Pharmacotherapy
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Sudden cardiac arrest is a major public heath problem, affecting more than 450,000 individuals annually. Response time and the initiation of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) remain the most important factors determining successful revival. During resuscitation, sympathomimetics are given to enhance cerebral and coronary perfusion pressures in an attempt to achieve restoration of spontaneous circulation. ⋯ The guidelines comment that one dose of vasopressin 40 U may replace the first or second dose of epinephrine in all pulseless sudden cardiac arrest scenarios, including asystole and pulseless electrical activity. A consistent theme with all vasopressors in sudden cardiac arrest is that additional studies are necessary to clearly document greater efficacy compared with no treatment. Further evaluation is warranted to better assess the role of vasopressin in asystolic sudden cardiac arrest, as well as its use with epinephrine, and to determine its optimal timing of administration and potential synergistic effects.