Resuscitation
-
Kynurenine pathway (KP) is a major route of the tryptophan (TRP) catabolism. In the present study, TRP and KP metabolites concentrations were measured in plasma from rats, pigs and humans after cardiac arrest (CA) in order to assess KP activation and its potential role in post-resuscitation outcome. ⋯ In this fully translational investigation, the KP was activated early following resuscitation from CA in rats, pigs, and humans, and might have contributed to post-resuscitation outcome.
-
To build an early warning score (EWS) based exclusively on routinely undertaken laboratory tests that might provide early discrimination of in-hospital death and could be easily implemented on paper. ⋯ This study provides evidence that the results of commonly measured laboratory tests collected soon after hospital admission can be represented in a simple, paper-based EWS (LDT-EWS) to discriminate in-hospital mortality. We hypothesise that, with appropriate modification, it might be possible to extend the use of LDT-EWS throughout the patient's hospital stay.
-
Comparative Study
Electrical features of eighteen automated external defibrillators: A systematic evaluation.
Assessment and comparison of the electrical parameters (energy, current, first and second phase waveform duration) among eighteen AEDs. ⋯ There is a large variability in the electrical features of the AEDs tested. Energy is likely not to be the best indicator for strength dose selection. Current and shock duration should be both considered when approaching the technical features of AEDs. These findings may prompt further investigations to define the optimal current and duration of the shock waves to increase the success rate in the clinical setting.
-
To evaluate a novel esophageal heat transfer device for use in inducing, maintaining, and reversing hypothermia. We hypothesized that this device could successfully induce, maintain (within a 1 °C range of goal temperature), and reverse, mild therapeutic hypothermia in a large animal model over a 30-h treatment protocol. ⋯ A new esophageal heat transfer device successfully and safely induced, maintained, and reversed therapeutic hypothermia in large swine. Goal temperature was maintained within a narrow range, and thermogenic shivering did not occur. These findings suggest a useful new modality to induce therapeutic hypothermia.
-
Reliable, non-invasive detection of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) with minimal interruptions to chest compressions would be valuable for high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). We investigated the potential of photoplethysmography (PPG) to detect the presence of a spontaneous pulse during automated CPR in an animal study. ⋯ These results demonstrate the potential of PPG as a non-invasive means to detect pulse presence or absence, as well as pulse rate during CPR.