Functional Outcomes: One Year after a Cardiac Arrest

A Tablet-Based Application to Enhance Social Connectedness for Individuals With a Cognitive Impairment: Results From the PRISM-CI Pilot Study

Social engagement is fundamental to successful aging and linked to better emotional, physical, and cognitive health. Maintaining social engagement is challenging for many older adults but especially for those with a cognitive impairment (CI). Information and communication technologies (ICT) can provide enhanced opportunities for social and cognitive engagement for older adults with a CI via increased information, education, and social connectivity access. This study used a pre-test post-test design to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of the PRISM-CI software system, a tablet-based application designed to enhance access to resources, information, and social engagement, in 52 individuals with a CI between the ages of 65-88 years who had access to PRISM-CI for five months. Findings show that social isolation, loneliness, and depressive symptoms significantly decreased, and mobile device proficiency significantly increased, from baseline to follow-up. Results highlight ICTs potential to foster social engagement among older adults with a CI.

A shift towards targeted post-ICU treatment: Multidisciplinary care for cardiac arrest survivors

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) survivorship comprises a burgeoning area of critical care medicine, largely due to our improved understanding of and concern for patients' recovery trajectory, and efforts to mitigate the post-acute complications of critical illness. Expansion of care beyond hospitalization is necessary, yet evidence for post-ICU clinics remains limited and mixed, as both interventions and target populations studied to date are too heterogenous to meaningfully demonstrate efficacy. Here, we briefly present the existing evidence and limitations related to post-ICU clinics, identify cardiac arrest survivors as a unique ICU subpopulation warranting further investigation and treatment, and propose a clinical framework that addresses the multifaceted needs of this well-defined patient population.

Return to work after out of hospital cardiac arrest, insights from a prospective multicentric French cohort

RATIONALE

About 60 to 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors who worked before cardiac arrest return to work within one year but the precise conditions for this resumption of professional activity remain little known. The objective of this study was to assess components of return to work among OHCA survivors.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We used the French national multicentric cohort AfterRosc to include OHCA survivors admitted between April 1st 2021 and March 31st 2022, discharged alive from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), and who were less than 65 years old. A phone-call interview was performed one year after OHCA to assess return to work, level of education, former level of occupation as well as neurological recovery. Geographic and socio-economic data from the patient's residential neighborhoods were also collected. Comparisons were performed between patients who returned to work and those who did not, using non-parametric tests.

RESULTS

Of the 251 patients included in the registry, 86 were alive at ICU discharge and 31 patients that worked prior to the OHCA were included for analysis. Seventeen survivors returned to work after a median delay of 112 days [92-157] Among them, nine (53%) had required initial work adjustments. Overall, only 6 patients (19%) had returned to work ad integrum. Higher educational level, work which required higher competence-level, higher income, living in a better socio-economical neighborhood, as well as better scores on all three standardized MPAI-4 score components (abilities, adjustment and participation) were significantly associated with return to work. Participants that had not returned to work had a significant drop of income (p = 0.0025).

CONCLUSION

In this prospective study regarding French OHCA survivors, return to work is associated with better socio-economical individual and environmental status, as well as better scores on all MPAI-4 components.

Effect of intra-arrest transport, extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation and immediate invasive assessment in refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a long-term follow-up of the Prague OHCA trial

BACKGROUND

Randomized data evaluating the impact of the extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) approach on long-term clinical outcomes in patients with refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) are lacking. The objective of this follow-up study was to assess the long-term clinical outcomes of the ECPR-based versus CCPR approach.

METHODS

The Prague OHCA trial was a single-center, randomized, open-label trial. Patients with witnessed refractory OHCA of presumed cardiac origin, without return of spontaneous circulation, were randomized during ongoing resuscitation on scene to conventional CPR (CCPR) or an ECPR-based approach (intra-arrest transport, ECPR if ROSC is not achieved prehospital and immediate invasive assessment).

RESULTS

From March 2013 to October 2020, 264 patients were randomized during ongoing resuscitation on scene, and 256 patients were enrolled. Long-term follow-up was performed 5.3 (interquartile range 3.8-7.2) years after initial randomization and was completed in 255 of 256 patients (99.6%). In total, 34/123 (27.6%) patients in the ECPR-based group and 26/132 (19.7%) in the CCPR group were alive (log-rank P = 0.01). There were no significant differences between the treatment groups in the neurological outcome, survival after hospital discharge, risk of hospitalization, major cardiovascular events and quality of life. Of long-term survivors, 1/34 (2.9%) in the ECPR-based arm and 1/26 (3.8%) in the CCPR arm had poor neurological outcome (both patients had a cerebral performance category score of 3).

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with refractory OHCA, the ECPR-based approach significantly improved long-term survival. There were no differences in the neurological outcome, major cardiovascular events and quality of life between the groups, but the trial was possibly underpowered to detect a clinically relevant difference in these outcomes. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01511666, Registered 19 January 2012.

Role of adjunct anticoagulant or thrombolytic therapy in cardiac arrest without ST-segment-elevation or percutaneous coronary intervention: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This study sought to compare the impact of additional anticoagulation or thrombolytic therapy in patients with cardiac arrest without ST-segment-elevation on electrocardiography and not receiving percutaneous coronary intervention. Three studies (two randomized controlled studies and one observational study) were included, which demonstrated that use of anticoagulation or thrombolytic therapy was associated with higher risk of bleeding, without improvements in time to return of spontaneous circulation or in-hospital mortality.

Differences in self-reported health between cardiac arrest survivors with good cerebral performance and survivors with moderate cerebral disability: a nationwide register study

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to compare self-reported health between cardiac arrest survivors with good cerebral performance (CPC 1) and survivors with moderate cerebral disability (CPC 2).

METHODS

This comparative register study was based on nationwide data from the Swedish Register of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The study included 2058 in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors with good cerebral performance or survivors with moderate cerebral disability, 3-6 months postcardiac arrest. Survivors completed a questionnaire including the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and EQ-5D five-levels (EQ-5D-5L). Data were analysed using ordinal and linear regression models.

RESULTS

For all survivors, the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms measured by the HADS was 14% and 13%, respectively. Using the EQ-5D-5L, the cardiac arrest survivors reported most health problems relating to pain/discomfort (57%), followed by anxiety/depression (47%), usual activities (46%), mobility (40%) and self-care (18%). Compared with the survivors with good cerebral performance, survivors with moderate cerebral disability reported significantly higher symptom levels of anxiety and depression measured with HADS, and poorer health in all dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L after adjusting for age, sex, place of cardiac arrest, aetiology and initial rhythm (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings stress the importance of screening for health problems in all cardiac arrest survivors to identify those in need of professional support and rehabilitation, independent on neurological outcome.

Promising results from a residential rehabilitation intervention focused on fatigue and the secondary psychological and physical consequences of cardiac arrest: The SCARF feasibility study

AIMS

This study investigated the feasibility and potential effect of SCARF (Survivors of Cardiac ARest focused on Fatigue) a multidisciplinary residential rehabilitation intervention focused on fatigue and the secondary psychological and physical consequences of cardiac arrest (CA).

METHODS

This was a prospective one-armed feasibility study. Six progression criteria were identified related to the feasibility of the intervention and viability of a future effect study in terms of: participant recruitment (1), participant retention (2,3,4), and completeness of outcomes (5,6). Data on participant/clinician satisfaction with the intervention was also collected along with self-reported outcomes: fatigue, quality of life, anxiety, depression, function and disability, and physical activity (at baseline, 12 weeks and 6 months) and physical capacity (baseline and 12 weeks).

RESULTS

Four progression criteria were met including retention (87.5%) and completion of baseline outcomes (97.5%). Two criteria were not met: recruitment rate was 2.9 participants per month (estimated rate needed 6.1) and completion of final outcomes was 65% (estimated proportion needed 75%). Participant/clinician satisfaction with the intervention was high. Three months after the SCARF intervention small to moderate effect size changes of r=0.18-0.46 were found for self-reported fatigue, quality of life, anxiety, depression and disability and for two of the physical capacity tests (d=0.46-0.52).

CONCLUSION

SCARF was found to be a feasible intervention with high participant/clinician satisfaction, high participant retention and the possible potential to improve self-reported and physical capacity outcomes. Procedures for study recruitment and collection of final outcomes should be modified before a fully powered randomised controlled trial is conducted.

One-year outcomes in individual domains of the cerebral performance category extended

Background

Physical and cognitive impairments are common after cardiac arrest, and recovery varies. This study assessed recovery of individual domains of the Cerebral Performance Category- Extended (CPC-E) 1-year after cardiac arrest. We hypothesized patients would have recovery in all CPC-E domains 1-year after the index cardiac arrest.

Methods

Prospective cohort study of cardiac arrest survivors evaluating outcome measures mRS, CPC, and CPC-E. Outcomes were assessed at discharge, 3-months, 6-months, and 1-year. We defined recovery of a CPC-E domain when >90% of patients had scores of 1-2 in that domain.

Results

Of 156 patients discharged, 57 completed the CPC-E at discharge, and were included in the analysis. 37 patients had follow-up at 3-months, and 23 patients had follow-up at 6 and 12 months. Only 16 patients had assessments at all four timepoints. Domains of alertness (N = 56, 98%) logical thinking (N = 56; 98%), and attention (N = 55; 96%) recovered by hospital discharge. BADL (N = 34; 92%) and motor skills (N = 36; 97%) recovered by 3-months. Most patients (N = 20; 87%) experienced slight-to-no disability or symptoms (mRS 0-2/CPC 1-2) at 1-year follow up. CPC-E domains of short term memory (78%), mood (87%), fatigue (22%), complex ADL (78%), and return to work (65%) did not recover by 1-year.

Conclusions

CPC-E domains of alertness, logical thinking, and attention recover rapidly, while domains of short term memory, mood, fatigue, complex ADL and return to work remain chronically impaired 1-year after cardiac arrest. These deficits are not detected by mRS and CPC. Interventions to improve recovery in these domains are needed.

Brain injury in extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation: translational to clinical research

The addition of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), termed extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR), has significantly improved survival in selected patient populations. Despite this advancement, significant neurological impairment persists in approximately half of survivors. ECPR represents a potential advancement for patients who experience refractory cardiac arrest (CA) due to a reversible etiology and do not regain spontaneous circulation. Important risk factors for acute brain injury (ABI) in ECPR include lack of perfusion, reperfusion, and altered cerebral autoregulation. The initial hypoxic-ischemic injury caused by no-flow and low-flow states after CA and during CPR is compounded by reperfusion, hyperoxia during ECMO support, and nonpulsatile blood flow. Additionally, ECPR patients are at risk for Harlequin syndrome with peripheral cannulation, which can lead to preferential perfusion of cerebral vessels with deoxygenated blood. Lastly, the oxygenator membrane is prothrombotic and requires systemic anticoagulation. The two competing phenomena result in thrombus formation, hemolysis, and thrombocytopenia, increasing the risk of ischemic and hemorrhagic ABI. In addition to clinical studies, we assessed available ECPR animal models to identify the mechanisms underlying ABI at the cellular level. Standardized multimodal neurological monitoring may facilitate early detection of and intervention for ABI. With the increasing use of ECPR, it is critical to understand the pathophysiology of ABI, its prevention, and the management strategies for improving the outcomes of ECPR. Translational and clinical research focusing on acute ABI immediately after ECMO cannulation and its short- and long-term neurological outcomes are warranted.

Long-Term Functional Outcome and Quality of Life Following In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest-A Longitudinal Cohort Study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the functional outcome and health-related quality of life of in-hospital cardiac arrest survivors at 6 and 12 months.

DESIGN

A longitudinal cohort study.

SETTING

Seven metropolitan hospitals in Australia.

PATIENTS

Data were collected for hospitalized adults (≥ 18 yr) who experienced in-hospital cardiac arrest, defined as "a period of unresponsiveness, with no observed respiratory effort and the commencement of external cardiac compressions."

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Prior to hospital discharge, patients were approached for consent to participate in 6-month and 12-month telephone interviews. Outcomes included the modified Rankin Scale, Barthel Index, Euro-Quality of Life 5 Dimension 5 Level, return to work and hospital readmissions. Forty-eight patients (80%) consented to follow-up interviews. The mean age of participants was 67.2 (± 15.3) years, and 33 of 48 (68.8%) were male. Good functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≤ 3) was reported by 31 of 37 participants (83.8%) at 6 months and 30 of 33 (90.9%) at 12 months. The median Euro-Quality of Life-5D index value was 0.73 (0.33-0.84) at 6 months and 0.76 (0.47-0.88) at 12 months. The median Euro-Quality of Life-Visual Analogue Scale score at 6 months was 70 (55-80) and 75 (50-87.5) at 12 months. Problems in all Euro-Quality of Life-5D-5 L dimension were reported frequently at both time points. Hospital readmission was reported by 23 of 37 patients (62.2%) at 6 months and 16 of 33 (48.5%) at 12 months. Less than half of previously working participants had returned to work by 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of in-hospital cardiac arrest survivors had a good functional outcome and health-related quality of life at 6 months, and this was largely unchanged at 12 months. Despite this, many reported problems with mobility, self-care, usual activities, pain, and anxiety/depression. Return to work rates was low, and hospital readmissions were common.

Effect of intra-arrest trans-nasal evaporative cooling in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a pooled individual participant data analysis

Background

Randomized trials have shown that trans-nasal evaporative cooling initiated during CPR (i.e. intra-arrest) effectively lower core body temperature in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients. However, these trials may have been underpowered to detect significant differences in neurologic outcome, especially in patients with initial shockable rhythm.

Methods

We conducted a post hoc pooled analysis of individual data from two randomized trials including 851 patients who eventually received the allocated intervention and with available outcome (“as-treated” analysis). Primary outcome was survival with favourable neurological outcome at hospital discharge (Cerebral Performance Category [CPC] of 1–2) according to the initial rhythm (shockable vs. non-shockable). Secondary outcomes included complete neurological recovery (CPC 1) at hospital discharge.

Results

Among the 325 patients with initial shockable rhythms, favourable neurological outcome was observed in 54/158 (34.2%) patients in the intervention and 40/167 (24.0%) in the control group (RR 1.43 [confidence intervals, CIs 1.01–2.02]). Complete neurological recovery was observed in 40/158 (25.3%) in the intervention and 27/167 (16.2%) in the control group (RR 1.57 [CIs 1.01–2.42]). Among the 526 patients with initial non-shockable rhythms, favourable neurological outcome was in 10/259 (3.8%) in the intervention and 13/267 (4.9%) in the control group (RR 0.88 [CIs 0.52–1.29]; p = 0.67); survival and complete neurological recovery were also similar between groups. No significant benefit was observed for the intervention in the entire population.

Conclusions

In this pooled analysis of individual data, intra-arrest cooling was associated with a significant increase in favourable neurological outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients with initial shockable rhythms. Future studies are needed to confirm the potential benefits of this intervention in this subgroup of patients.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13054-021-03583-9.

Long-Term Disabilities of Survivors of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: The Hanox Study

BACKGROUND

Long-term outcomes of awakened survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) are poorly known.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What are the month (M) 18 outcomes of survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) who awakened during the first 2 weeks' post-OHCA and their poor-outcome risk factors?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

All OHCA survivors with a Glasgow Coma Scale score ≥12 during the first 2 weeks' post-OHCA were enrolled in six ICUs and followed up at M3, M6, M12, and M18. The primary outcome measure was Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) score at M18. Secondary outcome measures included evaluation at M18 of neurologic, behavioral, and cognitive disabilities; health-related quality of life (HR-QOL), anxiety and depression; and poor-outcome risk factors (GOS-E score ≤ 6).

RESULTS

Among the 139 included patients, 98 were assessable for the primary outcome measure. At M18, 64 (65%) had full recovery or minor disabilities (GOS-E score > 6), 18 (18%) had moderate disabilities but were autonomous for daily-life activities (GOS-E score = 6), 12 (12%) had poor autonomy (GOS-E score < 6 but > 1), and four had died. Percentages of patients with GOS-E scores > 6 increased significantly over the 18-month study period. At M18, no patients had major neurologic disabilities, 20% had cognitive disabilities, 32% had anxiety symptoms, 25% had depression symptoms, and their HR-QOL was impaired compared with a sex- and age-matched population. Low-flow time, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score at admission, coma duration > 3 days after cardiac arrest, and mechanical ventilation on days 3 and 7 were associated with poor functional outcome.

INTERPRETATION

Among patients who awoke (Glasgow Coma Scale score ≥12) in the 14 days following OHCA, 35% had moderate to severe disabilities or had died at M18. Interestingly, patients improved until M18 post-OHCA. Risk factors associated with poor functional outcome were low-flow time, clinical severity at ICU admission, prolonged coma duration, and mechanical ventilation.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT02292147; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov.

Low hemoglobin and venous saturation levels are associated with poor neurological outcomes after cardiac arrest

INTRODUCTION

Hemoglobin (Hb) is a main determinant of tissue oxygen delivery and anemia could be particularly harmful in post-anoxic brain injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of Hb and venous Hb oxygen saturation (SvO₂/ScvO₂) with long-term neurological outcome in patients admitted after cardiac arrest (CA).

METHODS

Analysis of adult CA patients admitted to the Department of Intensive Care of the Erasme University Hospital (Brussels, Belgium) over 9 years. We retrieved all data concerning CA characteristics as well as Hb during the first 48 h since injury as well as the need for red blood cells transfusions (RBCT). Minimum Hb and Hb oxygen saturation values were recorded. Neurological outcome was evaluated 3 months after CA. Unfavorable neurological outcome (UO) was defined as a Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) score of 3-5.

RESULTS

We treated 414 patients patients with CA, including 231 (56%) out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and 158 (38%) with an initial shockable rhythm. Median Hb concentration on admission was 12.0 [9.9-13.7] g/dL and the lowest Hb concentration was 10.0 [8.1-11.0] g/dL; 127 patients (31%) received at least one RBCT. Hb oxygen saturation on admission was 67 [59-74]%, while the lowest value was 60 [53-68]%. Low Hb and Hb oxygen saturation values were independently associated with UO; the optimal cut-off to predict UO was <9.9 g/dL and <60%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Low hemoglobin values and low values of oxygen venous saturation are significantly associated with unfavorable neurological outcome in adult patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest.

Trapped in a disrupted normality: Survivors' and partners' experiences of life after a sudden cardiac arrest

AIM OF THE STUDY

Advances in resuscitation science have resulted in a growing number of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors. However, we know very little about the natural history of recovery and the unmet needs of survivors and their partners. This qualitative study sought to address this knowledge gap to improve understanding of the consequences of surviving cardiac arrest.

METHODS

In-depth qualitative interviews were undertaken separately with survivors and their partners between 3 and 12-months following the cardiac arrest. An interpretative phenomenological approach (IPA) to data analysis was adopted. Developing themes were discussed between members of the research team.

RESULTS

8 survivors (41-79 years; 5 male; mean time 6.3 months post-hospital discharge) and 3 partners (1 male) were interviewed. The key (super-ordinate) theme of being 'trapped in a disrupted normality' was identified within the data. Five related subordinate themes included: existential impact, physical ramifications, emotional consequences, limiting participation in social activities and altered family roles.

CONCLUSION

Recovery for survivors is hindered by a wide range of physical, emotional, cognitive, social and spiritual challenges that disrupt perceptions of 'normality'. Survivors and their carers may benefit from focussing on establishing a 'new normal' rather than striving to achieve a pre-cardiac social and physical position. Survivor-centred assessment should support rather than undermine this goal.

Gender differences in cognitive outcome after cardiac arrest: A retrospective cohort study

Introduction: Recent studies have suggested gender disparities in neurologic outcome after cardiac arrest (CA). However, the relation between gender and cognitive outcome has been rarely examined. Here we investigated whether sex is associated with cognitive outcome after CA events.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted using data collected at our institution from January 2006 to May 2017. Patients were included if they had a documented CA and were able to participate in structured neuropsychological testing. Cognitive status was assessed at about 2.1 month after CA and included tests of attention as well as short and long-term memory. Gender was used as the main predictor of outcome and was studied in relation to age, depressive mood, therapeutic hypothermia (TH), and other potential confounders.Results: Males were more likely to show favorable cognitive outcome in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Women were more likely to exhibit depressive mood. Patients who underwent TH (31% of the patients) did not show any gender differences in benefits from the treatment. Among males and females, no significant differences between age groups could be observed.Conclusions: Male sex was associated with favorable cognitive outcome after CA which could not be attributed to baseline characteristics.

Standards for Studies of Neurological Prognostication in Comatose Survivors of Cardiac Arrest: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Significant improvements have been achieved in cardiac arrest resuscitation and postarrest resuscitation care, but mortality remains high. Most of the poor outcomes and deaths of cardiac arrest survivors have been attributed to widespread brain injury. This brain injury, commonly manifested as a comatose state, is a marker of poor outcome and a major basis for unfavorable neurological prognostication. Accurate prognostication is important to avoid pursuing futile treatments when poor outcome is inevitable but also to avoid an inappropriate withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in patients who may otherwise have a chance of achieving meaningful neurological recovery. Inaccurate neurological prognostication leading to withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment and deaths may significantly bias clinical studies, leading to failure in detecting the true study outcomes. The American Heart Association Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science Subcommittee organized a writing group composed of adult and pediatric experts from neurology, cardiology, emergency medicine, intensive care medicine, and nursing to review existing neurological prognostication studies, the practice of neurological prognostication, and withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment. The writing group determined that the overall quality of existing neurological prognostication studies is low. As a consequence, the degree of confidence in the predictors and the subsequent outcomes is also low. Therefore, the writing group suggests that neurological prognostication parameters need to be approached as index tests based on relevant neurological functions that are directly related to the functional outcome and contribute to the quality of life of cardiac arrest survivors. Suggestions to improve the quality of adult and pediatric neurological prognostication studies are provided.

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.

Distinct predictive values of current neuroprognostic guidelines in post-cardiac arrest patients

PURPOSE

To assess the performance of neuroprognostic guidelines proposed by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), European Resuscitation Council/European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ERC/ESICM), and American Heart Association (AHA) in predicting outcomes of patients who remain unconscious after cardiac arrest.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified a cohort of unconscious post-cardiac arrest patients at a single tertiary care centre from 2011 to 2017 and reviewed hospital records for clinical, radiographic, electrophysiologic, and biochemical findings. Outcomes at discharge and 6 months post-arrest were abstracted and dichotomized as good (Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) scores of 1-2) versus poor (CPC 3-5). Outcomes predicted by current guidelines were compared to actual outcomes, with false positive rate (FPR) used as a measure of predictive value.

RESULTS

Of 226 patients, 36% survived to discharge, including 24 with good outcomes; 52% had withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies (WLST) during hospitalization. The AAN guideline yielded discharge and 6-month FPR of 8% and 15%, respectively. In contrast, the ERC/ESICM had a FPR of 0% at both discharge and 6 months. The AHA predictors had variable specificities, with diffuse hypoxic-ischaemic injury on MRI performing especially poorly (FPR 12%) at both discharge and 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Though each guideline had components that performed well, only the ERC/ESICM guideline yielded a 0% FPR. Amongst the AAN and AHA guidelines, false positives emerged more readily at 6 months, reflective of continuing recovery after discharge, even in a cohort inevitably biased by WLST. Further assessment of predictive modalities is needed to improve neuroprognostic accuracy.

Differential association of subtypes of epileptiform activity with outcome after cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

Epileptiform activity is common after cardiac arrest, although intensity of electroencephalographic (EEG) monitoring may affect detection rates. Prior work has grouped these patterns together as "malignant," without considering discrete subtypes. We describe the incidence of distinct patterns in the ictal-interictal spectrum at two centers and their association with outcomes.

METHODS

We analyzed a retrospective cohort of comatose post-arrest patients admitted at two academic centers from January 2011 to October 2014. One center uses routine continuous EEG, the other acquires "spot" EEG at the treating physicians' discretion. We reviewed all available EEG data and classified epileptiform patterns. We abstracted antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) administrations from the electronic medical record. We compared apparent incidence of each pattern between centers, and compared outcomes (awakening from coma, survival to discharge, discharge modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0-2) across EEG patterns and number of AEDs administered.

RESULTS

We included 818 patients. Routine continuous EEG was associated with a higher apparent incidence of polyspike burst-suppression (25% vs 13% P < 0.001). Frequency of other epileptiform findings did not differ. Among patients with any epileptiform pattern, only 2/258 (1%, 95%CI 0-3%) were discharged with mRS 0-2, although 24/258 (9%, 95%CI 6-14%) awakened and 36/258 (14%, 95%CI 10-19%) survived. The proportions that awakened and survived decreased in a stepwise manner with progressively worse EEG patterns (range 38% to 2% and 32% to 7%, respectively). Among patients receiving ≥3 AEDs, only 5/80 (6%, 95%CI 2-14%) awakened and 1/80 (1%, 95%CI 0-7%) had a mRS 0-2.

CONCLUSION

We found high rates of epileptiform EEG findings, regardless of intensity of EEG monitoring. The association of distinct ictal-interictal EEG findings with outcome was variable.

Change in Function Over Inpatient Rehabilitation After Hypoxic Ischemic Brain Injury: A Population-Wide Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To estimate change in motor, cognitive, and overall functional performance during inpatient rehabilitation (IR) and to identify potential determinants of these outcomes among patients with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI).

DESIGN

Population-based retrospective cohort study using Ontario's health administrative data.

SETTING

Inpatient rehabilitation.

PARTICIPANTS

Survivors of HIBI 20 years and older discharged from acute care between fiscal years 2002-2003 and 2010-2011 and admitted to IR within 1 year of acute care discharge (N=159).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Functional status as measured by FIM, total, and scores on motor and cognitive subscales.

RESULTS

A higher proportion (77%) of HIBI patients in the study were male and 28% were older than 65 years. We observed material improvements in FIM total, motor, and cognitive scores from across the IR episode. Potential determinants of total FIM gain were living in rural location (β, 10.4; 95% CI, 0.21-21), having shorter preceding acute care length of stay (15-30 vs >60 days β, 10.4; 95% CI, 1.4-19.5), and failing to proceed directly to IR following acute care discharge (β, 8.7; 95% CI, 1.8-15.5). Motor FIM gain had similar identified potential determinants. Identified potential determinants of cognitive FIM gain were shorter (ie, 31-60 vs >60 days) preceding acute care, longer IR and length of stay, and proceeding directly to IR. There were no sex differences in functional gain.

CONCLUSIONS

Inpatient rehabilitation is beneficial to HIBI survivors. Timely access to these services may be crucial in achieving optimal outcomes for these patients.

Long-term Survival and Functional Neurological Outcome in Conscious Hospital Survivors Undergoing Therapeutic Hypothermia

Introduction

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is the neuroprotective strategy for comatose survivors of cardiac arrest. It improves neurological outcomes at hospital discharge. However, data regarding long-term outcomes are limited. We aimed to study functional ability and survival of the patients after discharge.

Patients and methods

We reviewed data of post-arrest patients undergoing TH in our hospital from 2006 to 2014 and assessed the functional ability of conscious survivors after hospital discharge by using a disability rating scale (DRS). We compared the patients' DRS after discharge with their cerebral performance category (CPC) at hospital discharge. Additionally, we analyzed survival rates at 6 months, 1, 2, and 3 years.

Results

Of 51 patients undergoing TH, 27 survived, and 17 of these were conscious. Approximately 75%, 73%, 71%, and 56% of the hospital survivors were alive at 6 months, 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively. We evaluated the functional ability (DRS) in 15 awake patients. The majority of the patients with good performance (CPC1) at discharge returned to normal function or minimal disability (DRS 0-3). Interestingly, although the patients with worse CPC scores at discharge had a greater risk of functional disability and death, a patient with severe disability (CPC3) at discharge fully recovered and was able to return to work later on.

Conclusion

Long-term survival of conscious patients undergoing TH was quite high. The good CPC score at discharge potentially predicted the favorable forthcoming outcome. However, it was difficult to predict the unfavorable long-term outcome from the poor condition at discharge.

How to cite this article

Kongpolprom N, Cholkraisuwat J. Long-term Survival and Functional Neurological Outcome in Conscious Hospital Survivors Undergoing Therapeutic Hypothermia. Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine, January 2019; 23(1):20-26.

Korean Cardiac Arrest Research Consortium (KoCARC): rationale, development, and implementation

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to describe the conceptualization, development, and implementation processes of the newly established Korean Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation Consortium (KoCARC) to improve out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes.

METHODS

The KoCARC was established in 2014 by recruiting hospitals willing to participate voluntarily. To enhance professionalism in research, seven research committees, the Epidemiology and Preventive Research Committee, Community Resuscitation Research Committee, Emergency Medical System Resuscitation Research Committee, Hospital Resuscitation Research Committee, Hypothermia and Postresuscitation Care Research Committee, Cardiac Care Resuscitation Committee, and Pediatric Resuscitation Research Committee, were organized under a steering committee. The KoCARC registry was developed with variables incorporated in the currently existing regional OHCA registries and Utstein templates and were collected via a web-based electronic database system. The KoCARC study population comprises patients visiting the participating hospitals who had been treated by the emergency medical system for OHCA presumed to have a cardiac etiology.

RESULTS

A total of 62 hospitals volunteered to participate in the KoCARC, which captures 33.0% of the study population in Korea. Web-based data collection started in October 2015, and to date (December 2016), there were 3,187 cases compiled in the registry collected from 32 hospitals.

CONCLUSION

The KoCARC is a self-funded, voluntary, hospital-based collaborative research network providing high level evidence in the field of OHCA and resuscitation. This paper will serve as a reference for subsequent KoCARC manuscripts and for data elements collected in the study.

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.

Long-Term Outcomes of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Care at Regionalized Centers

STUDY OBJECTIVE

It is unknown whether regionalization of postarrest care by interfacility transfer to cardiac arrest receiving centers reduces mortality. We seek to evaluate whether treatment at a cardiac arrest receiving center, whether by direct transport or early interfacility transfer, is independently associated with long-term outcome.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study including adults resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in southwestern Pennsylvania and neighboring Ohio, West Virginia, and Maryland, which includes approximately 5.7 million residents in urban, suburban, and rural counties. Patients were treated by 1 of 78 ground emergency medical services agencies or 2 air medical transport agencies between January 1, 2010, and November 30, 2014. Our primary exposures of interest were interfacility transfer to a cardiac arrest receiving center within 24 hours of arrest or any treatment at a cardiac arrest receiving center regardless of transfer status. Our primary outcome was vital status, assessed through December 31, 2014, with National Death Index records. We used unadjusted and adjusted survival analyses to test the independent association of cardiac arrest receiving center care, whether through direct or interfacility transport, on mortality.

RESULTS

Overall, 5,217 cases were observed for 3,629 person-years, with 3,865 total deaths. Most patients (82%) were treated at 42 non-cardiac arrest receiving centers with median annual volume of 17 cases (interquartile range 1 to 53 cases per center annually), whereas 18% were cared for at cardiac arrest receiving centers receiving at least 1 interfacility transfer per month. In adjusted models, treatment at a cardiac arrest receiving center was independently associated with reduced hazard of death compared with treatment at a non-cardiac arrest receiving center (adjusted hazard ratio 0.84; 95% confidence interval 0.74 to 0.94). These effects were unchanged when analysis was restricted to patients brought from the scene to the treating hospital. No other hospital characteristic, including total out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patient volume and cardiac catheterization capabilities, independently predicted outcome.

CONCLUSION

Both early interfacility transfer to a cardiac arrest receiving center and direct transport to a cardiac arrest receiving center from the scene are independently associated with reduced mortality.

COSCA (Core Outcome Set for Cardiac Arrest) in Adults: An Advisory Statement From the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation

Cardiac arrest effectiveness trials have traditionally reported outcomes that focus on survival. A lack of consistency in outcome reporting between trials limits the opportunities to pool results for meta-analysis. The COSCA initiative (Core Outcome Set for Cardiac Arrest), a partnership between patients, their partners, clinicians, research scientists, and the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation, sought to develop a consensus core outcome set for cardiac arrest for effectiveness trials. Core outcome sets are primarily intended for large, randomized clinical effectiveness trials (sometimes referred to as pragmatic trials or phase III/IV trials) rather than for pilot or efficacy studies. A systematic review of the literature combined with qualitative interviews among cardiac arrest survivors was used to generate a list of potential outcome domains. This list was prioritized through a Delphi process, which involved clinicians, patients, and their relatives/partners. An international advisory panel narrowed these down to 3 core domains by debate that led to consensus. The writing group refined recommendations for when these outcomes should be measured and further characterized relevant measurement tools. Consensus emerged that a core outcome set for reporting on effectiveness studies of cardiac arrest (COSCA) in adults should include survival, neurological function, and health-related quality of life. This should be reported as survival status and modified Rankin scale score at hospital discharge, at 30 days, or both. Health-related quality of life should be measured with ≥1 tools from Health Utilities Index version 3, Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey, and EuroQol 5D-5L at 90 days and at periodic intervals up to 1 year after cardiac arrest, if resources allow.

Determinants of Long-Term Neurological Recovery Patterns Relative to Hospital Discharge Among Cardiac Arrest Survivors

OBJECTIVE

To explore factors associated with neurological recovery at 1 year relative to hospital discharge after cardiac arrest.

DESIGN

Observational, retrospective review of a prospectively collected cohort.

SETTING

Medical or surgical ICUs in a single tertiary care center.

PATIENTS

Older than 18 years, resuscitated following either in-hospital or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and considered for targeted temperature management between 2007 and 2013.

INTERVENTIONS

None.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Logistic regressions to determine factors associated with a poor recovery pattern after 1 year, defined as persistent Cerebral Performance Category Score 3-4 or any worsening of Cerebral Performance Category Score relative to discharge status. In total, 30% (117/385) of patients survived to hospital discharge; among those discharged with Cerebral Performance Category Score 1, 2, 3, and 4, good recovery pattern was seen in 54.5%, 48.4%, 39.5%, and 0%, respectively. Significant variables showing trends in associations with a poor recovery pattern (62.5%) in a multivariate model were age more than 70 years (odds ratio, 4; 95% CIs, 1.1-15; p = 0.04), Hispanic ethnicity (odds ratio, 4; CI, 1.2-13; p = 0.02), and discharge disposition (home needing out-patient services (odds ratio, 1), home requiring no additional services (odds ratio, 0.15; CI, 0.03-0.8; p = 0.02), acute rehabilitation (odds ratio, 0.23; CI, 0.06-0.9; p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients discharged with mild or moderate cerebral dysfunction sustained their risk of neurological worsening within 1 year of cardiac arrest. Old age, Hispanic ethnicity, and discharge disposition of home with out-patient services may be associated with a poor 1 year neurological recovery pattern after hospital discharge from cardiac arrest.

Neurostimulant use is associated with improved survival in comatose patients after cardiac arrest regardless of electroencephalographic substrate

AIM

Identify EEG patterns that predict or preclude favorable response in comatose post-arrest patients receiving neurostimulants.

METHODS

We examined a retrospective cohort of consecutive electroencephalography (EEG)-monitored comatose post-arrest patients. We classified the last day of EEG recording before neurostimulant administration based on continuity (continuous/discontinuous), reactivity (yes/no) and malignant patterns (periodic discharges, suppression burst, myoclonic status epilepticus or seizures; yes/no). In subjects who did not receive neurostimulants, we examined the last 24h of available recording. For our primary analysis, we used logistic regression to identify EEG predictors of favorable response to treatment (awakening).

RESULTS

In 585 subjects, mean (SD) age was 57 (17) years and 227 (39%) were female. Forty-seven patients (8%) received a neurostimulant. Neurostimulant administration independently predicted improved survival to hospital discharge in the overall cohort (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.00, 95% CI 1.68-9.52) although functionally favorable survival did not differ. No EEG characteristic predicted favorable response to neurostimulants. In each subgroup of unfavorable EEG characteristics, neurostimulants were associated with increased survival to hospital discharge (discontinuous background: 44% vs 7%, P=0.004; non-reactive background: 56% vs 6%, P<0.001; malignant patterns: 63% vs 5%, P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

EEG patterns described as ominous after cardiac arrest did not preclude survival or awakening after neurostimulant administration. These data are limited by their observational nature and potential for selection bias, but suggest that EEG patterns alone should not affect consideration of neurostimulant use.

Effect of sedation on quantitative electroencephalography after cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

Electroencephalography (EEG) has clinical and prognostic importance after cardiac arrest (CA). Recently, interest in quantitative EEG (qEEG) analysis has grown. The qualitative effects of sedation on EEG are well known, but potentially confounding effects of sedatives on qEEG after anoxic injury are poorly characterized. We hypothesize that sedation increases suppression ratio (SR) and decreases alpha/delta ratio (ADR) and amplitude-integrated EEG (aEEG), and that the magnitude of sedation effects will be associated with outcome.

METHODS

We routinely monitor comatose post-arrest patients with EEG for 48-72h. We included comatose EEG-monitored patients after CA who had protocolized daily sedation interruptions. We used Persyst v12 to quantify qEEG parameters and calculated medians for 10min immediately prior to sedation interruption and for the last 5min of interruption. We used paired t-tests to determine whether qEEG parameters changed with sedation cessation, and logistic regression to determine whether these changes predicted functional recovery or survival at discharge.

RESULTS

78 subjects were included (median age 56, 65% male). Interruptions occurred a median duration of 34h post-arrest and lasted a median duration of 60min. Prior to interruption, higher aEEG predicted survival, while lower SR predicted both survival and favorable outcome. During interruption, SR decreased (p<0.001), aEEG increased (p=0.002), and ADR did not change. Larger decreases in SR predicted decreased survival (OR=1.04 per percent change; 95% CI 1.00-1.09).

CONCLUSION

Higher aEEG and lower SR predict survival after CA. Sedation alters aEEG and SR, but importantly does not appear to affect the relationship between these parameter values and outcome.

Neuropsychological Outcome following Resuscitation after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A One-Year Follow-Up

A 61-year-old woman survived resuscitation after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The heterogeneity of the resulting cognitive impairments and the recovery over a one-year period are presented, highlighting the need for standardized neuropsychological testing even after short cardiac arrests and for effective treatment both out of hospital and in hospital.

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.

Long-term Outcome After Survival of a Cardiac Arrest: A Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Study

Background. A cardiac arrest can lead to hypoxic brain injury, which can affect all levels of functioning. Objective. To investigate 1-year outcome and the pattern of recovery after surviving a cardiac arrest. Methods. This was a multicenter, prospective longitudinal cohort study with 1 year of follow-up (measurements 2 weeks, 3 months, 1 year). On function level, physical/cardiac function (New York Heart Association Classification), cognition (Cognitive Log [Cog-log], Cognitive Failures Questionnaire), emotional functioning (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Impact of Event Scale), and fatigue (Fatigue Severity Scale) were assessed. In addition, level of activities (Frenchay Activities Index, FAI), participation (Community Integration Questionnaire [CIQ] and return to work), and quality of life (EuroQol 5D, EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale, SF-36, Quality of Life after Brain Injury) were measured. Results. In this cohort, 141 cardiac arrest survivors were included. At 1 year, 14 (13%) survivors scored below cutoff on the Cog-log. Both anxiety and depression were present in 16 (15%) survivors, 29 (28%) experienced posttraumatic stress symptoms and 55 (52%), severe fatigue. Scores on the FAI and the CIQ were, on average, respectively 96% and 92% of the prearrest scores. Of those previously working, 41 (72%) had returned to work. Most recovery of cognitive function and quality of life occurred within the first 3 months, with further improvement on some domains of quality of life up to 12 months. Conclusions. Overall, long-term outcome in terms of activities, participation, and quality of life after cardiac arrest is reassuring. Nevertheless, fatigue is common; problems with cognition and emotions occur; and return to work can be at risk.

The Brain after Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is common and deadly. Most patients who are treated in the hospital after achieving return of spontaneous circulation still go on to die from the sequelae of anoxic brain injury. In this review, the authors provide an overview of the mechanisms and consequences of postarrest brain injury. Special attention is paid to potentially modifiable mechanisms of secondary brain injury including seizures, hyperpyrexia, cerebral hypoxia and hypoperfusion, oxidative injury, and the development of cerebral edema. Finally, the authors discuss the outcomes of cardiac arrest survivors with a focus on commonly observed patterns of injury as well as the scales used to measure patient outcome and their limitations.

Continuous EEG monitoring enhances multimodal outcome prediction in hypoxic-ischemic brain injury

OBJECTIVE

Hypoxic brain injury is the largest contributor to disability and mortality after cardiac arrest. We aim to identify electroencephalogram (EEG) characteristics that can predict outcome on cardiac arrest patients treated with targeted temperature management (TTM).

METHODS

We retrospectively examined clinical, EEG, functional outcome at discharge, and in-hospital mortality for 373 adult subjects with return of spontaneous circulation after cardiac arrest. Poor outcome was defined as a Cerebral Performance Category score of 3-5. Pure suppression-burst (SB) was defined as SB not associated with status epilepticus (SE), seizures, or generalized periodic discharges.

RESULTS

In-hospital mortality was 68.6% (N=256). Presence of both unreactive EEG background and SE was associated with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 100% (95% confidence interval: 0.96-1) and a false-positive rate (FPR) of 0% (95% CI: 0-0.11) for poor functional outcome. A prediction model including demographics data, admission exam, presence of status epilepticus, pure SB, and lack of EEG reactivity had an area under the curve of 0.92 (95% CI: 0.87-0.95) for poor functional outcome prediction, and 0.96 (95% CI: 0.94-0.98) for in-hospital mortality. Presence of pure SB (N=87) was confounded by anesthetics use in 83.9% of the cases, and was not an independent predictor of poor functional outcome, having a FPR of 23% (95% CI: 0.19-0.28).

CONCLUSIONS

An unreactive EEG background and SE predicted poor functional outcome and in-hospital mortality in cardiac arrest patients undergoing TTM. Prognostic value of pure SB is confounded by use of sedative agents, and its use on prognostication decisions should be made with caution.

Combination of initial neurologic examination, quantitative brain imaging and electroencephalography to predict outcome after cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

Prognosticating outcome following cardiac arrest is challenging and requires a multimodal approach. We tested the hypothesis that the combination of initial neurologic examination, quantitative analysis of head computed tomography (CT) and continuous EEG (cEEG) improve outcome prediction after cardiac arrest.

METHODS

Review of consecutive patients receiving head CT within 24h and cEEG monitoring between April 2010 and May 2013. Initial neurologic examination (Full Outline of UnResponsiveness_Brainstem reflexes (FOUR_B) score and initial Pittsburgh Post-Cardiac Arrest Category (PCAC)), gray matter to white matter attenuation ratio (GWR) on head CT and cEEG patterns were evaluated. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality.

RESULTS

Of 240 subjects, 70 (29%) survived and 22 (9%) had a good neurologic outcome at hospital discharge. Combined determination of GW ratio and malignant cEEG had an incremental predictive value (AUC: 0.776 for mortality and 0.792 for poor neurologic outcome), with 0% false positive rate when compared with either test alone (AUC of GW ratio: 0.683 for mortality and 0.726 for poor outcome, AUC of malignant cEEG: 0.650 for mortality and 0.647 for poor outcome). Addition of FOUR_B or PCAC to this model improved prediction of mortality (p=0.014 for FOUR_B and 0.001 for PCAC) but not of poor outcome (p=0.786 for FOUR_B and 0.099 for PCAC).

CONCLUSIONS

Combining GWR with cEEG was superior to any individual test for predicting mortality and neurologic outcome. Addition of clinical variables further improved prognostication for mortality but not neurologic outcome. These preliminary data support a multi-modal prognostic workup in this population.

Comparison of health-related quality of life and functional recovery measurement tools in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors

INTRODUCTION

Although a number of validated health-related quality of life (HR-QOL) instruments exist for critical care populations, a standardised approach to assessing the HR-QOL of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors has not been developed. We sought to compare the responses of 12-month OHCA survivors to three HR-QOL and functional recovery instruments, and assess instrument validity.

METHODS

The Victorian Ambulance Cardiac Arrest Registry invited 12-month OHCA survivors to participate in telephone follow-up between January 2011 and December 2015. Responders provided answers to the 12 Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-12), Three-Level EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D-3L) and the Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOSE). The SF-12 was also used to derive the SF-6D. Responses were used to assess the interpretability and construct validity of the instruments.

RESULTS

A total of 1188 patients and proxies responded. Large ceiling effects were observed for the EQ-5D-3L (patients=46%, proxies=23%). Substantial variability was also observed in SF-6D responses for patients who reported full health according to the EQ-5D-3L. For patient responders, the strongest correlations were observed between the EQ-5D-3L index score and SF-6D (ρ=0.65, p<0.001), and between the SF-6D and SF-12 physical component (ρ=0.69, p<0.001). The distribution of the SF-6D and EQ-5D-3L differed significantly for patients reporting a lower or upper moderate GOSE outcome and lower or upper good recovery (p<0.001 for all comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS

The EQ-5D-3L demonstrated limited interpretability due to the presence of ceiling effects. However, the measurement properties of the SF-12, SF-6D and GOSE suggest that these may be useful measures of HR-QOL and functional recovery in OHCA survivors.