Resuscitation
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Comparative Study Observational Study
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation versus conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation in adults with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A prospective observational study.
A favorable neurological outcome is likely to be achieved in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients with ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/VT) on the initial electrocardiogram (ECG). However, in patients without pre-hospital restoration of spontaneous circulation despite the initial VF/VT, the outcome is extremely low by conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Extracorporeal CPR (ECPR) may enhance cerebral blood flow and recovery of neurological function. We prospectively examined how ECPR for OHCA with VF/VT would affect neurological outcomes. ⋯ In OHCA patients with VF/VT on the initial ECG, a treatment bundle including ECPR, therapeutic hypothermia and IABP was associated with improved neurological outcome at 1 and 6 months after OHCA.
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Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is standard of care after ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest (CA). Continuous EEG monitoring (cEEG) is increasingly used during TH. Analysis regarding value of cEEG utilization in this population in the context of cost and outcome has not been performed. We compared outcome and EEG charges in CA patients with selective versus routine cEEG. ⋯ Routine use of cEEG during TH after CA improved seizure detection, but not outcomes. There was a three-fold increase in EEG estimated charges with routine use of cEEG.
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Evaluate the roles of water temperature and submersion duration in the outcome of drowning victims. ⋯ A protective effect of cold water for drowning victims was not found; estimated submersion duration was the most powerful predictor of outcome. Recommendations for initiation of rescue and resuscitation efforts should be revised to reflect the very low likelihood of good outcome following submersion greater than 10 min.
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Observational Study
Effect of mattress and bed frame deflection on real chest compression depth measured with two CPR sensors.
Implementation of chest compression (CC) feedback devices with a single force and deflection sensor (FDS) may improve the quality of CPR. However, CC depth may be overestimated if the patient is on a compliant surface. We have measured the true CC depth during in-hospital CPR using two FDSs on different bed and mattress types. ⋯ The use of FDS without real-time correction for deflection may result in CC depth not reaching the recommended depth of 50 mm.
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Observational Study
Prevalence and risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder in relatives of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients.
Prognostic uncertainty and surrogate decision-making demands associated with prolonged unconsciousness in out-of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) may increase post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk in their relatives. Our aim was to study PTSD frequency and risk factors in relatives of OHCA patients. ⋯ Relatives of OHCA patients treated in the ICU are at increased risk of PTSD, which can be predicted based on six factors, three ICU-related and potentially at least partly modifiable. Further research is needed to validate our findings and to develop strategies to prevent PTSD in OHCA patients' relatives.