Resuscitation
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Supraglottic airway devices (SGDs) are often used as an alternative to endotracheal tube (ETT) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). SGDs can be inserted 'blindly' and rapidly, without stopping compressions. These devices utilize pressurized balloons to direct air to the trachea and prevent esophagus insufflation. We hypothesize that the use of a SGD will compress the carotid artery and decrease carotid blood flow (CBF) during CPR in pigs. ⋯ The use of 3 different SGDs during CPR significantly decreased CBF in a porcine model of cardiac arrest. While the current study is limited to pigs, the findings suggest that further research on the effects of SGD use in humans and the effects on carotid artery blood flow is warranted.
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Coenzyme Q10 levels are low and associated with increased mortality in post-cardiac arrest patients.
Survival after cardiac arrest (CA) is limited by the profound neurologic insult from ischemia-reperfusion injury. Therapeutic options are limited. Previous data suggest a benefit of coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) in post-arrest patients. We hypothesized that plasma CoQ(10) levels would be low after CA and associated with poorer outcomes. ⋯ CoQ(10) levels are low in human subjects with ROSC after cardiac arrest as compared to healthy controls. CoQ(10) levels were lower in those who died, as well as in those with a poor neurologic outcome.
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Little is known about long-term prognosis following resuscitation from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, especially as it relates to the presenting rhythm or arrest aetiology. We investigated long-term survival among those discharged alive following resuscitation according to presenting rhythm and arrest aetiology. ⋯ Cardiac arrest due to non-shockable rhythm or non-cardiac aetiology comprises a substantial proportion of those who survive to hospital discharge. Although long-term survival in these groups is less than their shockable or cardiac aetiology counterparts, nearly half are alive 5 years following discharge. The findings support efforts to improve resuscitation care for those with non-shockable rhythms or non-cardiac cause.