Life after cardiac arrest: A very long term follow up

Ischemia-Reperfusion Programming of Alzheimer's Disease-Related Genes-A New Perspective on Brain Neurodegeneration after Cardiac Arrest

The article presents the latest data on pathological changes after cerebral ischemia caused by cardiac arrest. The data include amyloid accumulation, tau protein modification, neurodegenerative and cognitive changes, and gene and protein changes associated with Alzheimer's disease. We present the latest data on the dysregulation of genes related to the metabolism of the amyloid protein precursor, tau protein, autophagy, mitophagy, apoptosis, and amyloid and tau protein transport genes. We report that neuronal death after cerebral ischemia due to cardiac arrest may be dependent and independent of caspase. Moreover, neuronal death dependent on amyloid and modified tau protein has been demonstrated. Finally, the results clearly indicate that changes in the expression of the presented genes play an important role in acute and secondary brain damage and the development of post-ischemic brain neurodegeneration with the Alzheimer's disease phenotype. The data indicate that the above genes may be a potential therapeutic target for brain therapy after ischemia due to cardiac arrest. Overall, the studies show that the genes studied represent attractive targets for the development of new therapies to minimize ischemic brain injury and neurological dysfunction. Additionally, amyloid-related genes expression and tau protein gene modification after cerebral ischemia due to cardiac arrest are useful in identifying ischemic mechanisms associated with Alzheimer's disease. Cardiac arrest illustrates the progressive, time- and area-specific development of neuropathology in the brain with the expression of genes responsible for the processing of amyloid protein precursor and the occurrence of tau protein and symptoms of dementia such as those occurring in patients with Alzheimer's disease. By carefully examining the common genetic processes involved in these two diseases, these data may help unravel phenomena associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease and neurodegeneration after cerebral ischemia and may lead future research on Alzheimer's disease or cerebral ischemia in new directions.

Disrupted Lives: Caregivers' Experiences of In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survivors' Recovery 5 Years Later

Background Survivors of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) experience ongoing physical and cognitive impairments, often requiring support from a caregiver at home afterwards. Caregivers are important in the survivor's recovery, yet there is little research specifically focused on their experiences once the survivor is discharged home. In this study, we highlight how caregivers for veteran IHCA survivors described and experienced their caregiver role, the strategies they used to fulfill their role, and the additional needs they still have years after the IHCA event. Methods and Results Between March and July 2019, semistructured telephone interviews were conducted with 12 caregivers for veteran IHCA survivors. Interviews were transcribed, and content analysis was performed. Patterns within the data were further analyzed and grouped into themes. A predominant theme of "disruption" was identified across 3 different domains including the following: (1) disruption in caregiver's life, (2) disruption in caregiver-patient relationship, and (3) disruption in caregiver's well-being. Disruption was associated with both positive and negative caregiver experiences. Strategies caregivers used and resources they felt would have helped them adjust to their caregiver role were also identified. Conclusions Caregivers for veteran IHCA survivors experienced a disruption in many facets of their lives. Caregivers felt the veterans' IHCA impacted various aspects of their lives, and they continued to need additional support in order to care for the IHCA survivor and themselves. Although some were able to procure coping strategies, such as counseling and engaging in stress-relieving activities, most indicated additional help and resources were still needed.

Does time heal fatigue, psychological, cognitive and disability problems in people who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest? Results from the DANCAS survey study

AIMS

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors may suffer short-term fatigue, psychological, cognitive and disability problems, but we lack information on the proportion of survivors with these problems in the long-term. Hence, we investigated these problems in survivors 1-5 years post-OHCA and whether the results are different at different time points post-OHCA.

METHODS

All adults who survived an OHCA in Denmark from 2016 to 2019 were identified using the Danish Cardiac Arrest Registry and invited to participate in a survey between October 2020 and March 2021. The survey included the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, "Two simple questions" (everyday activities and mental recovery), and the 12-item World Health Organisation Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. To investigate results at different time points, survivors were divided into four time-groups (12-24, 25-36, 37-48 and 49-56 months post-OHCA). Differences between time-groups were determined using the Kruskall-Wallis test for the mean scores and Chi-square test for the proportion of survivors with symptoms.

RESULTS

Total eligible survey population was 2116, of which 1258 survivors (60 %) responded. Overall, 29 % of survivors reported fatigue, 20 % anxiety, 15 % depression, and 27 % disability. When survivors were sub-divided by time since OHCA, no significant difference was found on either means scores or proportion between time groups (p = 0.28 to 0.88).

CONCLUSION

Up to a third of survivors report fatigue, anxiety, depression, reduced mental function and disability 1-5 years after OHCA. This proportion is the same regardless of how much time has passed supporting early screening and tailored post-OHCA interventions to help survivors adapt to their new situation.

Evaluation of Neurologic and Psychiatric Outcomes After Hospital Discharge Among Adult Survivors of Cardiac Arrest

IMPORTANCE

Long-term risks of neurologic and psychiatric disease after cardiac arrest are largely unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the short-term and long-term risks of common neurologic outcomes (stroke, epilepsy, Parkinson disease, and dementia) and psychiatric outcomes (depression and anxiety) in patients after hospitalization for cardiac arrest.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This nationwide population-based cohort study with 21 years of follow-up included data on 250 838 adults from all Danish hospitals between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2016. Danish medical registries were used to identify all patients with a first-time diagnosis of cardiac arrest and 2 matched comparison cohorts. The first comparison cohort included patients with a first-time diagnosis of myocardial infarction; the second comprised people from the general population. Data analysis was performed from November 1, 2020, to June 30, 2021.

EXPOSURES

In-hospital or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Neurologic and psychiatric outcomes after hospital discharge were ascertained using medical registries. Twenty-one-year hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs were computed based on Cox regression analysis, controlled for matching factors, and adjusted for comorbidity and socioeconomic status.

RESULTS

Among the 250 838 individuals included in this study (median age, 67 years [IQR, 57-76 years]; 173 946 [69.3%] male), 3 groups were identified: 12 046 patients with cardiac arrest, 118 332 patients with myocardial infarction, and 120 460 people from the general population. Compared with patients with myocardial infarction, patients with cardiac arrest had an increased rate of ischemic stroke (10 per 1000 persons; HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.02-1.64) and hemorrhagic stroke (2 per 1000 persons; HR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.12-3.67) in the first year after discharge. During the full follow-up period, rates were as follows: for epilepsy, 28 per 1000 persons (HR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.66-2.44); for dementia, 73 per 1000 persons (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.09-1.38); for mood disorders including depression, 270 per 1000 persons (HR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.68-1.89); and for anxiety, 187 per 1000 persons (HR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.85-2.12). The rate of Parkinson disease was similar in the 2 cohorts (8 per 1000 persons; HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.65-1.42). The rates of the aforementioned outcomes were highest during the first year after cardiac arrest and then declined over time. Comparisons between the cohort of patients with cardiac arrest and the general population cohort showed higher rates of epilepsy, dementia, depression, and anxiety in the cardiac arrest group.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this cohort study, patients discharged after cardiac arrest had an increased rate of subsequent stroke, epilepsy, dementia, depression, and anxiety compared with patients with myocardial infarction and people from the general population, with declining rates over time. These findings suggest the need for preventive strategies and close follow-up of cardiac arrest survivors.

Neurocognitive function following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

The primary aim of this review was to investigate neurocognitive outcomes following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Specifically, the focus was on identifying the different neurocognitive domains that are assessed, the measures used, and the level of, and criteria for, impairment.

DESIGN AND REVIEW METHODS

A systematic review of the literature from 2006 to 2021 was completed using Medline, Cinahl and Psychinfo. Criteria for inclusion were studies with participants over the age of 18, OHCA and at least one neurocognitive function measure. Qualitative and case studies were excluded. Reviewers assessed criteria and risk of bias using a modified version of Downs and Black.

RESULTS

Forty-three studies were identified. Most studies had a low risk of bias (n = 31) or moderate risk of bias (n = 11) and one had a high risk; however, only six reported effect sizes or power analyses. Multiple measures of neurocognitive outcomes were used (>50) and level of impairment criteria varied considerably. Memory impairments were frequently found and were also more likely to be impaired followed by executive function and processing speed.

DISCUSSION

This review highlights the heterogeneity of measures and approaches used to assess neurocognitive outcomes following OHCA as well as the need to improve risk of bias concerning generalizability. Improved understanding of the approaches used for assessment and the subsequent findings will facilitate a standardized evaluation of neurocognitive outcomes following OHCA.

Cognitive Impairment among Cardiac Arrest Survivors in the ICU: A Retrospective Study

Background

Recent studies have presented the effects of cardiac arrest on long-term cognitive function and quality of life. However, no study has evaluated cognitive function in the early stage after regaining consciousness.

Purpose

The objectives of this study were to analyse the incidence, clinical course, and associated factors of cognitive impairment of cardiac arrest survivors in intensive care unit (ICU).

Patients and methods

We administered the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to cardiac arrest survivors who were treated with targeted temperature management (TTM) immediately after regaining consciousness. Patients whose MMSE scores indicated impaired cognitive function (MMSE < 24) were retested before ICU discharge.

Results

In 92 patients, the median MMSE score was 21.0 (interquartile range (IQR), 16.0–24.0), and cognitive impairment was found in 64 patients. Fifty-three patients completed follow-up MMSEs, and the median scores were 20.0 (IQR, 13.5–23.0) for the first and 25.0 (IQR, 21.5–28.0) for the last test. Of the specific domains, recall (0.0 (IQR, 0.0–1.0) to 2.0 (IQR, 1.0–3.0)) and attention/calculation (3.0 (IQR, 1.0–4.0) to 4.0 (IQR, 2.0–5.0)) were the most affected domains until ICU discharge. The factors that were correlated with cognitive impairment on the last MMSE were older age (OR, 1.07 (95% CI, 1.01–1.14), p=0.016), increased time to return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (OR, 1.08 (95% CI, 1.02–1.15), p=0.012), and length of hospital stay (OR, 1.07 (95% CI, 1.00–1.14), p=0.044).

Conclusions

Cognitive impairments were common immediately after patients regained consciousness but recovered substantially before ICU discharge. Recall and attention/calculation still were impaired until ICU discharge, and older age, increased time to ROSC, and LOS were associated with this cognitive decline.

Long-term survivors of cardiac arrest: A narrative inquiry

Background:

Despite extensive knowledge and research in cardiac health there is limited understanding in how a cardiac arrest influences the life of long-term survivors.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to explore how long-term survivors of a cardiac arrest adjusted to their new reality, expressed in their re-storied narratives.

Methods:

Seven individuals surviving a cardiac arrest 5–26 years ago were interviewed through in-depth conversations over a six-month period. These interviews were analysed using Clandinin and Connelly’s framework of narrative inquiry.

Results:

Seven threads were found: Disbelief, Surveillance of their body, Loss of control and desire for normality, Keeping fit and informing others, Gratefulness, Spirituality – luck and fate, and Fragility of life and dying.

Conclusions:

All seven long-term survivors of cardiac arrest expressed a positive attitude. Despite the nature of the cardiac arrest and the hurdles that followed, they have a heightened appreciation for life. This indicates that after the adaptation to their new reality of being a cardiac arrest survivor life returns to a new normality.

Psychiatric sequelae of cardiac arrest

This manuscript summarizes the literature on mental health outcomes after cardiac arrest. Survivors of cardiac arrest show high rates of mental illness with more than 40% suffering from anxiety, 30% from depression, and 25% from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mental health outcomes may differ depending on the setting in which the cardiac arrest occurred. A major problem is reduced neuropsychological functioning. Between 30% and 50% of survivors of cardiac arrest suffer from cognitive deficits. Deficits of attention, declarative memory, executive function, visual-spatial abilities, and verbal fluency have been observed. As a result of numerous psychopathological symptoms (depression in 14% to 45%, anxiety in 13% to 61%, and PTSD in 19% to 27%) and reduced cognitive functioning (about 20% to 60%), relevantly reduced quality of life is observed in about 20% of cardiac arrest survivors.

Prediction of cognitive dysfunction after resuscitation - a systematic review

Cardiac arrest (CA) due to cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in developed countries. It is estimated that over 350,000 people in Europe suffer from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. According to the literature, the longer the episode of cardiac arrest, the greater the risk of cognitive impairment, especially short-term memory, as well as immediate and delayed recall. Other common dysfunctions include attention deficits and executive function disorders. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize current research on cognitive impairment in patients after sudden cardiac arrest. The electronic databases PubMed/MEDLINE, OVID, Web of Science, and EBSCO were searched using the following key words: 'sudden cardiac arrest', 'out-of-hospital cardiac arrest', 'cognitive function', 'cognitive impairment', 'functional outcome', 'cardiopulmonary resuscitation'. The most recent studies from the last 7 years (2011-2018) were included. Cognitive disorders occurred in a broad range of cases: from 13% to even 100%. In one study, cognitive deficits did not occur at all. Amongst the reviewed articles only two studies were carried out on a large group of patients. The remaining studies were conducted on a small group of respondents; therefore there was no possibility to generalize the results to the entire population. The areas in which the most cognitive impairment occurred were memory, executive functions and visual-motor skills. One of the conclusions derived from the reviewed literature is the importance of continuous training of cognitive functions, especially for people with cardiovascular risk.

Ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest produces a chronic striatal hyperdopaminergic state that is worsened by methylphenidate treatment

Cardiac arrest survival rates have improved with modern resuscitation techniques, but many survivors experience impairments associated with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI). Currently, little is understood about chronic changes in striatal dopamine (DA) systems after HIBI. Given the common empiric clinical use of DA enhancing agents in neurorehabilitation, investigation evaluating dopaminergic alterations after cardiac arrest (CA) is necessary to optimize rehabilitation approaches. We hypothesized that striatal DA neurotransmission would be altered chronically after ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest (VF-CA). Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry was used with median forebrain bundle (MFB) maximal electrical stimulations (60Hz, 10s) in rats to characterize presynaptic components of DA neurotransmission in the dorsal striatum (D-Str) and nucleus accumbens 14 days after a 5-min VF-CA when compared to Sham or Naïve. VF-CA increased D-Str-evoked overflow [DA], total [DA] released, and initial DA release rate versus controls, despite also increasing maximal velocity of DA reuptake (V_max ). Methylphenidate (10 mg/kg), a DA transporter inhibitor, was administered to VF-CA and Shams after establishing a baseline, pre-drug 60 Hz, 5 s stimulation response. Methylphenidate increased initial evoked overflow [DA] more-so in VF-CA versus Sham and reduced D-Str V_max in VF-CA but not Shams; these findings are consistent with upregulated striatal DA transporter in VF-CA versus Sham. Our work demonstrates that 5-min VF-CA increases electrically stimulated DA release with concomitant upregulation of DA reuptake 2 weeks after brief VF-CA insult. Future work should elucidate how CA insult duration, time after insult, and insult type influence striatal DA neurotransmission and related cognitive and motor functions.

Comparison of three cognitive exams in cardiac arrest survivors

BACKGROUND

Cognitive deficits may detract from quality of life after cardiac arrest. Their pattern and prevalence are not well documented. We used the Computer Assessment of Mild Cognitive Impairment (CAMCI), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MOCA) and the 41 Cent Test (41CT) to assess cognitive impairment in cardiac arrest survivors and examine the exams' diagnostic accuracy. We hypothesized that the scores of these exams would indicate the presence of cognitive impairment in arrest survivors, that the overall scores on the three study assessments would correlate with one another, and that the 41CT, MOCA, and executive function element of the CAMCI would vary independently from other non-executive CAMCI components, reflecting executive function impairment after cardiac arrest.

METHODS

Four researchers administered the CAMCI, MOCA, and/or the 41CT to cardiac arrest survivors after discharge from the intensive care unit between 2010 and 2015. Physicians screened patients with the Mini-Mental State Exam to determine when this cognitive testing was feasible, generally when the patient was able to score 20-25 points on the MMSE. We performed pairwise correlations between the different subscales' and tests' scores.

RESULTS

One hundred and fourteen participants completed the CAMCI, of which 38 (33.3%) participants additionally completed the MOCA and 41CT. The median (IQR) percentile score for CAMCI for all 114 participants was 33.5 (18.3, 49.8), which corresponds to moderately low risk of impairment. The median (IQR) for the MOCA was 22.0 (19, 24.8) out of a possible 30, which is considered indicative of abnormal cognitive function, and for the 41CT was 6 (5, 7) out of a possible 7 points when all 38 participants were included. MOCA correlated strongly with the overall CAMCI score (r=0.71); the CAMCI correlated moderately strongly with the 41CT (r=0.62) and the MOCA and 41CT were moderately strongly correlated with each other (r=0.56). When all 114 CAMCI scores were considered, the Executive Accuracy subscale was strongly correlated with the overall CAMCI score (r=0.81).

CONCLUSION

The CAMCI detects cognitive impairment after cardiac arrest. The MOCA correlates strongly with the overall CAMCI and the executive function subscale of the CAMCI. The 41CT as appears less effective than the MOCA in detecting cognitive deficits.

Intensive care medicine research agenda on cardiac arrest

Over the last 15 years, treatment of comatose post-cardiac arrest patients has evolved to include therapeutic strategies such as urgent coronary angiography with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), targeted temperature management (TTM)-requiring mechanical ventilation and sedation-and more sophisticated and cautious prognostication. In 2015, collaboration between the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) and the European Society for Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) resulted in the first European guidelines on post-resuscitation care. This review addresses the major recent advances in the treatment of cardiac arrest, recent trials that have challenged current practice and the remaining areas of uncertainty.