The American journal of emergency medicine
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When the initial rhythm of cardiac arrest is non-shockable, resuscitation outcomes tend to be unfavorable. However, signs of life (gasping, pupillary light reaction, or any form of body movement) have been suggested as favorable prognostic factors for patients with refractory cardiac arrest who are undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). This study determined whether signs of life are favorable neurological prognostic factors for patients undergoing ECPR post non-shockable cardiac arrest. ⋯ Signs of life during resuscitation were favorable prognostic factors in patients with refractory cardiac arrest and non-shockable rhythm. When these patients are considered for ECPR, the status of signs of life during resuscitation may facilitate the decision to perform ECPR.
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Rattlesnake envenomations account for many of the Crotalid envenomations in the United States annually. Two antivenoms are currently available to treat Crotalid envenomation in this country: Crotalidae-polyvalent ovine immune Fab antivenom (CroFab®; FabAV) and Crotalidae equine immune F(ab')₂ antivenom (ANAVIP®; F(ab')₂AV). Few studies have compared the adverse effect rates for each. ⋯ Five patients (1.5 %) had severe adverse events reported in the poison center records following FabAV administration, and none were reported following F(ab')₂AV administration (p = 0.025). Overall, our poison center data suggests the rate of adverse events is low following the use of either antivenom. Our findings are limited by the lack of consistent timing data, a smaller F(ab')₂AV cohort, retrospective format, and use of poison center data.