• Jennifer Rabjohns, Theodore Quan, Keith Boniface, and Ali Pourmand.
• Department of Emergency Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 2120 L St., Washington, DC 20037, United States.
• Am J Emerg Med. 2020 Feb 1; 38 (2): 371-375.

IntroductionA great deal of the literature has focused specifically on true pulseless electrical activity (PEA), whereas there is a dearth of research regarding pseudo-PEA. This narrative review evaluates the diagnosis and management of patients in pseudo-PEA and discusses the impact on emerging patient outcomes.DiscussionPseudo-PEA can be defined as evidence of cardiac activity without a detectable pulse. Distinguishing pseudo-PEA from true PEA is important for emergency physicians as the prognosis and management of these patients differ. POCUS is the tool most commonly used to diagnose pseudo-PEA and there are varying treatment strategies to manage these patients. Identifying patients in pseudo-PEA can help guide resuscitation decisions, and ultimately impact emergency response systems, patients, and families.ConclusionsThe incidence of pseudo-PEA is increasing. Effective care of these patients begins with early diagnosis of this condition and immediate treatment to warrant the greatest chance of survival. There is a need for further prospective studies surrounding pseudo-PEA as evidenced by the lack of research in the current literature.Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

16 keywords...

hide…