Body mass index and survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest

Initial Defibrillator Pad Position and Outcomes for Shockable Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Importance

Ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (pVT) are the most treatable causes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Yet, it remains unknown if defibrillator pad position, placement in the anterior-posterior (AP) or anterior-lateral (AL) locations, impacts patient outcomes in VF or pVT OHCA.

Objective

To determine the association between initial defibrillator pad placement position and OHCA outcomes for patients presenting with VF or pVT.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This prospective cohort study included patients with OHCA and VF or pVT treated by a single North American emergency medical services (EMS) agency from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2023. The study included patients with OHCA treated by a large suburban fire-based EMS agency that covers a population of 550 000. Consecutive patients with an initial EMS-assessed rhythm of VF or pVT receiving EMS defibrillation were included. Pediatric patients (younger than 18 years), interfacility transfers, arrests of obvious traumatic etiology, and patients with preexisting do-not-resuscitate status were excluded.

Exposure

AP or AL pad placement.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) at any time with secondary outcomes of pulses present at emergency department (ED) arrival, survival to hospital admission, survival to hospital discharge, and functional survival at hospital discharge (cerebral performance category score of 2 or less). Measures included adjusted odds ratios (aOR), multivariable logistic regressions, and Fine-Gray competing risks regression.

Results

A total of 255 patients with OHCA were included (median [IQR] age, 66 [55-74] years; 63 females [24.7%]), with initial pad positioning documented as either AP (158 patients [62.0%]; median [IQR] age, 65 [54-74] years; 37 females [23.4%]) or AL (97 patients [38.0%]; median [IQR] age, 66 [57-74] years; 26 females [26.8%]). Patients with AP placement had higher adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of ROSC at any time (aOR, 2.64 [95% CI, 1.50-4.65]), but not significantly different odds of pulses present at ED arrival (1.34 [95% CI, 0.78-2.30]), survival to hospital admission (1.41 [0.82-2.43]), survival to hospital discharge (1.55 [95% CI, 0.83-2.90]), or functional survival at hospital discharge (1.86 [95% CI, 0.98-3.51]). Competing risk analysis found significantly greater cumulative incidence of ROSC among those at risk with initial AP placement compared with AL (subdistribution hazard ratio, 1.81 [95% CI, 1.23-2.67]; P = .003).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study of patients with OHCA and VF or pVT, AP defibrillator pad placement was associated with higher ROSC compared with AL placement.

Optimal Positioning of Load-Distributing Band CPR Device by Body Mass Index

Background: Research investigating the optimal compression position for load-distributing bands (LDBs) in treating cardiac arrest is limited This study aimed to determine the optimal LDB position based on body mass index (BMI). Methods: A simulation study was conducted using chest and abdominal computed tomography imaging data collected with patients in the arms-down position. Participants were categorized into three BMI groups: low (<18.5 kg/m2), normal (18.5-25 kg/m2), and high (≥25 kg/m2). The assumed compression area was 20 cm below the axilla. The optimal compression position was identified by adjusting the axilla to maximize the thorax-to-abdomen volume ratio (TAR) and the covered heart volume ratio (CHR), defined as the ratio of heart volume compressed by the LDB to total heart volume. Optimal compression positions were compared across BMI groups. Results: Among 117 patients, TAR was significantly lower in the low BMI group compared to the normal and high BMI groups (p < 0.001), while CHR differences were not significant (p = 0.011). The distance between the optimal position and axilla height was significantly greater in the normal and high BMI groups than in the low BMI group (46.5 cm vs. 66.0 cm vs. 72 cm, respectively; p < 0.001). For each unit increase in BMI, the optimal position shifted significantly cephalad relative to axilla height (β coefficient 2.39, adjusted p < 0.001). Conclusions: Significant differences in TAR were observed among BMI groups. As BMI increased, the optimal LDB position shifted progressively cephalad.

Impact of Body Mass Index on Cardiac Arrest Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The influence of an individual's body mass index (BMI) on cardiac arrest outcomes remains uncertain. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of BMI categories (underweight, normal BMI, overweight, and obese) on mortality and neurological outcomes in patients experiencing cardiac arrest. We comprehensively searched standard electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus) for relevant observational studies published in peer-reviewed journals written in English. We calculated pooled effect estimates using random-effects models and reported them as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We included 20 studies in our meta-analysis. Individuals with normal BMIs and those who were underweight had similar risks of in-hospital mortality (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.90-1.60), mortality within 6 months of discharge (OR, 0.92; 95% CI, 0.59-1.42), mortality after the 1-year follow-up (OR, 2.42; 95% CI, 0.96-6.08), and odds of favorable neurological outcomes at hospital discharge (OR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.53-1.39) and at the 6-month follow-up (OR, 0.73; 95% CI, 0.47-1.13). The risks of in-hospital mortality and mortality within 6 months of discharge in overweight and obese individuals were similar to those in individuals with normal BMIs. However, overweight (OR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.35-0.92) and obese individuals (OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.51-0.89) had lower risks of mortality after their 1-year follow-ups. For overweight and obese subjects, the reduced risk of mortality after the 1 year of follow-up was noted only for those with in-hospital cardiac arrest and not for those with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The odds of favorable neurological outcomes in both overweight and obese individuals were similar to those with normal BMIs. BMI does not significantly impact short-term mortality or neurological outcomes. Overweight and obese individuals appear to have a lower risk of long-term mortality, but this differed by the place of arrest and needs to be confirmed by others.

The Impact of Body Mass Index on In-Hospital Mortality in Post-Cardiac-Arrest Patients-Does Sex Matter?

BACKGROUND

A number of factors influence mortality in post-cardiac-arrest (CA) patients, nutritional status being one of them. The aim of this study was to assess whether there are sex differences in the prognostic impact of BMI, as calculated on admission to an intensive care unit, on in-hospital mortality in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) survivors.

METHODS

We carried out a retrospective analysis of data of 129 post-cardiac-arrest patients with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the University Teaching Hospital in Wrocław between 2017 and 2022.

RESULTS

Female patients were significantly older than male patients (68.62 ± 14.77 vs. 62.7 ± 13.95). The results of univariable logistic regression analysis showed that BMI was not associated with the odds of in-hospital death in either male or female patients. In an age-adjusted model, age was an independent predictor of the odds of in-hospital death only in male patients (OR = 1.034). In our final multiple logistic regression model, adjusted for the remaining variables, none of the traits analysed were a significant independent predictor of the odds of in-hospital death in female patients, whereas an initial rhythm of ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/pVT) was an independent predictor of the odds of in-hospital death in male patients (OR = 0.247).

CONCLUSIONS

BMI on admission to ICU is not a predictor of the odds of in-hospital death in either male or female SCA survivors.

The Impact Of BMI On Arrest Characteristics and Survival of Patients with Out-Of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Treated With Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

AIM

To assess the impact of body mass index (BMI) on survival to hospital discharge of patients presenting with refractory ventricular fibrillation treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation. We hypothesize that due to limitations in pre-hospital care delivery, people with high BMI have worse survival after prolonged resuscitation and ECPR.

METHODS

This study is a retrospective single-centre study that included patients suffering refractory VT/VF OHCA from December 2015 to October 2021 and had a BMI calculated at hospital admission. We compared the baseline characteristics and survival between patients with obesity (>30 kg/m²) and those without (≤30kg/m²).

RESULTS

Two-hundred eighty-three patients were included in this study, and two-hundred twenty-four required mechanical support with veno-arterial extracorporeal cardiopulmonary membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO). Patients with BMI >30 (n = 133) had significantly prolonged CPR duration compared to their peers with BMI ≤30kg/m² (n = 150) and were significantly more likely to require support with VA ECMO (85.7% vs 73.3%, p = 0.015). Survival to hospital discharge was significantly higher in patients with BMI≤30 kg/m² (48% vs. 29.3%, p <0.001). BMI was an independent predictor of mortality in a multivariable logistic regression analysis. The four-year mortality rate was low and not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.32).

CONCLUSION

ECPR yields clinically meaningful long-term survival in patients with BMI>30kg/m². However, the resuscitation time is significantly prolonged, and the overall survival significantly lower compared to patients with BMI≤30 kg/m². ECPR should, therefore, not be withheld for this population, but faster transport to an ECMO capable centre is mandated to improve survival to hospital discharge.

Do Body Mass Index and Nutritional Risk Score 2002 Influence the In-Hospital Mortality of Patients Following Cardiac Arrest?

BACKGROUND

Contemporarily, cardiac arrest (CA) remains one of the leading causes of death. Poor nutritional status can increase the post-CA mortality risk. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and Nutritional Risk Score 2002 (NRS 2002) results and in-hospital mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

METHODS

A retrospective study and analysis of medical records of 161 patients admitted to the ICU of the University Clinical Hospital in Wrocław (Wrocław, Poland) was conducted.

RESULTS

No significant differences in body mass index (BMI) and nutritional risk score (NRS 2002) values were observed between non-survivors and survivors. Non-survivors had significantly lower albumin concentration (p = 0.017) and total cholesterol (TC) (p = 0.015). In multivariate analysis BMI and NRS 2002 scores were not, per se, associated with the in-hospital mortality defined as the odds of death (Model 1: p: 0.700, 0.430; Model 2: p: 0.576, 0.599). Univariate analysis revealed significant associations between the hazard ratio (HR) and TG (p ≈ 0.017, HR: 0.23) and hsCRP (p ≈ 0.018, HR: 0.34). In multivariate analysis, mortality risk over time was influenced by higher scores in parameters such as BMI (HR = 0.164; p = 0.048) and hsCRP (HR = 1.006, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

BMI and NRS 2002, on their own (unconditionally - in the whole study group) did not alter the odds of mortality in patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) after in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The risk of in-hospital mortality (expressed as hazard ratio - the risk over the time period of the study) increased with an increase in BMI but not with NRS 2002.

Goals of Care, Critical Care Utilization and Clinical Outcomes in Obese Patients Admitted under General Medicine

Obesity is associated with long-term morbidity and mortality, but it is unclear if obesity affects goals of care determination and intensive care unit (ICU) resource utilization during hospitalization under a general medicine service. In a cohort of 5113 adult patients admitted under general medicine, 15.3% were obese. Patients with obesity were younger and had a different comorbidity profile than patients who were not obese. In age-adjusted regression analysis, the distribution of goals of care categories for patients with obesity was not different to patients who were not obese (odds ratio for a lower category with more limitations, 0.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.79-1.12). Patients with obesity were more likely to be directly admitted to ICU from the Emergency Department, require more ICU admissions, and stayed longer in ICU once admitted. Hypercapnic respiratory failure and heart failure were more common in patients with obesity, but they were less likely to receive mechanical ventilation in favor of non-invasive ventilation. The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with 16% higher odds of receiving a lower goals of care category, which was independent of obesity. Overall hospital length of stay was not affected by obesity. Patients with obesity had a crude mortality of 3.8 per 1000 bed-days, and age-adjusted mortality rate ratio of 0.75 (95% CI: 0.49-1.14) compared to patients who were not obese. In conclusion, there was no evidence to suggest biased goals of care determination in patients with obesity despite greater ICU resource utilization.

A Multicenter, Prospective Study Comparing Subxiphoid and Parasternal Views During Brief Echocardiography: Effect on Image Quality, Acquisition Time, and Visualized Anatomy

BACKGROUND

Recent literature has suggested echocardiography (echo) may prolong pauses in chest compressions during cardiac arrest.

OBJECTVES

We sought to determine the impact of the sonographic approach (subxiphoid [SX] vs. parasternal long [PSL]) on time to image completion, image quality, and visualization of cardiac anatomy during echo, as performed during Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, randomized controlled trial conducted at 29 emergency departments (EDs) assessing the time to image acquisition and image quality between SX and PSL views for echo. Patients were enrolled in the ED and imaged in a simulated cardiac arrest scenario. Clinicians experienced in echo performed both SX and PSL views, first view in random order. Image quality and time to image acquisition were recorded. Echos were evaluated for identification of cardiac landmarks. Data are presented as percentages or medians with interquartile ranges (IQRs).

RESULTS

We obtained 6247 echo images, comprising 3124 SX views and 3123 PSL. Overall time to image acquisition was 9.0 s (IQR 6.7-14.1 s). Image acquisition was shorter using PSL (8.8 s, IQR 6.5-13.5 s) compared with SX (9.3 s, IQR 6.7-15.0 s). The image quality was better with the PSL view (3.86 vs. 3.54; p < 0.0001), twice as many SX images scoring in the worst quality category compared with PSL (8.6% vs. 3.7%). Imaging of the pericardium, cardiac chambers, and other anatomic landmarks was superior with PSL imaging.

CONCLUSIONS

Echo was performed in < 10 s in > 50% of patients using either imaging technique. Imaging using PSL demonstrated improved image quality and improved identification of cardiac landmarks.

The Impact of Obesity on Sudden Cardiac Death Risk

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

We aimed to describe the epidemiology of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in the obese, elaborating on the potential pathophysiological mechanisms linking obesity, SCD, and the outcomes in SCD survivors, as well as looking into the intriguing "obesity paradox" in these patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Several studies show increased mortality in patients with BMI > 30 kg/m² admitted to the hospital following SCD. At the same time, other studies have implied that the "obesity paradox," described in various cardiovascular conditions, applies to patients admitted after SCD, showing lower mortality in the obese compared to normal weight and underweight patients. We found a significant body of evidence to support that while obesity increases the risk for SCD, the outcomes of obese patients post SCD are better. These findings should not be interpreted as supporting weight gain, as it is always better to prevent the "disaster" from happening than to improve your chances of surviving it. Obesity is shown to be significantly associated with increased risk for SCD; however, there is a growing body of evidence, supporting the "obesity paradox" in the survival of SCD victims. Prospectively, well-designed studies are needed to confirm these findings.

The relationship between the body mass index and in-hospital mortality in patients admitted for sudden cardiac death in the United States

While obesity has been shown to be associated with elevated risk for Sudden Cardiac Death (SCD), studies examining its effect on outcomes in SCD victims have shown conflicting results. We aimed to describe the body mass index (BMI) distribution in a nationwide cohort of patients admitted for an out of hospital SCD (OHSCD), and the relationship between BMI and in‐hospital mortality. We drew data from the U.S. National Inpatient Sample (NIS), to identify cases of OHSCD. Patients were divided into six groups based on their BMI (underweight, normal weight, overweight, obese I, obese II, extremely obese). Socio‐demographic and clinical data were collected, mortality and length of stay were analyzed. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify predictors of mortality. Among a weighted total of 2330 hospitalizations for OHSCD in patients with documented BMI, the mean age was 62.3 ± 29 years, 52.4% were male and 62% were white. The overall rate of in‐hospital mortality was 69.3%. A U‐shaped relationship between the BMI and mortality was documented, as patients with 25 < BMI < 40 exhibited significantly lower mortality (60.7%) compared to the other BMI groups (75.2%), p < .001. BMI of 25 kg/m² and below or 40 kg/m² and above, were independent predictors of in‐hospital mortality in a multivariate analysis along with prior history of congestive heart failure and Deyo Comorbidity Index of ≥2. A U‐shaped relationship between the BMI and in‐hospital mortality was documented in patients hospitalized for an out of hospital sudden cardiac death in the United States in the recent years.

Trends and differences in management and outcomes of cardiac arrest in underweight and obese acute myocardial infarction hospitalizations

The influence of weight on in-hospital events of acute myocardial infarction complicated with cardiac arrest (AMI-CA) is understudied. To address this, we utilized the National Inpatient Sample database (2008-2017) to identify adult AMI-CA admissions and categorized them by BMI into underweight, normal weight, and overweight/obese groups. The outcomes of interest included differences in in-hospital mortality, use of invasive therapies, hospitalization costs, and hospital length of stay across the three weight categories. Of the 314,609 AMI-CA admissions during the study period, 268,764 (85.4%) were normal weight, 1,791 (0.6%) were underweight, and 44,053 (14.0%) were overweight/obese. Compared to 2008, in 2017, adjusted temporal trends revealed significant increase in prevalence of AMI-CA in underweight (adjusted OR {aOR} 3.88 [95% CI 3.04-4.94], P<0.001) category, and overweight/obese AMI-CA admissions (aOR 2.67 [95% CI 2.53-2.81], P<0.001). AMI-CA admissions that were underweight were older, more often female, with greater comorbidity burden, and presented more often with non-ST-segment-elevation AMI, non-shockable rhythm, and in-hospital arrest. Overweight/obesity was associated with higher use of angiography, PCI, and greater need for mechanical circulatory support whereas underweight status had the lowest use of these procedures. Compared to normal weight AMI-CA admissions, underweight admissions had comparable adjusted in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR 0.97 [95% CI 0.87-1.09], P=0.64) whereas overweight/obese admissions had lower in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR 0.92 [95% CI 0.90-0.95], P<0.001). In conclusion, underweight AMI-CA admissions were associated with lower use of cardiac procedures and had in-hospital mortality comparable to normal weight admissions. Overweight/obese status was associated with higher rates of cardiac procedures and lower in-hospital mortality.

Barriers and facilitators to cardiopulmonary resuscitation within pre-hospital emergency medical services: a qualitative study

Background

Out-of-hospital cardiopulmonary arrest is a common and fatal problem. Rescuing patients with this problem by pre-hospital emergency medical services is associated with various barriers and facilitators. Identifying these barriers as well as the facilitators in a qualitative and an information-rich way will help to improve the quality of performing the maneuver and to increase the patients’ survival. Therefore, the current study was qualitatively conducted with the aim of identifying the factors affecting the cardiopulmonary resuscitation within the pre-hospital emergency medical services.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted using a content analysis approach in Iran in 2021. The participants were 16 Iranian emergency medical technicians who were selected through a purposive sampling method. For data collection, in-depth and semi-structured interviews were conducted. For data analysis, the Elo and Kyngäs method was applied.

Results

The mean participants’ age was 33.06 ± 7.85 years, and their mean work experience was 10.62 ± 6.63 years. The collected information was categorized into one main category called “complex context of the cardiopulmonary resuscitation” and 5 general categories with 17 subcategories. These categories and subcategories include patient condition (patient’s underlying diseases, age, high weight, number of children, and place of living), dominant atmosphere in companions at home (companions’ feeling of agitation, companions doing harm, and companions helping), policy (educational policy, human resource policy, up-to-date equipment and technology, and do-not-resuscitate policy), performance of the out-of-organizational system (disorganization in the patient handover process, and cooperation of the support organizations), and conditions related to the treatment team (conscience, cultural dominance, and shift burden).

Conclusions

The results showed that the conditions related to the patient and his/her companions, as well as the organizational factors such as the policies and the out-of-organizational factors act as the barriers and the facilitators to the cardiopulmonary resuscitation within pre-hospital emergency medical services. Therefore, the barriers can be modified and the facilitators can be enhanced by taking various measures such as educating, human resource policy-making, upgrading the equipment, and considering appropriate management policies.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12873-021-00514-3.

Association between Body Mass Index and Outcomes in Patients with Return of Spontaneous Circulation after Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Increased body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and metabolic diseases. A high BMI may affect outcomes of post-cardiac arrest patients, but the association remains debatable. We aimed to determine the association between BMI and outcomes in patients with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). A systematic literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library. Studies that included patients who presented ROSC after OHCA, had a recorded BMI, and were assessed for neurological outcomes and in-hospital mortality were included. To assess the risk of bias of each included study, we employed the Risk of Bias Assessment Tool for Non-randomized Studies. We assessed 2427 patients from six studies. Neurological outcomes were significantly poorer in underweight patients (risk ratio (RR) = 1.21; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.07-1.37; p = 0.002; I2 = 51%) than in normal-weight patients. Additionally, in-hospital mortality rate was significantly higher in underweight patients (RR = 1.35; 95% CI = 1.14-1.60; p<0.001; I2 = 21%) and in obese patients (RR = 1.25; 95% CI = 1.12-1.39; p<0.001; I2 = 0%) than in normal-weight patients. Poor neurological outcome is associated with underweight, and low survival rate is associated with underweight and obesity in patients with ROSC after OHCA.

Impact of intraosseous versus intravenous resuscitation during in-hospital cardiac arrest: A retrospective study

AIM

To compare outcomes between Intraosseous (IO) and peripheral intravenous (PIV) injection during in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) and examine its utility in individuals with obesity.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort analysis of adult, atraumatic IHCA at a single tertiary care center. Subjects were classified as either IO or PIV resuscitation. The primary outcome of interest was survival to hospital discharge. The secondary outcomes of interest were survival with favourable neurologic status, rates-of-ROSC (ROR) and time-to-ROSC (TTR). Subgroup analysis among patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² was performed.

RESULTS

Complete data were available for 1852 subjects, 1039 of whom met eligibility criteria. A total of 832 were resuscitated via PIV route and 207 via IO route. Use of IO compared to PIV was associated with lower overall survival to hospital discharge (20.8% vs 28.4% p = 0.03), lower rates of survival with favourable neurologic status (18.4% vs 25.2% p = 0.04), lower ROR (72.2% vs 80.7%) and longer TTR (12:38 min vs 9:01 min). After multivariate adjustment there was no significant differences between IO and PIV in rates of survival to discharge (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.47-1.06, p = 0.09) or rates of survival with favourable neurologic status (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.49-1.13, p = 0.16). The ROR and TTR remained significantly worse in the IO group. Subgroup analysis of patients with BMI ≥ 30 kg/m² identified no benefit or harm with use of IO compared to PIV.

CONCLUSION

Intraosseous medication delivery is associated with inferior rates-of-ROSC and longer times-to-ROSC compared to PIV, but no differences in overall survival to hospital discharge or survival with favourable neurologic status during IHCA.

[Cardiac arrest under special circumstances]

These guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) Cardiac Arrest under Special Circumstances are based on the 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Science with Treatment Recommendations. This section provides guidelines on the modifications required for basic and advanced life support for the prevention and treatment of cardiac arrest under special circumstances; in particular, specific causes (hypoxia, trauma, anaphylaxis, sepsis, hypo-/hyperkalaemia and other electrolyte disorders, hypothermia, avalanche, hyperthermia and malignant hyperthermia, pulmonary embolism, coronary thrombosis, cardiac tamponade, tension pneumothorax, toxic agents), specific settings (operating room, cardiac surgery, cardiac catheterization laboratory, dialysis unit, dental clinics, transportation [in-flight, cruise ships], sport, drowning, mass casualty incidents), and specific patient groups (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, neurological disease, morbid obesity, pregnancy).

Obesity and Cardiovascular Disease: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

The global obesity epidemic is well established, with increases in obesity prevalence for most countries since the 1980s. Obesity contributes directly to incident cardiovascular risk factors, including dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and sleep disorders. Obesity also leads to the development of cardiovascular disease and cardiovascular disease mortality independently of other cardiovascular risk factors. More recent data highlight abdominal obesity, as determined by waist circumference, as a cardiovascular disease risk marker that is independent of body mass index. There have also been significant advances in imaging modalities for characterizing body composition, including visceral adiposity. Studies that quantify fat depots, including ectopic fat, support excess visceral adiposity as an independent indicator of poor cardiovascular outcomes. Lifestyle modification and subsequent weight loss improve both metabolic syndrome and associated systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. However, clinical trials of medical weight loss have not demonstrated a reduction in coronary artery disease rates. In contrast, prospective studies comparing patients undergoing bariatric surgery with nonsurgical patients with obesity have shown reduced coronary artery disease risk with surgery. In this statement, we summarize the impact of obesity on the diagnosis, clinical management, and outcomes of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, heart failure, and arrhythmias, especially sudden cardiac death and atrial fibrillation. In particular, we examine the influence of obesity on noninvasive and invasive diagnostic procedures for coronary artery disease. Moreover, we review the impact of obesity on cardiac function and outcomes related to heart failure with reduced and preserved ejection fraction. Finally, we describe the effects of lifestyle and surgical weight loss interventions on outcomes related to coronary artery disease, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.

European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: Cardiac arrest in special circumstances

These European Resuscitation Council (ERC) Cardiac Arrest in Special Circumstances guidelines are based on the 2020 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Science with Treatment Recommendations. This section provides guidelines on the modifications required to basic and advanced life support for the prevention and treatment of cardiac arrest in special circumstances; specifically special causes (hypoxia, trauma, anaphylaxis, sepsis, hypo/hyperkalaemia and other electrolyte disorders, hypothermia, avalanche, hyperthermia and malignant hyperthermia, pulmonary embolism, coronary thrombosis, cardiac tamponade, tension pneumothorax, toxic agents), special settings (operating room, cardiac surgery, catheter laboratory, dialysis unit, dental clinics, transportation (in-flight, cruise ships), sport, drowning, mass casualty incidents), and special patient groups (asthma and COPD, neurological disease, obesity, pregnancy).

Association between the body mass index and outcomes of patients resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: a prospective multicentre registry study

Background

The effects of the body mass index (BMI) on outcomes of patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest are controversial. Therefore, the current study investigated the association between the BMI and the favourable neurologic outcomes and survival to discharge of patients resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Methods

This multicentre, prospective, nationwide OHCA registry-based study was conducted using data from the Korean Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation Consortium (KoCARC). We enrolled hospitals willing to collect patient height and weight and included patients who survived to the hospital between October 2015 and June 2018. The included patients were categorised into the underweight (< 18.5 kg/m²), normal weight (≥18.5 to < 25 kg/m²), overweight (≥25 to < 30 kg/m²), and obese groups (≥30 kg/m²) according to the BMI per the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. The primary outcome was a favourable neurologic outcome; the secondary outcome was survival to discharge. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to investigate the association between BMI and outcomes.

Results

Nine hospitals were enrolled; finally, 605 patients were included in our analysis and categorised per the WHO BMI classification. Favourable neurologic outcomes were less frequent in the underweight BMI group than in the other groups (p = 0.002); survival to discharge was not significantly different among the BMI groups (p = 0.110). However, the BMI classification was not associated with favourable neurologic outcomes or survival to discharge after adjustment in the multivariate model.

Conclusion

The BMI was not independently associated with favourable neurologic and survival outcomes of patients surviving from OHCA.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13049-021-00837-x.

Does Obesity Influence the Outcome of the Patients Following a Cardiac Arrest?

BACKGROUND

Obesity is one of the major risk factors for cardiovascular and peripheral vascular diseases. However, the obesity paradox confers survival benefits in heart failure and cardiac surgery patients. Studies examining the outcomes of obese patients following cardiac arrest provided conflicting results.

OBJECTIVE

To study the association between obesity and outcome in patients following cardiac arrest.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective cohort study at a tertiary intensive care unit (ICU). Data were collected from medical records between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2018, for all adult ICU patients who were admitted to our ICU following a cardiac arrest. Data collected included demographics, anthropometrics, and details of the cardiac arrest. The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge. Secondary outcomes were duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU, and hospital length of stay.

RESULTS

A total of 126 patients were admitted to the ICU following a cardiac arrest during the study period, of whom 14 patients were excluded due to missing body mass index (BMI) data. Seventy-six patients were non-obese (BMI <30) and 36 patients were obese (BMI ≥30). There was no difference in survival to hospital discharge between obese and non-obese patients (52.8 vs 59.2%, p = 0.52, OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.35-1.71). Moreover, there was no difference between obese and non-obese patients in ICU length of stay (81.50 vs 76.0 hours, p = 0.42), hospital length of stay (9 vs 10 days, p = 0.63), and duration of mechanical ventilation (55 vs 43 hours, p = 0.30). In the logistical regression analysis, BMI was not associated with improved survival (OR = 0.97, 95% CI 0.92-1.03, p = 0.23).

CONCLUSION

For patients admitted to ICU following cardiac arrest, we could not show that obesity improves survival, length of stay, or duration of mechanical ventilation.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE

Chavda MP, Pakavakis A, Ernest D. Does Obesity Influence the Outcome of the Patients Following a Cardiac Arrest? Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(11):1077-1080.

Obese cardiogenic arrest survivors with significant coronary artery disease had worse in-hospital mortality and neurological outcomes

Cardiogenic arrest is the major cause of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), accounting for 20% of all deaths annually. The association between obesity and outcomes in cardiac arrest survivors is debatable. However, the effect of obesity on the prognosis of patients with significant coronary artery disease (CAD) successfully resuscitated from cardiogenic arrest is unclear. Thus, the association between body mass index (BMI) and outcomes in cardiogenic arrest survivors with significant CAD was investigated. This multicentre retrospective cohort study recruited 201 patients from January 2011 to September 2017. The eligible cardiogenic arrest survivors were non-traumatic adults who had undergone emergency coronary angiography after sustained return of spontaneous circulation and had significant coronary artery stenosis. BMI was used to classify the patients into underweight, normal-weight, overweight, and obese groups (< 18.5, 18.5–24.9, 25.0–29.9, and ≥ 30 kg/m²; n = 9, 87, 72, and 33, respectively). In-hospital mortality and unsatisfactory neurological outcomes (cerebral performance scale scores = 3–5) were compared among the groups. The obese group presented higher in-hospital mortality and unsatisfactory neurological outcome risks than the normal-weight group (in-hospital mortality: adjusted hazard ratio = 4.27, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.87–12.04, P = 0.008; unsatisfactory neurological outcomes: adjusted odds ratio = 3.33, 95% CI 1.42–8.78, P = 0.009). Subgroup analysis showed significantly higher in-hospital mortality in the obese patients than in the others in each clinical characteristic. In cardiogenic arrest survivors with significant CAD, obesity was associated with high risks of mortality and unsatisfactory neurological recovery.

A Population-Based Retrospective Analysis of Post-In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Survival after Modification of the Chain of Survival

BACKGROUND

In 2010, the American Heart Association recommended that postcardiac arrest care should be included in the chain of survival to reduce permanent neurological damage, improve quality of life, and reduce health care expenses of postcardiac arrest care.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate post-in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) survival prior to and after modification of the chain of survival in 2010, with subgroup analyses per age and concomitant coronary heart disease (CHD).

METHODS

We retrospectively searched the National Health Insurance Research Database for the 2007-2015 period to collect case data coded as "427.41" or "427.5" per International Classification of Disease Clinical Modification, Ninth revision codes and analyzed the data with SPSS v22.0.

RESULTS

The 1-day survival rate in the 2011-2015 period was 2% higher than that in the 2007-2010 period (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-1.04). Moreover, in the 2011-2015 period, the survival-to-discharge rate was increased by 1% in patients under 65 years (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.02) and 1% in CHD patients (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01-1.02) compared with that in the 2007-2010 period.

CONCLUSION

For patients with IHCA, the overall short-term survival improved significantly after modification of the chain of survival. Younger patients and patients with CHD had better long-term survival.

Associations between Central Obesity and Outcomes of Adult In-hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Retrospective Cohort Study

To investigate the association between central obesity and outcomes following in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). A single-centred retrospective study was conducted. Adult patients that experienced IHCA during 2006-2015 were screened. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated at hospital admission. Central obesity-related anthropometric parameters were measured by analysing computed tomography images. A total of 648 patients were included, with mean BMI of 23.0 kg/m2. The proportions of BMI-defined obesity in this cohort were underweight (13.1%), normal weight (41.4%), overweight (31.5%) and obesity (14.0%). The mean waist circumference was 85.9 cm with mean waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) of 0.53. The mean sagittal abdominal diameter was 21.2 cm with mean anterior and posterior abdominal subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) depths of 1.6 and 2.0 cm, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analyses indicated BMI of 11.7-23.3 kg/m2 (odds ratio [OR]: 2.53, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10-5.85; p-value = 0.03), WHtR of 0.49-0.59 (OR: 3.45, 95% CI: 1.56-7.65; p-value = 0.002) and anterior abdominal SAT depth <1.9 cm (OR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.05-7.74; p-value = 0.04) were positively associated with the favourable neurological outcome. Central obesity was associated with poor IHCA outcomes, after adjusting for the effects of BMI.

Plasma Adipokines in Patients Resuscitated from Cardiac Arrest: Difference of Visfatin between Survivors and Nonsurvivors

Background

Adipokines are a group of cytokines or peptides secreted by adipose tissue to exert numerous biological functions. In the present study, we measured the plasma levels of four adipokines (adiponectin, leptin, fatty acid-binding protein 4 (FABP4), and visfatin) in cardiac arrest patients following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

Methods

Totally, 21 patients who experienced cardiac arrest and successful ROSC with expected survival of at least 48 hours (from January 2016 to December 2017) were consecutively enrolled into this prospective observational clinical study. Of the 21 enrolled patients, ten survived, and other eleven died between 2 days and 6 months post ROSC. Venous blood was drawn at three time points: baseline (<1 hour post ROSC), 2 days post ROSC, and 7 days post ROSC. Plasma concentrations of adiponectin, leptin, FABP4, and visfatin were determined using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

The plasma visfatin levels at 2 or 7 days post ROSC increased significantly compared with the baseline (P < 0.01), while plasma levels of adiponectin, leptin, and FABP4 did not change. Moreover, plasma visfatin levels in survivors at 2 or 7 days post ROSC were higher than those in nonsurvivors (P < 0.01). Plasma visfatin levels at 2 or 7 days post ROSC were negatively correlated with Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score and time to ROSC. Moreover, receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the plasma visfatin levels at 2 or 7 days post ROSC were good predictors for survival of the patients.

Conclusion

Elevated plasma visfatin levels may be a marker for better outcome of cardiac arrest patients post ROSC.

Obesity is associated with poor prognosis in cardiogenic arrest survivors receiving coronary angiography

BACKGROUND

The role of body mass index (BMI) in clinical outcomes in patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest (CA) has recently drawn attention. We evaluated the effect of BMI on the prognosis of patients successfully resuscitated from cardiogenic arrest.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 273 non-traumatic adult cardiogenic arrest survivors receiving coronary angiography after return of spontaneous circulation in three hospitals from January 2011 to September 2017. These patients were classified as underweight, normal-weight, overweight, and obese, based on BMI (<18.5; 18.5-24.9; 25.0-29.9; and ≥30 kg/m², respectively). In-hospital mortality and poor neurological outcomes were compared among groups.

RESULTS

The obese group had significantly higher rates of in-hospital mortality and poor neurological outcomes (cerebral performance scale = 3-5) than did the other groups (for underweight, normal-weight, overweight, and obese groups, in-hospital mortality rates were 38.5%, 29.8%, 39.0%, and 64.1%, respectively, p = 0.002; poor neurological outcomes were 53.9%, 43.8%, 47.0%, and 71.8%, respectively, p = 0.02). The obese group exhibited higher risks of in-hospital mortality and poor neurological outcomes than did the normal-weight group (in-hospital mortality: adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 5.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.16-10.32, p < 0.001; poor neurological outcomes: aHR = 3.77, 95% CI 1.69-8.36, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSION

Obesity was associated with higher risks of in-hospital mortality and poor neurological recovery.

The effects of thoracic cage dimension and chest subcutaneous adipose tissue on outcomes of adults with in-hospital cardiac arrest: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

The associations between thoracic cage dimension, chest subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) depth and outcomes of adults with in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) remain unknown.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated IHCA patients between January 2016 and October 2017. The thoracic cage transverse diameter, internal AP diameter, cross-sectional area, anterior and posterior SAT depths were measured in computed-tomography (CT) images. Using logistic regression models, we determined the adjusted associations between thoracic cage dimension, SAT depths and the prognosis for IHCA. The primary outcome was sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and the secondary outcome was survival to hospital discharge.

RESULTS

Among 423 IHCA patients, 258 patients achieved ROSC and 70 survived to discharge. Smaller cross-sectional area and posterior SAT depth were significantly related to ROSC. Smaller posterior SAT depth was associated with ROSC. After multivariate adjustment, the smaller cross-sectional area was independently associated with ROSC (Odds ratio [OR] 0.99, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.99-1.00; p = 0.008) and survival to discharge (OR 0.99, 95%CI 0.98-1.00; p = 0.024), and the smaller posterior SAT depth was independently related to ROSC (OR 0.65, 95%CI 0.44-0.96; p = 0.030), whereas no relation to survival to discharge was found.

CONCLUSIONS

In adults with IHCA, the smaller thoracic cage dimension and posterior SAT depth are associated with better survival. An adjustable compression depth based on the thoracic cage dimension might be better than the "one-size-fits-all" compression depth for resuscitating CA patients. In addition, physicians should pay extra attention to compression efficacy when resuscitating obese patients.

The Cardiac Risk Factors of Coronary Artery Disease and its relationship with Cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases are considered as the most prevalent serious disease in developed countries, and act as the number one cause of death among men and women in all ages and from all races.

AIM

The present research aims at determining the relationship between risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and consequences of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

METHODS

The present study is a retrospective analytic-cross sectional research performed on 100 patients in need for CPR (successful and unsuccessful) during March 2017 - June 2017. As research instrument, a pre-designed checklist was used including demographic information, clinical and medical information, and the information related to modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular diseases.

RESULTS

Obtained results indicated that, 57.1% of the successful CPR cases were administered on men, while 55.1% of unsuccessful CPR cases were administered on women. The patients diagnosed with myocardial infarction were in further need for CPR (rate of successful CPR: 66.7%, and rate of unsuccessful CPR: 61.9%). Significant associations were found between CPR duration, post-CPR survival time (survival time after CPR), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, triglyceride level, diabetes, fasting blood sugar level, and body mass index, in one hand, and type of CPR, on the other hand (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Results of the present research showed that, there is a significant relationship between modifiable risk factors of cardiovascular diseases and consequences of CPR.

Associations between body size and outcomes of adult in-hospital cardiac arrest: A retrospective cohort study

AIM

Animal studies have demonstrated that hemodynamic-directed cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improves outcomes following cardiac arrest compared with the "one-size-fits-all" algorithm. We investigated whether body size of patients is correlated with outcomes of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA).

METHODS

A retrospective study in a single centre was conducted. Adult patients experiencing IHCA between 2006 and 2015 were screened. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated using body weight and height measured at hospital admission. Thoracic anteroposterior diameter (APD) was measured by analysing computed tomography images. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to study the associations between independent variables and outcomes. Generalised additive models were used to identify cut-off points for continuous variables.

RESULTS

A total of 766 patients were included, and 60.4% were male. Their mean age was 62.8 years. Mean BMI was 22.9 kg/m², and the mean thoracic APD was 21.4 cm. BMI > 23.2 kg/m² was inversely associated with a favourable neurological outcome (odds ratio [OR]: 0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13-0.68; p-value = 0.004), while thoracic APD was not. When the interaction term was analysed, BMI > 23.2 (kg/m²) × thoracic APD > 18.5 (cm) was inversely associated with both a favourable neurological outcome (OR: 0.33, 95% CI: 0.16-0.69; p-value = 0.003) and survival to hospital discharge (OR: 0.46, 95% CI: 0.26-0.81; p-value = 0.007).

CONCLUSION

Higher BMI and thoracic APD was correlated with worse outcomes following IHCA. For those patients, it might be better to perform CPR under guidance of physiological parameters rather than a "one-size-fits-all" resuscitation algorithm to improve outcomes.

Impact of Body Mass Index on Operative Outcomes in Head and Neck Free Flap Surgery

Objective

Analyze the risk for perioperative complications associated with body mass index (BMI) class in patients undergoing head and neck free flap reconstruction.

Study Design and Setting

Retrospective cohort study.

Subjects and Methods

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database was queried for all cases of head and neck free flaps between 2005 and 2014 (N = 2187). This population was stratified into underweight, normal-weight, overweight, and obese BMI cohorts. Groups were compared for demographics, comorbidities, and procedure-related variables. Rates of postoperative complications were compared between groups using χ2 and binary logistic regression analyses.

Results

Underweight patients (n = 160) had significantly higher rates of numerous comorbidities, including disseminated cancer, preoperative chemotherapy, and anemia, while obese patients (n = 447) had higher rates of diabetes and hypertension. Rates of overall surgical complications, medical complications, and flap loss were insignificantly different between BMI groups. Following regression, obese BMI was protective for perioperative transfusion requirement (odds ratio [OR] = 0.63, P = .001), while underweight status conferred increased risk (OR = 2.43, P < .001). Recent weight loss was found to be an independent predictor of perioperative cardiac arrest (OR = 3.16, P = .006) while underweight BMI was not (OR = 1.21, P = .763). However, both weight loss and underweight status were associated with significantly increased risk for 30-day mortality (OR = 4.48, P = .032; OR = 4.02, P = .010, respectively).

Conclusion

Obesity does not increase the risk for postoperative complications in head and neck free flap surgery and may be protective in some cases. When assessing a patient’s fitness for surgery, underweight status or recent weight loss may suggest a reduced ability to tolerate extensive free flap reconstruction.

Survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest among cerebrovascular disease patients

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, and while preferences for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are frequently discussed, there is limited evidence detailing outcomes after CPR among acute cerebrovascular neurology (inclusive of stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)) patients. Systematic review and meta-analysis of PubMed and Cochrane libraries from January 1990 to December 2016 was conducted among stroke patients undergoing in-hospital CPR. Primary data from studies meeting inclusion criteria at two levels were extracted: 1) studies reporting survival to hospital discharge after CPR with cerebrovascular primary admitting diagnosis, and 2) studies reporting survival to hospital discharge after CPR with cerebrovascular comorbidity. Meta-analysis generated weighted, pooled survival estimates for each population. Of 818 articles screened, there were 176 articles (22%) that underwent full review. Three articles met primary inclusion criteria, with an estimated 8% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.01, 0.14) rate of survival to hospital discharge from a pooled sample of 561 cerebrovascular patients after in-hospital CPR. Twenty articles met secondary inclusion criteria, listing a cerebrovascular comorbidity, with an estimated rate of survival to hospital discharge of 16% (95% CI 0.14, 0.19). All studies demonstrated wide variability in adherence to Utstein guidelines, and neurological outcomes were detailed in only 6 (26%) studies. Among the few studies reporting survival to hospital discharge after CPR among acute cerebrovascular patients, survival is lower than general inpatient populations. These findings synthesize the limited empirical basis for discussions about resuscitation among stroke patients, and highlight the need for more disease stratified reporting of outcomes after inpatient CPR.

Effect of body mass index on survival after sudden cardiac arrest

BACKGROUND

Although elevated body mass index (BMI) is a risk factor for cardiac disease, patients with elevated BMI have better survival in the context of severe illness, a phenomenon termed the "obesity paradox."

HYPOTHESIS

Higher BMI is associated with lower mortality in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) survivors.

METHODS

Data were collected on 1433 post-SCA patients, discharged alive from the hospitals of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between 2002 and 2012. Of those, 1298 patients with documented BMI during the index hospitalization and follow-up data constituted the study cohort.

RESULTS

In the overall cohort, 30 patients were underweight (BMI <18.5 kg/m² ), 312 had normal weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m² ), 417 were overweight (BMI 25.0-29.9 kg/m² ), and 539 were obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m² ). As expected, the prevalence of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension increased significantly with increasing BMI. Over a median follow-up of 3.6 years, 602 (46%) patients died. Despite higher prevalence of cardiovascular comorbidities in more obese patients, a higher BMI was associated with lower all-cause mortality on univariate analysis (hazard ratio: 0.86 per increase by 1 BMI category, 95% confidence interval: 0.78-0.94, P = 0.002) and multivariate analysis after adjusting for unbalanced baseline comorbidities (hazard ratio: 0.86 per increase by 1 BMI category, 95% confidence interval: 0.77-0.96, P = 0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher BMI is associated with lower all-cause mortality in survivors of SCA, suggesting that the obesity paradox applies to the post-arrest population. Further investigation into its mechanisms may inform the management of post-SCA patients.

Association of body mass index with clinical outcomes for in-hospital cardiac arrest adult patients following extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation

BACKGROUND

Obesity might be associated with disturbance of cannulation in situation of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). However, limited data are available on obesity in the setting of ECPR. Therefore, we investigated the association between body mass index (BMI) and clinical outcome in patients underwent ECPR.

METHODS

From January 2004 to December 2013, in-hospital cardiac arrest patients who had ECPR were enrolled from a single-center registry. We divided patients into four group according to BMI defined with the WHO classification (underweight, BMI < 18.5, n = 14; normal weight, BMI = 18.5-24.9, n = 118; overweight, BMI = 25.0-29.9, n = 53; obese, BMI ≥ 30, n = 15). The primary outcome was survival to hospital discharge.

RESULTS

Analysis was carried out for a total of 200 adult patients (39.5% females). Their median BMI was 23.20 (interquartile range, 20.93-25.80). The rate of survival to hospital discharge was 31.0%. There was no significant difference in survival to hospital discharge among the four groups (underweight, 35.7%; normal, 31.4%; overweight, 30.2%; obese, 26.7%, p = 0.958). Neurologic outcomes (p = 0.85) and procedural complications (p = 0.40) were not significantly different among the four groups either. SOFA score, initial arrest rhythm, and CPR to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) pump on time were significant predictors for survival to discharge, but not BMI.

CONCLUSION

BMI was not associated with in-hospital mortality who underwent ECPR. Neurologic outcomes at discharge or procedural complications following ECPR were not related with BMI either.

Outcomes of In-Hospital Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Morbidly Obese Patients

OBJECTIVES

This study sought to assess the impact of morbid obesity on outcomes in patients with in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA).

BACKGROUND

Obesity is associated with increased risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest; however, little is known about survival of morbidly obese patients with IHCA.

METHODS

Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database from 2001 to 2008, we identified adult patients undergoing resuscitation for IHCA, including those with morbid obesity (body mass index ≥40 kg/m²) by using International Classification of Diseases 9th edition codes and clinical outcomes. Outcomes including in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and discharge dispositions were identified. Logistic regression model was used to examine the independent association of morbid obesity with mortality.

RESULTS

Of 1,293,071 IHCA cases, 27,469 cases (2.1%) were morbidly obese. The overall mortality was significantly higher for the morbidly obese group than for the nonobese group experiencing in-hospital non-ventricular fibrillation (non-VF) (77% vs. 73%, respectively; p = 0.006) or VF (65% vs. 58%, respectively; p = 0.01) arrest particularly if cardiac arrest happened late (>7 days) after hospitalization. Discharge to home was significantly lower in the morbidly obese group (21% vs. 31%, respectively; p = 0.04). After we adjusted for baseline variables, morbid obesity remained an independent predictor of increased mortality. Other independent predictors of mortality were age and severe sepsis for non-VF and VF group and venous thromboembolism, cirrhosis, stroke, malignancy, and rheumatologic conditions for non-VF group.

CONCLUSIONS

The overall mortality of morbidly obese patients after IHCA is worse than that for nonobese patients, especially if IHCA occurs after 7 days of hospitalization and survivors are more likely to be transferred to a skilled nursing facility.

Influence of body mass index on the prognosis of patients successfully resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treated by therapeutic hypothermia

BACKGROUND

Obesity prevalence has dramatically increased over recent years and is associated with cardiovascular diseases, but data are lacking on its prognostic impact in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients.

METHODS

Data of all consecutive OHCA patients admitted in two cardiac arrest centers from Paris and suburbs between 2005 and 2012 were prospectively collected. Patients treated by therapeutic hypothermia (TH) were included in the analysis. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to quantify the association between body mass index (BMI) at hospital admission and day-30 and 1-year mortality respectively.

RESULTS

818 patients were included in the study (median age 60.9 [50.8-72.7] year, 70.2% male). Obese patients (BMI>30kgm^-2) were older, more frequently male and evidenced more frequently cardiovascular risk factors than normally (18.5<BMI<25kgm^-2) or overweight patients (25<BMI<30kgm^-2). Post-resuscitation shock and therapeutic hypothermia failure were more frequent in obese patients. Overall mortality at day-30 and one-year was 63.8 and 67.2%, respectively. After multivariate adjustment, BMI>30kgm^-2 was independently associated with day-30 mortality (Odds ratio [OR] in comparison with normally weight patients 2.45; 95% confidence interval [95%CI: 1.32-4.56; p<0.01]). Obesity was not associated with one-year mortality (Hazard ratio [HR] 0.99, 95%CI 0.21,4.67; p=0.99) while underweight was associated with one-year mortality in this subgroup of patients (Hazard ratio [HR] 3.94, 95%CI 1.11,14.01; p=0.03).

CONCLUSION

In the present study, obesity was independently associated with day-30 mortality in successfully resuscitated ICU TH OHCA patients. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms that underpin this finding.

Relation of Obesity to Survival After In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Previous studies have shown that obesity is paradoxically associated with improved outcomes in many cardiovascular (CV) disease states; however, whether obesity affects survival after in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) has not been well examined. We queried the 2003 to 2011 Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases to identify all patients aged ≥18 years who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation for IHCA. Obese patients were identified using the co-morbidity variable for obesity, as defined in Nationwide Inpatient Sample databases. Survival to hospital discharge was compared between obese and nonobese patients using multivariate regression models. Of 836,289 patients with IHCA, 67,216 (8.0%) were obese. Obese patients were younger and more likely to be women compared with nonobese patients. Despite being younger, obese patients had significantly higher prevalence of most CV co-morbidities such as dyslipidemia, coronary artery disease, previous myocardial infarction, heart failure, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, and chronic renal failure (p <0.001 for all). Obese patients were more likely to have ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation as the initial cardiac arrest rhythm (22.3% vs 20.9%; p <0.001). After multivariate risk adjustment, obese patients had improved survival to hospital discharge compared with nonobese patients (31.4% vs 24.1%; unadjusted odds ratio 1.44, 95% CI 1.42 to 1.47, p <0.001; adjusted odds ratio 1.15, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.17, p <0.001). Similar results were seen in patients with CV or non-CV conditions as the primary diagnosis and in those with ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation or pulseless electrical activity/asystole as the cardiac arrest rhythm. In conclusion, this large retrospective analysis of a nationwide cohort of patients with IHCA demonstrated higher risk-adjusted odds of survival in obese patients, consistent with an "obesity paradox."

Effect of End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Measurement on Resuscitation Efficiency and Termination of Resuscitation

Objectives

In this study, the value of end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO₂) levels measured by capnometry were evaluated as indicators of resuscitation effectiveness and survival in patients presenting to the emergency department with cardiopulmonary arrest.

Methods

ETCO₂ was measured after 2 minutes of compression or 150 compressions. ETCO₂ values were measured in patients that were intubated and in those who underwent chest compression. The following parameters were recorded for each patient: demographic data, chronic illness, respiration type, pre-hospital CPR, arrest rhythm, arterial blood gas measurements, ETCO₂ values with an interval of 5 minutes between the measurement and the estimated time of arrest, time to return to spontaneous circulation.

Results

Cardiac arrest developed in 97 cases, including 56 who were out of the hospital and 41 who were in the hospital. Fifty of these patients returned to spontaneous circulation, and just one of these had an initial ETCO₂ value below 10 mmHg. The mean of the final ETCO₂ levels was 36.4±4.46 among Patients who Return to Spontaneous Circulation (RSCPs) and 11.74±7.01 among those that died. In all rhythms; Asystole, pulseless electrical activity (PEA) and VF/VT; Overall, RSCPs had higher ETCO₂ levels than the cases who died. Among the PEA patients undergoing in-hospital arrests and those asystolic patients undergoing out of hospital arrest, the ETCO₂ values of the RSCPs were significantly higher than those of the cases who died.

Conclusions

ETCO₂ levels predicted survival as well as the effectiveness of CPR for patients who received CPR and were monitored by capnometry in the emergency department. As a result, we believe that it would be suitable to use capnometry in all units where the CPR is performed.

Feasibility of Biosignal-guided Chest Compression During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Proof of Concept

OBJECTIVES

Cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the United States and is treated by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). CPR involves both chest compressions and positive pressure ventilations when given by medical providers. Mechanical chest compression devices automate chest compressions and are beginning to be adopted by emergency medical services with the intent of providing high-quality, consistent chest compressions that are not limited by human providers who can become fatigued. Biosignals acquired from cardiac arrest patients have been characterized in their ability to track the effect of CPR on the patient. The authors investigated the feasibility and appropriate response of a biosignal-guided mechanical chest compression device in a swine model of cardiac arrest.

METHODS

After a custom signal-guided chest compression device was engineered, its ability to respond to biosignal changes in a swine model of cardiac arrest was tested. In a preliminary series of six swine, two biosignals were used: mean arterial pressure (MAP) and a mathematical derivative of the electrocardiogram waveform, median slope (MS). How these biosignals changed was observed when chest compression rate and depth were adjusted by the signal-guided chest compression device, independent of the user. Chest compression rate and depth were adjusted by the signal-guided chest compression device according to a preset threshold algorithm until either of the biosignals improved to satisfy a set "threshold" or until the chest compression rate and depth achieved maximum values. Defibrillation was attempted at the end of each resuscitation in an effort to achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).

RESULTS

The signal-guided chest compression device responded appropriately to biosignals by changing its rate and depth. All animals exhibited positive improvements in their biosignals. During the course of the resuscitation, three of the six animals improved their MS biosignal to reach the MS threshold, while two of the six animals improved their MAP biosignal to reach the MAP threshold. In the six experiments conducted, defibrillation was attempted on five animals, and two animals achieved ROSC.

CONCLUSIONS

In this proof-of-concept study, a signal-guided chest compression device was demonstrated to be capable of responding to biosignal input and delivering chest compressions with a broad range of rates and depths.

Vascular repair strategies in type 2 diabetes: novel insights

Impaired functions of vascular cells are responsible for the majority of complications in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Recently a better understanding of mechanisms contributing to development of vascular dysfunction and the role of systemic inflammatory activation and functional alterations of several secretory organs, of which adipose tissue has more recently been investigated, has been achieved. Notably, the progression of vascular disease within the context of T2D appears to be driven by a multitude of incremental signaling shifts. Hence, successful therapies need to target several mechanisms in parallel, and over a long time period. This review will summarize the latest molecular strategies and translational developments of cardiovascular therapy in patients with T2D.

The UK Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Outcome (OHCAO) project

INTRODUCTION

Reducing premature death is a key priority for the UK National Health Service (NHS). NHS Ambulance services treat approximately 30 000 cases of suspected cardiac arrest each year but survival rates vary. The British Heart Foundation and Resuscitation Council (UK) have funded a structured research programme--the Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest Outcomes (OHCAO) programme. The aim of the project is to establish the epidemiology and outcome of OHCA, explore sources of variation in outcome and establish the feasibility of setting up a national OHCA registry.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This is a prospective observational study set in UK NHS Ambulance Services. The target population will be adults and children sustaining an OHCA who are attended by an NHS ambulance emergency response and where resuscitation is attempted. The data collected will be characterised broadly as system characteristics, emergency medical services (EMS) dispatch characteristics, patient characteristics and EMS process variables. The main outcome variables of interest will be return of spontaneous circulation and medium-long-term survival (30 days to 10-year survival).

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics committee permissions were gained and the study also has received approval from the Confidentiality Advisory Group Ethics and Confidentiality committee which provides authorisation to lawfully hold identifiable data on patients without their consent. To identify the key characteristics contributing to better outcomes in some ambulance services, reliable and reproducible systems need to be established for collecting data on OHCA in the UK. Reports generated from the registry will focus on data completeness, timeliness and quality. Subsequent reports will summarise demographic, patient, process and outcome variables with aim of improving patient care through focus quality improvement initiatives.

Survival of patients with spinal cord injury after cardiac arrest in Department of Veterans Affairs hospital: Pilot study

Survivability characteristics after cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the population with spinal cord injury (SCI) are unclear but may be useful for advanced care planning discussions with patients. Retrospective evaluation from records of all SCI patients over 10 yr at a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center who experienced in-hospital cardiac arrest was performed. Demographic data and other common measurements were recorded. Thirty-six male subjects were identified, and only two patients survived to discharge (5.5% survival rate), both of whom were admitted for nonacute issues and were asymptomatic shortly before the cardiac arrest. The mean age at the time of cardiopulmonary arrest was 62.4 yr, with a mean time from cardiac arrest to death of 3.02 d. No significant demographic parameters were identified. Overall, SCI likely portends worse outcome for acutely ill patients in the situation of a cardiac arrest. Conclusions are limited by sample size.

Association between a hospital's rate of cardiac arrest incidence and cardiac arrest survival

IMPORTANCE

National efforts to measure hospital performance in treating cardiac arrest have focused on case survival, with the hope of improving survival after cardiac arrest. However, it is plausible that hospitals with high case-survival rates do a poor job of preventing cardiac arrests in the first place.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the association between inpatient cardiac arrest incidence and survival rates.

DESIGN

Within a large, national registry, we identified hospitals with at least 50 adult in-hospital cardiac arrest cases between January 1, 2000, and November 30, 2009. We used multivariable hierarchical regression to evaluate the correlation between a hospital's cardiac arrest incidence rate and its case-survival rate after adjusting for patient and hospital characteristics.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The correlation between a hospital's incidence rate and case-survival rate for cardiac arrest.

RESULTS

Of 102,153 cases at 358 hospitals, the median hospital cardiac arrest incidence rate was 4.02 per 1000 admissions (interquartile range, 2.95-5.65 per 1000 admissions), and the median hospital case-survival rate was 18.8% (interquartile range, 14.5%-22.6%). In crude analyses, hospitals with higher case-survival rates also had lower cardiac arrest incidence (r, -0.16; P = .003). This relationship persisted after adjusting for patient characteristics (r, -0.15; P = .004). After adjusting for potential mediators of this relationship (ie, hospital characteristics), the relationship between incidence and case survival was attenuated (r, -0.07; P = .18). The one modifiable hospital factor that most attenuated this relationship was a hospital's nurse-to-bed ratio (r, -0.12; P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Hospitals with exceptional rates of survival for in-hospital cardiac arrest are also better at preventing cardiac arrests, even after adjusting for patient case mix. This relationship is partially mediated by measured hospital attributes. Performance measures focused on case-survival rates seem an appropriate first step in quality measurement for in-hospital cardiac arrest.