Cardiopulmonary Arrest and Resuscitation in Severe Sepsis and Septic Shock: A Research Model

A model of porcine polymicrobial septic shock

BACKGROUND

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a dysregulated host response to infection. Mortality of patients with sepsis is high and largely unchanged throughout the past decades. Animal models have been widely used for the study of sepsis and septic shock, but translation into effective treatment regimes in the clinic have mostly failed. Pigs are considered as suitable research models for human diseases due to their high comparability and similarity to human anatomy, genetics, and the immune system. We here evaluated the previously reported models of septic shock in pigs and established a novel model of polymicrobial sepsis that meets the clinical criteria of septic shock in pigs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The literature search was performed using the keywords "pig", "sepsis" and "septic shock". For the establishment of septic shock in n = 10 German landrace pigs, mechanical ventilation was initiated, central venous and arterial lines and invasive hemodynamic monitoring via pulse contour cardiac output measurement (PiCCO) established. Peritoneal polymicrobial faecal sepsis was induced by application of 3 g/kg body weight faeces into the abdominal cavity. Septic shock was defined according to the third international consensus definitions (Sepsis-3). Upon shock, pigs underwent the 1-h bundle for the treatment of human sepsis. Cytokine levels were measured by ELISA.

RESULTS

Published porcine sepsis models exhibited high methodological variability and did not meet the clinical criteria of septic shock. In our model, septic shock developed after an average of 4.8 ± 0.29 h and was associated with a reproducible drop in blood pressure (mean arterial pressure 54 ± 1 mmHg) and significant hyperlactatemia (3.76 ± 0.65 mmol/L). Septic shock was associated with elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL6) and initial cardiac depression followed by a hyperdynamic phase with significant loss of systemic vascular resistance index after initial resuscitation. In addition, organ dysfunction (acute kidney injury) occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

We here established a model of septic shock in pigs that meets the clinical criteria of septic shock utilized in human patients. Our model may thus serve as a reference for clinically relevant sepsis research in pigs.

Asphyxia-Induced Bacterial Translocation in an Animal Experimental Model in Neonatal Piglets

BACKGROUND

The term "bacterial translocation" (BT) refers to the migration of bacteria or their products from the gastrointestinal tract to tissues located outside it, and may occur after intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury. The term "endotoxin" is synonymous, and is used interchangeably with the term lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS, a component of Gram-negative gut bacteria, is a potent microbial virulence factor, that can trigger production of pro-inflammatory mediators, causing localized and systemic inflammation. The aim of this study is to investigate if neonatal asphyxia provokes BT and an increased concentration of LPS in an animal model of asphyxia in piglets.

METHODS

Twenty-one (21) newborn male Landrace/Large White piglets, 1-4 days old, were randomly allocated into three groups, Control (A), Asphyxia (B) and Asphyxia-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) (C). All animals were instrumented, anesthetized and underwent hemodynamic monitoring. In Group A, the animals were euthanized. In Group B, the endotracheal tube was occluded to cause asphyxia leading to cardiopulmonary arrest. In Group C, the animals were resuscitated after asphyxia and further monitored for 30'. Bacterial translocation was assessed by the measurement of endotoxin in blood from the portal vein and the aorta, and also by the measurement of endotoxin in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs) at euthanasia. The results are given as median (IQR) with LPS concentration in EU/mL.

RESULTS

BT was observed in all groups with minimum LPS concentration in the MLN and maximum concentration in the portal vein. LPS levels in the MLNs were higher in the Group B: 6.38 EU/mL (2.69-9.34) compared to the other groups (Group A: 2.1 EU/mL (1.08-2.52), Group C: 1.66 EU/mL (1.51-2.48), p = 0.012). The aorta to MLNs LPS difference (%) was lower in Group B: 0.13% (0.04-1.17), compared to Group A: 5.08% (2.2-10.7), and Group C: 3.42% (1.5-5.1)) (p = 0.042). The same was detected for portal to MLNs LPS difference (%) which was lower in Group B: 0.94% (0.5-3) compared to Group A: 4.9% (4-15), and Group C: 3.85% (1.5-5.1)) (p = 0.044).

CONCLUSIONS

Neonatal asphyxia can provoke ΒΤ and increased LPS concentration in blood and tissue located outside the gastrointestinal system.

Impact of Lactate on 30-Day All-Cause Mortality in Patients with and without Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Due to Cardiogenic Shock

In patients with cardiogenic shock (CS) due to myocardial infarction, elevated lactate levels are known to be negative predictors. Studies regarding the prognostic impact in patients with CS complicated by out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) are limited. Two hundred and sixty-three consecutive patients with CS were included. The prognostic value of lactate on days 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8 was tested stratified by OHCA and non-OHCA. Statistical analyses included the univariable t-test, Spearman's correlation, C-statistics, Kaplan-Meier analyses, as well as multivariable mixed analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Cox proportional regression analyses. The primary endpoint of all-cause mortality occurred in 49.4% of the non-OHCA group and in 63.4% of the OHCA group. Multivariable regression models showed an association of lactate values with 30-day all-cause mortality in the non-OHCA (p = 0.024) and OHCA groups (p = 0.001). In Kaplan-Meier analyses, patients with lactate levels ≥ 4 mmol/L (log-rank p = 0.001) showed the highest risk for 30-day all-cause mortality in the non-OHCA as well as in the OHCA group. However, in C-statistics lactate on days 1 and 8 had a better discrimination for 30-day all-cause mortality in the OHCA group compared to the non-OHCA group. In conclusion, patients presenting with CS lactate levels showed a good prognostic performance, with and without OHCA. Especially, lactate levels on days 1 and 8 were more accurate in the discrimination for all-cause mortality in CS-patients with OHCA.

Microcirculation-guided treatment improves tissue perfusion and hemodynamic coherence in surgical patients with septic shock

PURPOSE

Severe sepsis and septic shock may impair microcirculatory perfusion and cause organ dysfunction. The aim of this pilot study was to assess a new microcirculation-guided resuscitation strategy in patients with septic shock undergoing emergency abdominal surgery.

METHODS

A microcirculation-guided treatment algorithm was developed and applied intraoperatively following restoration of systemic hemodynamics. Sublingual microcirculation was monitored with Sidestream DarkField (SDF +) imaging technique. The primary objective was to investigate the change in De Backer score, Consensus Proportion of Perfused Vessels (Consensus PPV), and Consensus PPV (small) and its association with venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference (v-aPCO₂).

RESULTS

Thirteen consecutive patients were included in the study. Microcirculation-guided resuscitation resulted in an increase of 0.49 mm^-1 in the De Backer score (p < 0.001), an increase of 2.28% in the Consensus PPV (p < 0.001), and an increase of 2.26% in the Consensus PPV (small) (p < 0.001) for every 30 min of additional intraoperative time. All microcirculation variables were negatively correlated with v-aPCO₂ (rho = - 0.656, adj-p < 0.001; rho = - 0.623; adj-p < 0.001; rho = - 0.597, adj-p < 0.001, respectively) at each intraoperative time point. Lactate levels were negatively correlated with Consensus PPV (rho = - 0.464; adj-p = 0.002) and Consensus PPV (small) (rho = - 0.391, adj-p < 0.001). Survival at 30 days, 90 days, and 1 year were 76.9%, 76.9%, and 61.5%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The intraoperative use of microcirculation-guided resuscitation strategy may improve tissue perfusion and hemodynamic coherence in patients with septic shock.

Assessment of Dynamic Changes in Stressed Volume and Venous Return during Hyperdynamic Septic Shock

The present work investigated the dynamic changes in stressed volume (Vs) and other determinants of venous return using a porcine model of hyperdynamic septic shock. Septicemia was induced in 10 anesthetized swine, and fluid challenges were started after the diagnosis of sepsis-induced arterial hypotension and/or tissue hypoperfusion. Norepinephrine infusion targeting a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 65 mmHg was started after three consecutive fluid challenges. After septic shock was confirmed, norepinephrine infusion was discontinued, and the animals were left untreated until cardiac arrest occurred. Baseline Vs decreased by 7% for each mmHg decrease in MAP during progression of septic shock. Mean circulatory filling pressure (Pmcf) analogue (Pmca), right atrial pressure, resistance to venous return, and efficiency of the heart decreased with time (p < 0.001 for all). Fluid challenges did not improve hemodynamics, but noradrenaline increased Vs from 107 mL to 257 mL (140%) and MAP from 45 mmHg to 66 mmHg (47%). Baseline Pmca and post-cardiac arrest Pmcf did not differ significantly (14.3 ± 1.23 mmHg vs. 14.75 ± 1.5 mmHg, p = 0.24), but the difference between pre-arrest Pmca and post-cardiac arrest Pmcf was statistically significant (9.5 ± 0.57 mmHg vs. 14.75 ± 1.5 mmHg, p < 0.001). In conclusion, the baseline Vs decreased by 7% for each mmHg decrease in MAP during progression of hyperdynamic septic shock. Significant changes were also observed in other determinants of venous return. A new physiological intravascular volume existing at zero transmural distending pressure was identified, termed as the rest volume (Vr).

Determinants of venous return in steady-state physiology and asphyxia-induced circulatory shock and arrest: an experimental study

Background

Mean circulatory filling pressure (Pmcf) provides information on stressed volume and is crucial for maintaining venous return. This study investigated the Pmcf and other determinants of venous return in dysrhythmic and asphyxial circulatory shock and arrest.

Methods

Twenty Landrace/Large-White piglets were allocated into two groups of 10 animals each. In the dysrhythmic group, ventricular fibrillation was induced with a 9 V cadmium battery, while in the asphyxia group, cardiac arrest was induced by stopping and disconnecting the ventilator and clamping the tracheal tube at the end of exhalation. Mean circulatory filling pressure was calculated using the equilibrium mean right atrial pressure at 5–7.5 s after the onset of cardiac arrest and then every 10 s until 1 min post-arrest. Successful resuscitation was defined as return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) with a MAP of at least 60 mmHg for a minimum of 5 min.

Results

After the onset of asphyxia, a ΔPmca increase of 0.004 mmHg, 0.01 mmHg, and 1.26 mmHg was observed for each mmHg decrease in PaO₂, each mmHg increase in PaCO_2, and each unit decrease in pH, respectively. Mean Pmcf value in the ventricular fibrillation and asphyxia group was 14.81 ± 0.5 mmHg and 16.04 ± 0.6 mmHg (p < 0.001) and decreased by 0.031 mmHg and 0.013 mmHg (p < 0.001), respectively, for every additional second passing after the onset of cardiac arrest. With the exception of the 5–7.5 s time interval, post-cardiac arrest right atrial pressure was significantly higher in the asphyxia group. Mean circulatory filling pressure at 5 to 7.5 s after cardiac arrest predicted ROSC in both groups, with a cut-off value of 16 mmHg (AUC = 0.905, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Mean circulatory filling pressure was higher in hypoxic hypercapnic conditions and decreased at a lower rate after cardiac arrest compared to normoxemic and normocapnic state. A Pmcf cut-off point of 16 mmHg at 5–7.5 s after cardiac arrest can highly predict ROSC.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40635-022-00440-z.

Baseline Values and Kinetics of IL-6, Procalcitonin, and TNF-α in Landrace-Large White Swine Anesthetized with Propofol-Based Total Intravenous Anesthesia

The baseline levels of various inflammatory mediators and their changes during anesthesia in swine are not known. The aim of this animal study was to measure the baseline values and kinetics of interleukin-6, procalcitonin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in healthy Landrace-Large White swine anesthetized with propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia. We included 8 healthy male pigs with an average weight of 19 ± 2 kg (aged 10-15 weeks) that were subjected to propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia for 8 hours. Complete blood count, serum chemistry, and serum levels of interleukin-6, procalcitonin, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were analyzed, and serum levels were quantified hourly. Blood was also collected for bacterial culturing. Baseline values of interleukin-6 and procalcitonin were 18 pg/ml and 21 ng/ml, respectively, while tumor necrosis factor-alpha was not detectable during collection of baseline samples. A statistically significant difference was observed in interleukin-6 levels between time points (p < 0.0001). Procalcitonin increased with time, but there were no significant differences between time points (p = 0.152). Tumor necrosis factor-alpha increased until the 3rd hour of propofol-based total intravenous anesthesia, while after the 4th hour, it gradually decreased, reaching its baseline undetectable values by the 7th hour (p < 0.001). Our results can serve as the basis for further translational research.

A Critical Appraisal of the Effects of Anesthetics on Immune-system Modulation in Critically Ill Patients With COVID-19

Purpose

The aim of the present article was to briefly summarize current knowledge about the immunomodulatory effects of general anesthetics and the possible clinical effects of this immunomodulation in patients with COVID-19.

Methods

The PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were comprehensively searched for relevant studies.

Findings

The novel coronavirus causes a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, with a large absolute number of patients experiencing severe pneumonia and rapid progression to acute respiratory distress syndrome and multiple organ failure. In these patients, the equilibrium of the inflammatory response is a major determinant of survival. The impact of anesthetics on immune-system modulation may vary and includes both pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects.

Implications

Inhibition of the development of severe inflammation and/or the enhancement of inflammation resolution by anesthetics may limit organ damage and improve outcomes in patients with COVID-19.

Initial Immune Response in Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans Bacteremia

Sepsis remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide and is characterized by sustained inflammatory responses, reflected as changes in the expression profile of cytokines with time. The aim of the present study was to investigate the dynamic changes in complete blood count, serum chemistry, procalcitonin (PCT), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans bacteremia. Study subjects were 32 healthy male Landrace-Large White pigs, aged 10-15 weeks and of average weight 19 ± 2 kg. Bacteremia was induced by continuous intravenous infusion of microbial suspensions during a period of 8 h. E. coli and S. aureus bacteremia were associated with a significant gradual decrease in white blood cells and platelets, respectively (p = 0.002 and p = 0.004), while candidemia was characterized by a significant gradual decrease in lymphocytes (p = 0.009). Serum PCT levels were either undetectable or very low, with no significant changes with time in all groups. E. coli bacteremia elicited a strong pro-inflammatory response, characterized by a significant increase in TNF-α expression from the onset of bacteremia (p = 0.042). C. albicans exhibited a different profile with an early, moderate increase in TNF-α followed by a subsequent marked increase in IL-6 levels (p = 0.03). The differential regulation of inflammatory and hematological responses depending on the pathogenic agent can reveal differences in the underlying inflammatory mechanisms, which may assist in the ongoing quest for the identification of a panel of circulating biomarkers during bacteremia.

Emerging Trends and Hot Topics in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Research: A Bibliometric Analysis from 2010 to 2019

Background

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a topic of great scientific and clinical interest that has received much attention in the past decade. Our study aimed to predict the trends in CPR research activities and evaluate hot topics via bibliometric means, quantitatively and qualitatively.

Material/Methods

All data were collected from a search of the Web of Science Core Collection on May 12, 2020. Retrieved information was investigated with bibliometric analysis by CiteSpace and VOSviewer software and the Online Analysis Platform of Literature Metrology to analyze and predict the trends and hotspots in this field.

Results

Our search returned a total of 9563 articles and reviews on CPR published from 2010 through 2019. The number of original research studies on CPR has been increasing annually. The journal Resuscitation published the greatest number of manuscripts involved CPR, and the leading country and institution with regard to contributions on CPR were the United States and the University of Pennsylvania. Keyword co-occurrence/co-citation-cluster analysis showed that the most popular terms associated with CPR occurred in the manner of cluster labels, such as therapeutic hypothermia and treatment recommendation, among others. In addition, palliative care, sepsis, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, and brain injury were identified as new foci through burst detection analysis.

Conclusions

Our study showed that the scientific research focus on CPR is switching from traditional therapeutic treatments to a public health practice, with in-depth understanding and development of CPR-related techniques expanding over the past decade. These results demonstrate trends in the CPR research and detected the possible neo-foci for ensuing research.

Assessment of Post-Resuscitation Intestinal Injury and Timing of Bacterial Translocation in Swine Anaesthetized With Propofol-Based Total Intravenous Anaesthesia

Introduction and objectives Bacterial translocation (BT) is the passage of viable bacteria or endotoxins from the gastrointestinal lumen to extra-luminal tissues and is usually observed after intestinal ischaemia-reperfusion injury. The aim of this study was to investigate post-resuscitation BT after cardiac arrest and resuscitation in a swine anaesthetized with propofol-based total intravenous anaesthesia. Materials and methods Eighteen female Landrace/Large White piglets were randomly divided into control (CON), cardiac arrest (CA) and cardiac arrest-cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CA-CPR) groups. In the CON group, the animals were only monitored for two hours. In the CA group, the animals were not resuscitated and underwent necropsy immediately after cardiac arrest. In the CA-CPR group, the animals were resuscitated until the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and were monitored for two hours. The animals of the CON and CA-CPR groups underwent necropsy 24 hours later. Bacterial translocation was assessed by blood and tissue cultures and endotoxin measurement in the portal and systemic circulation. Malondialdehyde content calculation and histological analysis of the intestine were performed in order to estimate ischemia and reperfusion (I/R) tissue damage. Results  Malondialdehyde content, an indicator of oxidative stress, was significantly higher in the CA-CPR group compared to the CA in homogenized ileum (p=0.016). Malondialdehyde content in homogenized colon revealed significantly higher levels in the CA-CPR group compared to the CON (p=0.004) and the CA group (p=0.016). We found significantly higher levels of portal endotoxin in the CA-CPR group compared to the CON (p=0.026) and the CA group (p=0.026). The number of positive mesenteric lymph nodes cultures for E. coli was greater in the CA-CPR group, followed by the CA and CON groups, although the difference was not significant (67%, 33%, and 33%, respectively; p=0.407). Conclusions Malondialdehyde content and portal endotoxin levels do not increase during the cardiac arrest interval, but only after CPR and ROSC. Although the number of positive MLNs cultures was greater in the CA-CPR animals, no statistically significant differences were observed between the three groups due to the short monitoring period.

Personalized physiology-guided resuscitation in highly monitored patients with cardiac arrest-the PERSEUS resuscitation protocol

Resuscitation guidelines remain uniform across all cardiac arrest patients, focusing on the delivery of chest compressions to a standardized rate and depth and algorithmic vasopressor dosing. However, individualizing resuscitation to the appropriate hemodynamic and ventilatory goals rather than a standard "one-size-fits-all" treatment seems a promising new therapeutic strategy. In this article, we present a new physiology-guided treatment strategy to titrate the resuscitation efforts to patient's physiologic response after cardiac arrest. This approach can be applied during resuscitation attempts in highly monitored patients, such as those in the operating room or the intensive care unit, and could serve as a method for improving tissue perfusion and oxygenation while decreasing post-resuscitation adverse effects.

Duty cycle of 33% increases cardiac output during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate whether 33% duty cycle increases end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) level, a surrogate measurement for cardiac output during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), compared with 50% duty cycle.

METHODS

Six pigs were randomly assigned to the DC33 or DC50 group. After 3 min of induced ventricular fibrillation (VF), CPR was performed for 5 min with 33% duty cycle (DC33 group) or with 50% duty cycle (DC50 group) (phase I). Defibrillation was delivered until return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) thereafter. After 30 min of stabilization, the animals were re-assigned to the opposite groups. VF was induced again, and CPR was performed (phase II). The primary outcome was ETCO2 during CPR, and the secondary outcomes were coronary perfusion pressure (CPP), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), and right atrial pressure (RAP).

RESULTS

Mean ETCO2 was higher in the DC33 group compared with the DC50 group (22.5 mmHg vs 21.5 mmHg, P = 0.018). In a linear mixed model, 33% duty cycle increased ETCO2 by 1.0 mmHg compared with 50% duty cycle (P < 0.001). ETCO2 increased over time in the DC33 group [0.6 mmHg/min] while ETCO2 decreased in the DC50 group [-0.6 mmHg/min] (P < 0.001). Duty cycle of 33% increased SAP (6.0 mmHg, P < 0.001), DAP (8.9 mmHg, P < 0.001) RAP (2.6 mmHg, P < 0.001) and CPP (4.7 mmHg, P < 0.001) compared with the duty cycle of 50%.

CONCLUSION

Duty cycle of 33% increased ETCO2, a surrogate measurement for cardiac output during CPR, compared with duty cycle of 50%. Moreover, ETCO2 increased over time during CPR with 33% duty cycle while ETCO2 decreased with 50% duty cycle.

One-Year Survival after Inhospital Cardiac Arrest-Does Prearrest Sepsis Matter?

AIM

Cardiac arrest is not a common complication of sepsis, although sepsis has been recognized as one condition behind cardiac arrest. Our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of sepsis among patients with inhospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), and to determine if sepsis is associated with inferior outcome after IHCA.

METHODS

All consecutive emergency team dispatches in Turku University Hospital in 2011 to 2014 (n = 607) were retrospectively reviewed to identify the patients undergoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for IHCA (n = 301). The patient records were reviewed for the criteria of severe sepsis, organ dysfunction, and chronic comorbidities before IHCA. Outcome was followed for 1 year.

RESULTS

The criteria for prearrest severe sepsis were met by 83/301 (28%) of the patients, and 93/301 (31%) had multiorgan dysfunction (3 or more organ systems). The patients with severe sepsis had higher mortality than those without severe sepsis, increasing from 30-day mortalities of 63/83 (76%) and 151/218 (69%), respectively (P = 0.256), to 1-year mortalities of 72/83 (87%) and 164/218 (75%), respectively (P = 0.030). Emergency admission, age, immunosuppression, DM, multiorgan dysfunction, and a nonshockable rhythm were independent predictors of 1-year mortality by multivariate logistic regression analysis. Six out of 83 patients with severe sepsis before IHCA (7%) survived 1 year with good neurological outcome (CPC scale 1).

CONCLUSIONS

A high proportion of patients with IHCA have sepsis and multiorgan dysfunction, and their prognosis is worse than the prognosis of patients with IHCA in general.

The Systemic Alterations of Lipids, Alanine-Glucose Cycle and Inter-Organ Amino Acid Metabolism in Swine Model Confirms the Role of Liver in Early Phase of Septic Shock

Septic shock is a medical emergency and is one of the main causes of mortality in critically ill patients. Given the pathophysiological complexity of sepsis spectrum and progression in clinical settings, animal models become essential tools to improve patient care, and to understand key mechanisms that may remain masked from the heterogeneity of clinical practice. Our aim was to verify whether the metabolic constellations we previously reported for septic shock patients appear also in our septic shock swine model as systemic markers of early disturbances in energy metabolism and hepatic homeostasis. Septic shock was induced in anesthetized, instrumented, and ventilated adult swines by polymicrobial peritonitis. Hemodynamic and serial measurements of arterial and mixed venous blood gasses were made. Laboratory measurements and mass spectrometry-based targeted quantitative plasma metabolomics were performed in blood samples collected at baseline, at shock and at fully resuscitation after fluids and vasopressors administration. Data elaboration was performed by multilevel and multivariate analysis. Changes in hemodynamic, blood chemistry, and inflammatory markers were in line with a septic shock phenotype. Time course alteration of systemic metabolites were characterized by marked decreased in phosphatidylcholines and lysophosphatidylcholines species, altered alanine-glucose cycle and inter-organ amino acid metabolism, pointing toward an early hepatic impairment similarly to what we previously reported for septic shock. This is the first study in which an experimental swine model of septic shock recapitulates the main metabolic derangements reported in a clinical setting of shock. These events occur within hours from infections and may act as early metabolic features to assist in evaluating subclinical hepatic alterations and pave the way to improve the management of septic shock.

Differences in Mortality Between Pregnant and Nonpregnant Women After Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between pregnancy status and in-hospital mortality after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an inpatient setting.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based cross-sectional study using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases (2002-2011). International Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes were used to define cases, comorbidities, and clinical outcomes. Rates of CPR among study groups were calculated by patient and hospital characteristics. Survey logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) that represent the association between pregnancy status and mortality after CPR. Joinpoint regression was used to describe temporal trends in CPR and mortality rates.

RESULTS

During the study period, 5,923 women (13-49 years) received inpatient CPR annually. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation rates increased significantly from 2002 to 2011, by 6.4% and 3.8% annually, for pregnant and nonpregnant women, respectively. In-hospital mortality rates after CPR were lower among pregnant women 49.4% (45.4-53.4) than nonpregnant women 71.1% (70.1-72.2), even after adjusting for confounders (adjusted OR 0.46, 95% confidence interval 0.39-0.56).

CONCLUSION

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an inpatient pregnant woman is associated with improved survival compared with this procedure in nonpregnant women. Elucidating reasons behind this association could help to improve CPR outcomes in both pregnant and nonpregnant women.

Periarrest intestinal bacterial translocation and resuscitation outcome

During the periarrest period, intestinal ischemia may result in barrier dysfunction and bacterial translocation, which has clear mechanistic links to inflammation and cascade stimulation, especially in patients who are treated with therapeutic hypothermia. Despite optimal management, periarrest bacterial translocation may worsen the outcome of cardiac arrest victims.