-level extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) case volume, or postcannulation clinical management associate with survival outcomes.

OBJECTIVES

To describe variation in postresuscitation management practices, and annual hospital-level case volume, for patients who receive ECPR and to determine associations between these management practices and hospital survival.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study using case-mix adjusted survival analysis.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Adult patients greater than or equal to 18 years old who received ECPR from the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization Registry from 2008 to 2019.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Generalized estimating equation logistic regression was used to determine factors associated with hospital survival, accounting for clustering by center. Factors analyzed included specific clinical management interventions after starting extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) including coronary angiography, mechanical unloading of the left ventricle on ECMO (with additional placement of a peripheral ventricular assist device, intra-aortic balloon pump, or surgical vent), placement of an arterial perfusion catheter distal to the arterial return cannula (to mitigate leg ischemia); potentially modifiable on-ECMO hemodynamics (arterial pulsatility, mean arterial pressure, ECMO flow); plus hospital-level annual case volume for adult ECPR.

RESULTS

Case-mix adjusted patient-level management practices varied widely across individual hospitals. We analyzed 7,488 adults (29% survival); median age 55 (interquartile range, 44-64), 68% of whom were male. Adjusted hospital survival on ECMO was associated with mechanical unloading of the left ventricle (odds ratio [OR], 1.3; 95% CI, 1.08-1.55; p = 0.005), performance of coronary angiography (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.11- 1.61; p = 0.002), and placement of an arterial perfusion catheter distal to the return cannula (OR, 1.39; 95% CI, 1.05-1.84; p = 0.022). Survival varied by 44% across hospitals after case-mix adjustment and was higher at centers that perform more than 12 ECPR cases/yr (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.04-1.45; p = 0.015) versus medium- and low-volume centers.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Modifiable ECMO management strategies and annual case volume vary across hospitals, appear to be associated with survival and should be the focus of future research to test if these hypothesis-generating associations are causal in nature.

Effect of Time to Treatment With Antiarrhythmic Drugs on Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Shock-Refractory Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Background

The effects of amiodarone and lidocaine on the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in relation to time to treatment in patients with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest is not known. We conducted a post hoc analysis of the ROC ALPS (Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium Amiodarone, Lidocaine, Placebo) randomized controlled trial examining the association of time to treatment (drug or placebo) with ROSC at hospital arrival.

Methods and Results

In the trial, adults with nontraumatic out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest with initial refractory ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia after at least 1 defibrillation were randomly assigned to receive amiodarone, lidocaine, or placebo. We used logistic regression to examine the association of time to treatment (911 call to study drug administration) with ROSC. An interaction term between treatment and time to treatment was included to determine the potential effect of time on treatment effects. Overall, 1112 (36.7%) patients had ROSC at hospital arrival (350 in the amiodarone arm, 396 in the lidocaine arm, and 366 in the placebo arm). The proportion of patients who had ROSC decreased as time to drug administration increased, in patients treated with amiodarone (odds ratio, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.90–0.94 per minute increase), lidocaine (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93–0.96), and placebo (odds ratio, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.93–0.96). With shorter times to drug administration, the proportion with ROSC was higher in amiodarone versus placebo recipients.

Conclusions

The probability of ROSC decreased as time to drug administration increased. The effect of amiodarone but not lidocaine to restore ROSC declined with longer times to drug administration, potentially attributable to its adverse hemodynamic effects.

Soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 as outcome predictor after cardiopulmonary resuscitation: an observational prospective study

Prognostication after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is complex. Novel biomarkers like soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) may provide an objective approach. A total of 106 post-CPR patients were included in this single-center observational prospective study. Serum sST2 levels were obtained 24 h after admission. Individuals were assigned to two groups: patients below and above the overall cohort’s median sST2 concentration. Primary outcome was a combined endpoint at 6 months (death or Cerebral Performance Category > 2); secondary endpoint 30-day mortality. A uni- and multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted. Elevated sST2-levels were associated with an increased risk for the primary outcome (OR 1.011, 95% CI 1.004–1.019, p = 0.004), yet no patients with poor neurological outcome were observed at 6 months. The optimal empirical cut-off for sST2 was 46.15 ng/ml (sensitivity 81%, specificity 53%, AUC 0.69). Levels above the median (> 53.42 ng/ml) were associated with higher odds for both endpoints (death or CPC > 2 after 6 months: 21% vs. 49%, OR 3.59, 95% CI 1.53–8.45, p = 0.003; death after 30 days: 17% vs. 43.3%, OR 3.75, 95% CI 1.52–9.21, p = 0.003). A positive correlation of serum sST2 after CPR with mortality at 30 days and 6 months after cardiac arrest could be demonstrated.

Peripheral perfusion index and diagnostic accuracy of the post-ROSC electrocardiogram in patients with medical out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

AIM

A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is recommended to diagnose a ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In the early post-ROSC phase, the ECG can show signs of ischemia not necessarily of coronary origin and post-ROSC hypoperfusion could affect ECG reliability. We sought for an association between peripheral perfusion index (PI) values after ROSC and the percentage of false-positive ECG for STEMI.

METHODS

We considered all the consecutive patients with sustained ROSC after OHCA, admitted to the Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo (Pavia) between January 1st, 2015 and December 31st, 2020. ECGs were defined false-positive if meeting the STEMI criteria but without a critical obstructive coronary artery disease worthy of treatment. The mean value of PI over 30 min-monitoring (MPI30) were calculated.

RESULTS

Among 351 eligible patients post-ROSC ECG, PI monitoring and an invasive coronary angiography (ICA) were available in 84 cases. The rate of false positive was 16/54 (29.6%) and it differed significantly in the three MPI₃₀ tertiles [T1 (0.2-1): 28.6%; T2 (1.1-2.5): 24.1%; T3 (2.6-6.9): 3.7%, p = 0.04; p for trend = 0.02]. Cardiac arrest duration [OR 1.06 (95 %CI 1-1.1), p = 0.007] and MPI₃₀ [T3 vs T1: OR 0.09 (95 %CI 0.01-0.8), p = 0.03] were significantly associated with the probability of acquiring a false-positive ECG. This association was also confirmed when MPI₃₀ was adjusted for cardiac arrest duration [OR 0.2 (95 %CI 0.1-0.6), p=<0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of false-positive ECG for STEMI after ROSC is related with low perfusion. Our results could help to identify the adequate candidates for an immediate ICA.

Echocardiographic parameters during prolonged targeted temperature Management in out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest Survivors to predict neurological outcome - a post-hoc analysis of the TTH48 trial

BACKGROUND

Transthoracic echocardiographic (TTE) indices of myocardial function among survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have been related to neurological outcome; however, results are inconsistent. We hypothesized that changes in average peak systolic mitral annular velocity (s') from 24 h (h) to 72 h following start of targeted temperature management (TTM) predict six-month neurological outcome in comatose OHCA survivors.

METHODS

We investigated the association between peak systolic velocity of the mitral plane (s') and six-month neurological outcome in a population of 99 patients from a randomised controlled trial comparing TTM at 33 ± 1 °C for 24 h (h) (n = 47) vs. 48 h (n = 52) following OHCA (TTH48-trial). TTE was conducted at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after reaching target temperature. The primary outcome was 180 days neurological outcome assessed by Cerebral Performance Category score (CPC180) and the primary TTE outcome measure was s'. Secondary outcome measures were left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), global longitudinal strain (GLS), e', E/e' and tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE).

RESULTS

Across all three scan time points s' was not associated with neurological outcome (ORs: 24 h: 1.0 (95%CI: 0.7-1.4, p = 0.98), 48 h: 1.13 (95%CI: 0.9-1.4, p = 0.34), 72 h: 1.04 (95%CI: 0.8-1.4, p = 0.76)). LVEF, GLS, E/e', and TAPSE recorded on serial TTEs following OHCA were neither associated with nor did they predict CPC180. Estimated median e' at 48 h following TTM was 5.74 cm/s (95%CI: 5.27-6.22) in patients with good outcome (CPC180 1-2) vs. 4.95 cm/s (95%CI: 4.37-5.54) in patients with poor outcome (CPC180 3-5) (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

s' assessed on serial TTEs in comatose survivors of OHCA treated with TTM was not associated with CPC180. Our findings suggest that serial TTEs in the early post-resuscitation phase during TTM do not aid the prognostication of neurological outcome following OHCA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT02066753 . Registered 14 February 2014 - Retrospectively registered.

Review of Hypothermia Protocol and Timing of the Echocardiogram

Targeted temperature management, also known as therapeutic hypothermia (TH), is recommended for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Both internal or external methods of cooling can be applied. Individuals resuscitated from OHCA frequently develop postarrest myocardial dysfunction resulting in decreased cardiac output and left ventricular systolic function. This dysfunction is usually transient and improves with spontaneous recovery over time. Echocardiogram (ECHO) can be a vital tool for the assessment and management of these patients. This manuscript reviewed methods available for TH after OHCA and reviews role of ECHO in the diagnosis and prognosis in this setting.

Predictive Value of Estimated Lean Body Mass for Neurological Outcomes after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Background: Postcardiac arrest patients with a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) are critically ill, and high body mass index (BMI) is ascertained to be associated with good prognosis in patients with a critically ill condition. However, the exact mechanism has been unknown. To assess the effectiveness of skeletal muscles in reducing neuronal injury after the initial damage owing to cardiac arrest, we investigated the relationship between estimated lean body mass (LBM) and the prognosis of postcardiac arrest patients. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included adult patients with ROSC after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest from January 2015 to March 2020. The enrolled patients were allocated into good- and poor-outcome groups (cerebral performance category (CPC) scores 1–2 and 3–5, respectively). Estimated LBM was categorized into quartiles. Multivariate regression models were used to evaluate the association between LBM and a good CPC score. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was assessed. Results: In total, 155 patients were analyzed (CPC score 1–2 vs. 3–5, n = 70 vs. n = 85). Patients’ age, first monitored rhythm, no-flow time, presumed cause of arrest, BMI, and LBM were different (p < 0.05). Fourth-quartile LBM (≥48.98 kg) was associated with good neurological outcome of postcardiac arrest patients (odds ratio = 4.81, 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.10–25.55, p = 0.04). Initial high LBM was also a predictor of good neurological outcomes (AUROC of multivariate regression model including LBM: 0.918). Conclusions: Initial LBM above 48.98kg is a feasible prognostic factor for good neurological outcomes in postcardiac arrest patients.

Slow Heart Rate Within 72 Hours After Cardiac Arrest Is Associated with Good Neurologic Outcome in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survivors Who Undergo Targeted Temperature Management with 33°C

We aimed to verify whether slow heart rate (HR) is associated with neurologic outcome and the factors that can contribute to the development of bradycardia in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors who underwent targeted temperature management (TTM). We extracted the data of comatose adult OHCA survivors who underwent TTM between October 2015 and December 2018 from the prospective multicenter registry. Data on HR recorded every 6 hours within 72 hours after return of spontaneous circulation and calculated minimal, mean, and maximal HR and time to the lowest HR were obtained. HR <50 bpm was defined as bradycardia. The primary outcome was a 6-month neurologic outcome based on Pittsburgh-Glasgow Cerebral Performance Category Scale. Of the 814 included patients, 508 (62.4%) had poor neurologic outcome and 197 (24.2%) had bradycardia. Bradycardia (odds ratio [OR], 0.574; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.362-0.192), minimal HR (OR, 1.023; 95% CI, 1.008-1.037), and mean HR (OR, 1.016; 95% CI, 1.002-1.030) were independently associated with poor neurologic outcome, but not maximal HR and time to the lowest HR. Preexisting arrhythmia (OR, 2.067; 95% CI, 1.037-4.118), renal disease (OR, 2.028; 95% CI, 1.153-3.567), cardiac etiology (OR, 1.526; 95% CI, 1.045-2.228), downtime (OR, 0.985; 95% CI, 0.974-0.996), and serum lactate levels (OR, 0.936; 95% CI, 0.900-0.974) were independently associated with bradycardia. Bradycardia and decreased mean and minimal HR were independently associated with good neurologic outcomes. Bradycardia was associated with preexisting arrhythmia, renal disease, cardiac etiology, shorter downtime, and lower serum lactate level.

Exploratory analysis of myocardial function after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation vs conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation

Objective

Ventricular unloading is associated with myocardial recovery. We sought to evaluate the association of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) on myocardial function after cardiac arrest. We conducted a retrospective exploratory analysis, comparing ejection fraction (EF) after adult cardiac arrest, between ECPR and conventional CPR.

Results

Among 1119 cases of cardiac arrest, 116 had an echocardiogram post-return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and were included. Thirty-eight patients had ≥ 2 echocardiograms. ECPR patients had differences in age, hypertension and chronic heart failure. ECPR patients had a lower EF post-ROSC (24% vs 45%; p < 0.01) and were more likely to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (25% vs 3%; p < 0.01). In multivariate analysis, only ECPR use (β-coeff: 10.4 [95% CI 3.68–17.13]; p < 0.01) independently predicted improved myocardial function. In this exploratory study, EF after cardiac arrest may be more likely to improve among ECPR patients than CCPR patients. Our methodology should be replicated to confirm or refute the validity of our findings.

Predictors of In-Hospital Mortality after Recovered Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Patients with Proven Significant Coronary Artery Disease: A Retrospective Study

INTRODUCTION

Recovered Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (rOHCA) population is heterogenous. Few studies focused on outcomes in the rOHCA subgroup with proven significant coronary artery disease (SigCAD). We aimed to characterize this subgroup and study the determinants of in-hospital mortality.

METHODS

Retrospective study of consecutive rOHCA patients submitted to coronary angiography. Only patients with SigCAD were included.

RESULTS

60 patients were studied, 85% were male, mean age was 62.6 ± 12.1 years. In-hospital mortality rate was 43.3%. Patients with diabetes and history of stroke were less likely to survive. Significant univariate predictors of in-hospital mortality were further analysed separately, according to whether they were present at hospital admission or developed during hospital evolution. At hospital admission, initial non-shockable rhythm, low-flow time>12min, pH<7.25mmol/L and lactates >4.75mmol/L were the most relevant predictors and therefore included in a score tested by Kaplan-Meyer. Patients who had 0/4 criteria had 100% chance of survival till hospital discharge, 1/4 had 77%, 2/4 had 50%, 3/4 had 25%. Patients with all 4 criteria had 0% survival. During in-hospital evolution, a pH<7.35 at 24h, lactates>2mmol/L at 24h, anoxic brain injury and persistent hemodynamic instability proved significant. Patients who had 0/4 of these in-hospital criteria had 100% chance of survival till hospital discharge, 1/4 had 94%, 2/4 had 47%, 3/4 had 25%. Patients with all 4 criteria had 0% survival. Contrarily, CAD severity and ventricular dysfunction didn't significantly correlate to the outcome.

CONCLUSION

Classic prehospital variables retain their value in predicting mortality in the specific group of OHCA with SigCAD. In-hospital evolution variables proved to add value in mortality prediction. Combining these simple variables in risk scores might help refining prognostic prediction in these patients's subset.

The Impact of Emergency Interventions and Patient Characteristics on the Risk of Heart Failure in Patients with Nontraumatic OHCA

Background

Since out-of-hospital cardiac arrest- (OHCA-) related dysfunction (ischemic/reperfusion injury and inflammatory response) might result in long-term impairment, we suspect that new-onset heart failure might be common in long-term survivors. However, these relationships had not been well addressed, and we aimed to analyze the impact of emergency interventions and patient characteristics on the risk of new-onset heart failure in patients with nontraumatic OHCA.

Methods

The Taiwanese government healthcare database contains data for 49,101 nontraumatic OHCA adult patients from 2011-2012, which were analyzed in this study. Nontraumatic OHCA patients who survived to the intensive care unit (ICU) were included as the study group (n = 7,321). Matched patients (n = 21,963) were recruited as a comparison group. Patients with any history of heart failure or cardiac arrest were not included in either group. All patients were followed-up for 6 months for the identification of new-onset heart failure. Adjustments were made for demographics, age, emergency interventions, and comorbidities as potential risk factors.

Results

In all, 3.84% (n = 281) of OHCA patients suffered new-onset heart failure, while only 1.24% (n = 272) of matched patients in the comparison group suffered new-onset heart failure. Strong risk factors for heart failure were age (60-75 years, HR: 11.4; 95% CI: 9-14.4), medical history (myocardial infarction, HR: 2.47; 95% CI: 2.05-2.98 and cardiomyopathy, HR: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.45-5.94), and comorbidities during hospitalization (ischemic heart disease, HR: 4.5; 95% CI: 3.46-5.86). Only extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) decreased the risk of heart failure. Most (53.6%) heart failure events occurred within 60 days after OHCA.

Conclusion

An age from 61 to 75 years, a history of myocardial infarction or cardiomyopathy, and ischemic heart disease or infection as comorbidities occurring during hospitalization were strong risk factors for new-onset heart failure in OHCA patients. However, ECMO could decrease this risk. More importantly, most heart failure events occurred within 60 days after OHCA.

Management of post-cardiac arrest syndrome

Post-cardiac arrest syndrome is a complex and critical issue in resuscitated patients undergone cardiac arrest. Ischemic-reperfusion injury occurs in multiple organs due to the return of spontaneous circulation. Bundle of management practicies are required for post-cardiac arrest care. Early invasive coronary angiography should be considered to identify and treat coronary artery obstructive disease. Vasopressors such as norepinephrine and dobutamine are the first-line treatment for shock. Maintainance of oxyhemoglobin saturation greater than 94% but less than 100% is recommended to avoid fatality. Target temperature therapeutic hypothermia helps to resuscitated patients. Strict temperature control is required and is maintained with the help of cooling devices and monitoring the core temperature. Montorings include electrocardiogram, oxymetry, capnography, and electroencephalography (EEG) along with blood pressue, temprature, and vital signs. Seizure should be treated if EEG shows evidence of seizure or epileptiform activity. Clinical neurologic examination and magnetic resonance imaging are considered to predict neurological outcome. Glycemic control and metabolic management are favorable for a good neurological outcome. Recovery from acute kidney injury is essential for survival and a good neurological outcome.

Time to epinephrine treatment is associated with the risk of mortality in children who achieve sustained ROSC after traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Background

The benefits of early epinephrine administration in pediatric with nontraumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have been reported; however, the effects in pediatric cases of traumatic OHCA are unclear. Since the volume-related pharmacokinetics of early epinephrine may differ obviously with and without hemorrhagic shock (HS), beneficial or harmful effects of nonselective epinephrine stimulation (alpha and beta agonists) may also be enhanced with early administration. In this study, we aimed to analyze the therapeutic effect of early epinephrine administration in pediatric cases of HS and non-HS traumatic OHCA.

Methods

This was a multicenter retrospective study (2003–2014). Children (aged ≤ 19 years) who experienced traumatic OHCA and were administered epinephrine for resuscitation were included. Children were classified into the HS (blood loss > 30% of total body fluid) and non-HS groups. The demographics, outcomes, postresuscitation hemodynamics (the first hour) after the sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and survival durations were analyzed and correlated with the time to epinephrine administration (early < 15, middle 15–30, late > 30 min) in the HS and non-HS groups. Cox regression analysis was used to adjust for risk factors of mortality.

Results

A total of 509 children were included. Most of them (n = 348, 68.4%) had HS OHCA. Early epinephrine administration was implemented in 131 (25.7%) children. In both the HS and non-HS groups, early epinephrine administration was associated with achieving sustained ROSC (both p < 0.05) but was not related to survival or good neurological outcomes (without adjusting for confounding factors). However, early epinephrine administration in the HS group increased cardiac output but induced metabolic acidosis and decreased urine output during the initial postresuscitation period (all p < 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, early epinephrine administration was a risk factor of mortality in the HS group (HR 4.52, 95% CI 2.73–15.91).

Conclusion

Early epinephrine was significantly associated with achieving sustained ROSC in pediatric cases of HS and non-HS traumatic OHCA. For children with HS, early epinephrine administration was associated with both beneficial (increased cardiac output) and harmful effects (decreased urine output and metabolic acidosis) during the postresuscitation period. More importantly, early epinephrine was a risk factor associated with mortality in the HS group.