Resuscitation
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Current data are insufficient for the leading resuscitation societies to advise on the use of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for pediatric out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The aim of this study was to explore the current utilization of ECPR for pediatric OHCA and characterize the patient demographics, arrest features, and metabolic parameters associated with survival. ⋯ These preliminary data suggest that while overall survival is poor, a carefully selected pediatric OHCA patient may benefit from ECPR. Further studies are needed to understand long-term neurologic outcomes.
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This study explores the evolution of organ donation from patients treated with extracorporeal-cardiopulmonary-resuscitation (ECPR) for refractory out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest (OHCA) and evaluates the public health benefits of a mature ECPR program. ⋯ The public health benefits of an established ECPR program extend beyond individual ECPR patient survival, forming a new, previously under-recognized source of transplant donors.
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Poor neurological outcome is common following a cardiac arrest. The use of volatile anesthetic agents has been proposed during post-resuscitation to improve outcome. ⋯ In this propensity-matched control study, isoflurane sedation during the post-resuscitation care of ICU patients was associated with a lower incidence of delirium, a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and a reduced ICU length of stay. Prospective data are needed before its widespread use.