[The role of extracorporeal life support in cardiopulmonary resuscitation]

The frequency of the administration of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation is increasing both in the treatment of in-hospital and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. The latest resuscitation guidelines support the use of mechanical circulatory support devices in the cases of prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation in certain selected patient groups. However, only little evidence is available regarding the effectiveness of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and many open questions remained unanswered regarding the adequate conditions of this modality. The timing and location of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation are important factors, as well as the appropriate training of the personnel using extracorporeal techniques. Our review briefly summarizes, according to the current literature and recommendations, in which cases extracorporeal resuscitation may be beneficial, which type of mechanical circulatory support is the first choice of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which factors influence the efficacy of this supportive treatment, and which complications may be expected during mechanical circulatory support during resuscitation. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(13): 510-514.

[Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in special circumstances]

The standard process of basic and advanced life support can be complicated by a number of special circumstances. Over the last decade, the European Resuscitation Council developed an increasingly detailed guideline regarding the diagnosis and therapy of these situations. In our short review, we summarize the most important recommendations for the management of cardiopulmonary resuscitation in special circumstances. The proper training in non-technical skills and teamwork is crucial in the management of these situations. In addition, extracorporeal circulatory and respiratory support play an increasingly important role in some special circumstances with appropriate patient selection and timing. We also summarize the therapeutic options regarding the reversible causes of cardiac arrest as well as the steps of diagnostic and treatment methods in some special situations (cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the operating room, after cardiac surgery, in a catheterisation laboratory, after sudden cardiac arrest at dentistry or dialysis station) and among special patient populations (patient with asthma or COPD, neurologic disorders, obese patient, pregnant woman). Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(13): 488-498.

[The novelties of adult advanced life support and post-resuscitation therapy]

The fourth element of chain-of-survival contains advanced life support and post-resuscitation treatment. Both treatment options influence the outcome of patients suffering cardiac arrest. Advanced life support includes all interventions that require special medical equipment and expertise. High-quality chest compressions and early defibrillation (if indicated) compose the main elements of advanced life support. Clarifying and treating the cause of cardiac arrest have also high priority, in which point-of-care ultrasound plays an important role. In addition, securing higher level of airway and capnography, securing intravenous or intraosseous line, and the parenteral administration of drugs - such as epinephrine or amiodarone - are the most important steps of advanced life support. If conventional therapy is unsuccessful, extracorporeal circulatory support can be used in special patient populations. The protection of vital organs that are sensitive to hypoxia (brain and heart) has a high priority after the return of spontaneous circulation beside the causative treatment of cardiac arrest. The most important parts of the supportive post-resuscitation treatment are: targeting normoxia, normocapnia, normotension, normoglycemia, and the application of target temperature management. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(12): 454-462.

[In-hospital cardiac arrest and basic life support]

Survival of in-hospital cardiac arrests is still as low as 15-35%. Healthcare workers should closely monitor patients' vital signs, notice any deterioration, and initiate the necessary actions to prevent cardiac arrest. The introduction of early warning sign protocols (including the monitoring of respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, pulse, blood pressure, consciousness, etc.) can improve the recognition of periarrest patients during hospital stay. However, when a cardiac arrest occurs, healthcare workers should also be able to work in team and follow the relevant protocols delivering good quality chest compressions and early defibrillation. To achieve this goal, regular trainings, appropriate infrastructure and system-wide teamwork are needed. In this paper, we discuss the challenges of the first phase of in-hospital resuscitation and its integration into the hospital-wide medical emergency response system. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(12): 449-453.