Resuscitation
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An asphyxial cardiac arrest rat model, originally developed for Sprague-Dawley rats, was transferred to a Wistar rat model. Several strain specific life support adjustments, i.e. ventilator settings, anaesthesia, and drug requirements, were necessary to stabilize the model for Wistar rats. Despite these arrangements numerous resuscitation related variables appeared different. ⋯ Without strict temperature control (as in groups 2+3 rats) group 1 rats went into spontaneous mild to moderate hypothermia during the first 24 h after restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Spontaneous hypothermia delayed the development of overall visible CA1 neuronal damage 24-48 h, but did not prevent it; therefore the model seemed to be suitable for future studies. Neuronal damages in the CA1 region in Wistar rats appeared to be more as shrunken cell bodies and pyknotic nuclei before resorption took place, whereas in Sprague-Dawley rats appeared in the same region.
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Surf lifesavers in Australia undertake numerous resuscitation scenarios in the course of their training and examination. The standard teaching and examination strategy is for the scenario to end with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and then breathing. This study was performed to assess the effect of this training technique on lifesavers' expectation of successful resuscitation and to determine the effect of experience on these expectations. ⋯ Surf lifesavers in the Sydney Northern Beaches branch have an exaggerated expectation of the chances of successful CPR following cardiac arrest. This expectation did not change with time since learning CPR or participation in actual resuscitations. New models for CPR education need to be investigated.
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The use of vasopressin instead of adrenaline/epinephrine during resuscitation improves vital organ perfusion, but the effects on mesenteric perfusion following successful resuscitation are not fully evaluated. The present study was designed to compare the effects of vasopressin and adrenaline/epinephrine, given to rats during resuscitation from ventricular fibrillation, on to mesenteric ischaemia, as determined by intestinal mucosal tonometer pCO(2) during the postresuscitation period. ⋯ We conclude that in this rat model the administration of vasopressin instead of adrenaline/epinephrine for CPR tends to be associated with lower resuscitation success, but less mesenteric ischaemia during the postresuscitation period in successfully resuscitated rats.