Resuscitation
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Intraosseous vascular access is a commonly conducted procedure especially in pediatric resuscitation. Very high success rates for intraosseous (IO) devices are reported. Aim of the study was to describe the rates of malposition of intraosseous needles (ION) in pediatric cadavers via post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT). ⋯ Our study showed relatively high malposition rates for ION devices in pediatric cadavers which was not to be assumed regarding the success rates of 80% and higher in previous literature. This should be clarified by further studies in living patients.
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Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Kinetics of manual and automated mechanical chest compressions.
Early onset of adequate chest compression is mandatory for cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) following cardiac arrest. Transmission of forces from chest strain to the heart may be variable between manual and mechanical chest compressions. Furthermore, automated mechanical chest devices can deliver an active decompression, thus improving the venous return to the heart. This pilot study investigated the kinetics of cardiac deformation during these two CPR methods. ⋯ Mechanical compared to manual chest compression delivered a more rapid compression and decompression of the cardiac structures at an adequate rate, with broader inward-outward movement of the ventricular walls suggesting greater emptying and filling of the ventricles. Transesophageal echocardiography may be a useful tool to assess the adequacy of chest compression without CPR interruption.
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To evaluate the effectiveness of epinephrine, compared with control treatments, on survival at admission, ROSC, survival to discharge, and a favorable neurologic outcome in adult patients during OHCA. ⋯ In OHCA, standard or high doses of epinephrine should be used because they improved survival to hospital discharge. There was also a clear advantage of using epinephrine over a placebo or no drugs in the considered outcomes.
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Observational Study
Ethnic disparities in the incidence and outcome from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A New Zealand observational study.
New Zealand (NZ) has an ethnically diverse population. International studies have demonstrated significant differences in health equity by ethnicity; however, there is limited evidence in the context of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in NZ. We investigated whether heath disparities in incidence and outcome of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest exist between NZ ethnic groups. ⋯ There are significant differences in health equity by ethnicity. Both Māori and Pacific Peoples have higher incidence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and at a younger age. Māori and Pacific Peoples have lower rates of survival to thirty-days. Our results provide impetus for targeted health strategies for at-risk ethnic populations.