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Shorter defibrillation interval promotes successful defibrillation and resuscitation outcomes. Resuscitation 2019; 143:100-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2019.08.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Revised: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Myocardial Dysfunction and Shock after Cardiac Arrest. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:314796. [PMID: 26421284 PMCID: PMC4572400 DOI: 10.1155/2015/314796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2015] [Accepted: 06/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Postarrest myocardial dysfunction includes the development of low cardiac output or ventricular systolic or diastolic dysfunction after cardiac arrest. Impaired left ventricular systolic function is reported in nearly two-thirds of patients resuscitated after cardiac arrest. Hypotension and shock requiring vasopressor support are similarly common after cardiac arrest. Whereas shock requiring vasopressor support is consistently associated with an adverse outcome after cardiac arrest, the association between myocardial dysfunction and outcomes is less clear. Myocardial dysfunction and shock after cardiac arrest develop as the result of preexisting cardiac pathology with multiple superimposed insults from resuscitation. The pathophysiology involves cardiovascular ischemia/reperfusion injury and cardiovascular toxicity from excessive levels of inflammatory cytokine activation and catecholamines, among other contributing factors. Similar mechanisms occur in myocardial dysfunction after cardiopulmonary bypass, in sepsis, and in stress-induced cardiomyopathy. Hemodynamic stabilization after resuscitation from cardiac arrest involves restoration of preload, vasopressors to support arterial pressure, and inotropic support if needed to reverse the effects of myocardial dysfunction and improve systemic perfusion. Further research is needed to define the role of postarrest myocardial dysfunction on cardiac arrest outcomes and identify therapeutic strategies.
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Khan MU, Khouzam RN, Khalid H, Baqir R, Moten M. Cardiogenic shock following electro-cardioversion of new onset atrial flutter. Heart Lung 2013; 42:462-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.hrtlng.2013.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Revised: 07/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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High-energy defibrillation impairs myocyte contractility and intracellular calcium dynamics. Crit Care Med 2010; 36:S422-7. [PMID: 20449905 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0b013e31818a84c5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We examined the effects of energy delivered with electrical defibrillation on myocyte contractility and intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. We hypothesized that increasing the defibrillation energy would produce correspondent reduction in myocyte contractility and intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. DESIGN Randomized prospective study. SETTING University-affiliated research laboratory. SUBJECTS Ventricular myocytes from male Sprague-Dawley rat hearts. MATERIALS AND METHODS Ventricular cardiomyocytes loaded with Fura-2/AM were placed in a chamber mounted on an inverted microscope and superfused with a buffer solution at 37 degrees C. The cells were field stimulated to contract and mechanical properties were assessed using a video-based edge-detection system. Intracellular Ca2+ dynamics were evaluated with a dual-excitation fluorescence photomultiplier system. Myocytes were then randomized to receive 1) a single 0.5-J biphasic shock; 2) a single 1-J biphasic shock; 3) a single 2-J biphasic shock; and 4) a control group without shock. After the shock, myocytes were paced for an additional 4 mins. RESULTS A single 0.5-J shock did not have effects on contractility and intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. Higher energy shocks, i.e., 1- or 2-J shocks, significantly impaired contractility and intracellular Ca2+ dynamics. The adverse effects were greater after a 2-J shock compared with a 1-J shock. CONCLUSIONS Higher defibrillation energy significantly impairs ventricular contractility at the myocyte level. Reductions in cardiomyocyte shortening and intracellular Ca2+ dynamics abnormalities were greater when higher energy shock was used.
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Bright JM, Wright BD. Successful biphasic transthoracic defibrillation of a dog with prolonged, refractory ventricular fibrillation. J Vet Emerg Crit Care (San Antonio) 2009; 19:275-9. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-4431.2009.00408.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Augenstein S, Wenzel V, Krismer AC, Lindner KH. In-hospital resuscitation. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 2007; 14:423-30. [PMID: 17019125 DOI: 10.1097/00001503-200108000-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A recent world expert conference on resuscitation and emergency cardiac care led to evidence-based international guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Several changes to CPR interventions were recommended, and will have to be implemented into clinical practice. The poor prognosis of patients who suffer in-hospital cardiac arrest may be improved with developments in CPR interventions. In the present review the most important changes recommended by the new CPR guidelines and the latest promising CPR investigations are described, focusing on their impact on in-hospital resuscitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Augenstein
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Leopold-Franzens-University, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Einav S, Weissman C, Kark J, Lotan C, Matot I. Future shock: automatic external defibrillators. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 2006; 18:175-80. [PMID: 16534335 DOI: 10.1097/01.aco.0000162837.79215.a7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review provides a practical overview of the performance capabilities of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs), and of advances in technology and dissemination programmes for these devices. RECENT FINDINGS Arrhythmia analysis by AEDs is extremely reliable in most settings (sensitivity 81-100%, specificity 99.9-97.6%). Accurate detection of arrhythmias has also been demonstrated in children, leading the US Food and Drug Administration to approve the use of several AEDs in children aged 8 years or younger. Factors that potentially may reduce the quality of arrhythmia detection are the presence of wide complex supraventricular tachycardia and location of an arrythmic event near to high-power lines. AED use by professional basic life support providers resulted in increased survival in the prehospital setting. However, provision of AEDs to nonmedical rescue services did not result in universal improvement in patient outcome. Public access defibrillation programmes have led to higher rates of survival from cardiac arrest. The role of AEDs in hospitals has yet to be elucidated, although in-hospital mortality from ventricular arrhythmias has been shown to decrease following AED deployment. SUMMARY Given the correct setting, AEDs can ensure that defibrillation is not limited by lack of medical knowledge or difficulties in decision making. However, event-related variables and operator-related factors, that are yet to be determined, can significantly affect the efficacy of automatic external defibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Einav
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, School of Public Health and Community Medicine, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Centre, Ein-Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Deakin CD, Ambler JJS. Post-shock myocardial stunning: A prospective randomised double-blind comparison of monophasic and biphasic waveforms. Resuscitation 2006; 68:329-33. [PMID: 16378672 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2005.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2005] [Revised: 07/13/2005] [Accepted: 07/26/2005] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Compared with monophasic defibrillation, biphasic defibrillation is associated with less myocardial stunning and earlier activation of sodium channels. We therefore hypothesised that earlier sodium channel activation would result in earlier restoration of the first sinus beat following elective DC cardioversion. METHODS Adults undergoing elective DC cardioversion were randomised to receive either monophasic or biphasic escalating transthoracic shocks. The ECG was recorded electronically during defibrillation and the time from delivery of the shock to restoration of the first sinus beat, measured from the beginning of the 'P' wave, was calculated. RESULTS Seventy four patients were studied. Data were unavailable from 18 patients. There was no demographic difference between groups. Median time to the first sinus beat following monophasic defibrillation (n=25) was 3.66 s (95% CI 2.55-4.61 s) and following biphasic defibrillation (n=33) was 2.21s (95% CI 1.76-2.56 s; P<or=0.0001). Linear regression confirmed that the waveform was an independent predictor of time to restoration of sinus rhythm; P<0.0001. The final defibrillation energy level used to achieve cardioversion was not an independent predictor of time to restoration of sinus rhythm; P=0.49. CONCLUSION Biphasic defibrillation for elective DC cardioversion achieved more rapid restoration of the first sinus beat compared with a monophasic waveform. Waveform, but not energy level that achieved defibrillation, was an independent predictor of time to restoration of the first sinus beat. The mechanism for this may be related to the earlier reactivation of sodium channels associated with the biphasic waveform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles D Deakin
- Shackleton Department of Anaesthetics, Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
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Nava G, Adams JA, Bassuk J, Wu D, Kurlansky P, Lamas GA. Echocardiographic comparison of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using periodic acceleration (pGz) versus chest compression. Resuscitation 2005; 66:91-7. [PMID: 15993734 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2004.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2004] [Revised: 11/29/2004] [Accepted: 11/29/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This investigation compared the effects of conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) using an automated Thumper chest compression device to periodic acceleration CPR (pGz-CPR) on early post-resuscitation ventricular function assessed by echocardiography, in an adult pig model of CPR. BACKGROUND Whole body periodic acceleration along the spinal axis (pGz) is a new method of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Biomechanical forces and biochemical release produced by pGz impart ventilation and increase blood flow. Our laboratory has reported normal neurological and cardiovascular function 48 h after return of spontaneous circulation in animals that have undergone 22 min of pGz-CPR. METHODS Ventricular fibrillation (VF) was induced in 16 animals (25-35 kg). After 3 min of non-interventional period, the animals were randomized to receive either pGz-CPR or Thumper-CPR for 15 min. After 18 min of VF, a single dose of vasopressin and bicarbonate were administered and defibrillation attempted. An echocardiogram was performed at baseline and serially for 6h. Ejection fraction (EF), fractional shortening (FS) and wall motion were assessed by 2D and M-mode echocardiography. RESULTS Return of spontaneous circulation to 360 min occurred in 5/8 (62%) of the animals receiving Thumper-CPR and in 7/8 (88%) receiving pGz-CPR. FS and EF were impaired after CPR, but pGz-CPR animals had less impairment than Thumper-CPR animals. Further, wall motion score index (WMSI) was more impaired after Thumper-CPR and remained as such even 6h post-CPR. CONCLUSION pGz holds promise as a new method for CPR with better left ventricular (LV) function post-CPR than the more traditional chest compression method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Nava
- Divisions of Cardiology, Neonatology, Department of Research, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Heart Research Institute, 4300 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33140, USA
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White RD, Blackwell TH, Russell JK, Snyder DE, Jorgenson DB. Transthoracic impedance does not affect defibrillation, resuscitation or survival in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treated with a non-escalating biphasic waveform defibrillator. Resuscitation 2005; 64:63-9. [PMID: 15629557 DOI: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2004.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2004] [Revised: 06/23/2004] [Accepted: 06/23/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This is a study of the influence of transthoracic impedance (TTI) on defibrillation, resuscitation and survival in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), treated with a non-escalating impedance-compensating 150 J biphasic waveform defibrillator. METHODS Cardiac arrest data from two EMS systems were analyzed retrospectively. All witnessed arrests from patients who presented with a shockable rhythm and were treated initially by BLS personnel were included (n = 102). For each defibrillation and resuscitation outcome variable, we tested differences in mean TTI for successful versus unsuccessful outcome. The effect of call-to-shock time on overall outcome was also examined. RESULTS Initial shocks defibrillated 90% [83-95%] (95% confidence interval) of patients. Cumulative success with two shocks was 98% [93-100%] and with three shocks was 99% [95-100%]. TTI averaged 90 +/- 23 Omega. First-shock success, cumulative success through two shocks and cumulative success through the first-shock series were unrelated to TTI, as were BLS ROSC, pre-hospital ROSC, hospital admission and discharge. In contrast and consistent with previous findings, call-to-shock time was highly predictive of survival. CONCLUSIONS High impedance patients were defibrillated by the biphasic waveform used in this study at high rates with a fixed energy of 150 J and without energy escalation. Rapid defibrillation rather than differences in patient impedance accounts for resuscitation success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger D White
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Atkins DL, Kenney MA. Automated external defibrillators: safety and efficacy in children and adolescents. Pediatr Clin North Am 2004; 51:1443-62. [PMID: 15331293 DOI: 10.1016/j.pcl.2004.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Although children do not suffer from ventricular fibrillation (VF) as frequently as adults, it does occur in 10% to 20% of pediatric cardiac arrests. The technology is available to recognize and treat ventricular fibrillation in children as quickly as we can for adults. This article discusses the evidence to support automated external defibrillator use in young children. As this technology gains increased acceptance, resuscitation rates and outcomes for VF in children should approach those that are seen in adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dianne L Atkins
- Division of Pediatric Cardiology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Drive, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA.
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White RD, Blackwell TH, Russell JK, Jorgenson DB. Body weight does not affect defibrillation, resuscitation, or survival in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treated with a nonescalating biphasic waveform defibrillator. Crit Care Med 2004; 32:S387-92. [PMID: 15508666 DOI: 10.1097/01.ccm.0000139460.25406.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This is a study of the influence of body weight on defibrillation, resuscitation, and survival in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treated with a nonescalating impedance-compensating 150-J biphasic waveform defibrillator. METHODS Cardiac arrest data from Rochester, MN, emergency medical services over a 6-yr period was retrospectively analyzed. Patient weight data were available for 62 of the 68 patients who were treated initially by basic life support personnel and who presented with a shockable rhythm. For each defibrillation and resuscitation outcome variable, we tested for differences in body weight for successful vs. unsuccessful outcome. RESULTS Initial shocks defibrillated 92% (83% to 97%) of patients. Cumulative success with two shocks was 98% (confidence interval, 92% to 100%) and with three shocks was 100% (confidence interval, 95% to 100%). The mean shock impedance was 90 +/- 21 ohms. The average body weight was 84 +/- 17 kg (minimum, 53 kg; maximum, 135 kg) and was normally distributed. Based on the body mass index for 46 patients, approximately 41% were classified as overweight (body mass index, > or = 25), 24% obese (body mass index, > or = 30), and 4% extremely obese (body mass index, > or = 40). The remaining 31% were classified as normal or underweight. First-shock success, cumulative success through two shocks, and cumulative success through the first-shock series were unrelated to body weight, as were basic life support restoration of spontaneous circulation, prehospital restoration of spontaneous circulation, hospital admission, and discharge. CONCLUSIONS Overweight patients were defibrillated by the biphasic waveform used in this study at high rates, with a fixed energy of 150 J, and without energy escalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger D White
- The Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Zafari AM, Zarter SK, Heggen V, Wilson P, Taylor RA, Reddy K, Backscheider AG, Dudley SC. A program encouraging early defibrillation results in improved in-hospital resuscitation efficacy. J Am Coll Cardiol 2004; 44:846-52. [PMID: 15312869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacc.2004.04.054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2004] [Revised: 03/25/2004] [Accepted: 04/06/2004] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine whether survival to discharge after in-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest could be improved by a program encouraging early defibrillation that included switching from monophasic to biphasic devices. BACKGROUND In-hospital resuscitation continues to have a low success rate. Biphasic waveform devices have demonstrated characteristics that might improve survival, and outside the hospital, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have shown promise in improving survival of patients suffering cardiopulmonary arrest. METHODS A program including education and replacement of all manual monophasic defibrillators with a combination of manual biphasic defibrillators used in AED mode and AEDs in all outpatient clinics and chronic care units was implemented. RESULTS With program implementation, the percentage survival of all patients with resuscitation events improved 2.6-fold, from 4.9% to 12.8%. Factors independently predicting survival included event location outside an intensive care unit, younger age, an initial rhythm of pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) or ventricular fibrillation (VF), pre-arrest beta-blocker, and program initiation. The outcome was independent of gender, race, work shift, number of previous resuscitation attempts, body mass index, comorbidity index, presence of diabetes, presence of hypertension, or use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. The improvement in mortality was attributable solely to an effect on patients presenting with VT/VF. Patients with these initial rhythms were 14-fold (odds ratio = 0.07 of death, confidence interval = 0.02 to 0.3) more likely to survive to discharge after program initiation. Automated external defibrillators performed similarly to biphasic manual defibrillators in AED mode. CONCLUSIONS A program including education and use of biphasic manual defibrillators in AED mode and selective use of AEDs improved survival to discharge in hospitalized patients suffering from cardiopulmonary arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Maziar Zafari
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Povoas HP, Weil MH, Tang W, Bisera J, Klouche K, Barbatsis A. Predicting the success of defibrillation by electrocardiographic analysis. Resuscitation 2002; 53:77-82. [PMID: 11947983 DOI: 10.1016/s0300-9572(01)00488-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated an electrocardiographic signal analysis technique for predicting whether an electrical shock would reverse ventricular fibrillation (VF) in an effort to minimize the damaging effects of repetitive shocks during CPR. METHODS AND RESULTS An established model of CPR was utilized. VF was electrically induced in anesthetized 40 kg domestic pigs. Defibrillation was attempted after either 4 or 7 min of untreated VF. Failing to reverse VF, a 1 min interval of precordial compression and mechanical ventilation preceded each subsequent defibrillation attempt. The amplitude frequency spectrum of digitally filtered VF wavelets was computed with Fourier analysis during uninterrupted precordial compression from conventional right infraclavicular and left apical electrodes. Of a total of 34 electrical defibrillation attempts, 24 animals were restored to spontaneous circulation (ROSC). An amplitude spectrum analysis (AMSA) value of 21 mV Hz had a negative predictive value of 0.96 and a positive predictive value of 0.78. CONCLUSIONS AMSA predicted when an electrical shock failed to restore spontaneous circulation during CPR with a high negative predictive value. This method potentially fulfills the need for minimizing ineffective defibrillation attempts and their attendant adverse effects on the myocardium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heitor P Povoas
- The Institute of Critical Care Medicine, 1695 North Sunrise Way, Building #3, Palm Springs, CA 92262-5309, USA
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Abstract
Postresuscitation myocardial dysfunction is common after prolonged cardiac arrest and can have life-threatening consequences. Experimental data suggest that systolic and diastolic left ventricular function can be adversely effected following successful resuscitation. Such dysfunction can resolve and represents true global myocardial stunning. Identified factors contributing to postresuscitation myocardial dysfunction include prolonged CPR, use of vasoconstricting drugs, and high-energy defibrillation. Potential treatments include dobutamine, KATP channel activators, and 21-aminosteroids. In the author's efforts to improve long-term survival from cardiac arrest, more attention is needed to the postresuscitation period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl B Kern
- Department of Medicine, Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona College of Medicine, University Medical Center, Tucson, Arizona, USA.
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Rosen KR, Sinz EH, Casto J. Basic and advanced life support, acute resuscitation, and cardiac resuscitation. Curr Opin Anaesthesiol 2001; 14:177-84. [PMID: 17016399 DOI: 10.1097/00001503-200104000-00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The global approach to resuscitation has changed dramatically in the past year. The groundwork for these changes began a decade ago with the development of the Utstein guidelines for uniform reporting of critical events. Consistency in data collection was necessary to enable evidence-based review and comparison of current practice. Resuscitation protocols have been significantly altered based upon these data. Basic life support (BLS) protocols have been simplified. Early access to electrical cardioversion is the key to survival. Mobilization of AED technology in the community is essential. Several issues were identified as crucial to future improvement of resuscitation statistics. Prevention strategies should be developed for high-risk patients. There is a need to identify cases in which resuscitation should not be started. Enhancement of educational methods to improve performance and retention of skills is key. Finally, the roadblocks for performance of ethical prospective research must be minimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- K R Rosen
- Department of Anesthesiology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-9134, USA.
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