Laypersons' efforts to initiate basic life support (BLS) in witnessed Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) remain comparably low within western society. Therefore, in order to shorten no-flow times ...in cardiac arrest, several police-based first responder systems equipped with automated external defibrillators (Pol-AED) were established in urban areas, which subsequently allow early BLS and AED administration by police officers. However, data on the quality of BLS and AED use in such a system and its impact on patient outcome remain scarce and inconclusive. A total of 85 Pol-AED cases were randomly assigned to a gender, age and first rhythm matched non-Pol-AED control group (n = 170) in a 1:2 ratio. Data on quality of BLS were extracted via trans-thoracic impedance tracings of used AED devices. Comparing Pol-AED cases and the control group, we observed a similar compression rate per minute (p = 0.677) and compression ratio (p = 0.651), mirroring an overall high quality of BLS administered by police officers. Time to the first shock was significantly shorter in Pol-AED cases (6 minutes IQR: 2-10 vs. 12 minutes IQR: 8-17; p<0.001). While Pol-AED was not associated with increased sustained return of spontaneous circulation (p = 0.564), a strong and independent impact on survival until hospital discharge (adj. OR: 1.85 95%CI: 1.06-3.23; p = 0.030) and a borderline significance for the association with favorable neurological outcome (adj. OR: 1.58 95%CI: 0.96-2.89; p = 0.052) were observed. We were able to demonstrate an early start and a high quality of BLS and AED use in Pol-AED assessed OHCA cases. Moreover, the presence of Pol-AED care was associated with better patient survival and borderline significance for favorable neurological outcome.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
Abstract Aim Cardiac arrest centers have been associated with improved outcome for patients after cardiac arrest. Aim of this study was to investigate the effect on outcome depending on admission to ...high-, medium- or low volume centers. Methods Analysis from a prospective, multicenter registry for out of hospital cardiac arrest patients treated by the emergency medical service of Vienna, Austria. The frequency of cardiac arrest patients admitted per center/year (low <50; medium 50–100; high >100) was correlated to favorable outcome (30-day survival with cerebral performance category of 1 or 2). Results Out of 2238 patients (years 2013–2015) with emergency medical service resuscitation, 861 (32% female, age 64 (51;73) years) were admitted to 7 different centers. Favorable outcome was achieved in 267 patients (31%). Survivors were younger (58 vs. 66 years; p < 0.001), showed shockable initial heart rhythm more frequently (72 vs. 35%; p < 0.001), had shorter CPR durations (22 vs. 29 min; p < 0.001) and were more likely to be treated in a high frequency center (OR 1.6; CI: 1.2–2.1; p = 0.001). In multivariate analysis, age below 65 years (OR 15; CI: 3.3–271.4; p = 0.001), shockable initial heart rhythm (OR 10.1; CI: 2.4–42.6; p = 0.002), immediate bystander or emergency medical service CPR (OR 11.2; CI: 1.4–93.3; p = 0.025) and admission to a center with a frequency of >100 OHCA patients/year (OR 5.2; CI: 1.2–21.7; p = 0.025) was associated with favorable outcome. Conclusions High frequency of post-cardiac arrest treatment in a specialized center seems to be an independent predictor for favorable outcome in an unselected population of patients after out of hospital cardiac arrest.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survival varies greatly between communities. The Utstein template was developed and promulgated to improve the comparability of OHCA outcome reports, but it has ...undergone limited empiric validation. We sought to assess how much of the variation in OHCA survival between emergency medical services (EMS) across the globe is explained by differences in the Utstein factors. We also assessed how accurately the Utstein factors predict OHCA survival.
We performed a retrospective analysis of patient-level prospectively collected data from 12 OHCA registries from 12 countries for the period 1 Jan 2006 through 31 Dec 2011. We used generalized linear mixed models to examine the variation in survival between EMS agencies (n=232).
Twelve registries contributed 86,759 cases. Patient arrest characteristics, EMS treatment and patient outcomes varied across registries. Overall survival to hospital discharge was 10% (range, 6% to 22%). Overall survival with Cerebral Performance Category of 1 or 2 (available for 8/12 registries) was 8% (range, 2% to 20%). The area-under-the-curve for the Utstein model was 0.85 (Wald CI: 0.85–0.85). The Utstein factors explained 51% of the EMS agency variation in OHCA survival.
The Utstein factors explained 51% of the variation in survival to hospital discharge among multiple large geographically separate EMS agencies. This suggests that quality improvement and public health efforts should continue to target modifiable Utstein factors to improve OHCA survival. Further study is required to identify the reasons for the variation that is incompletely understood.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Gastrointestinal ischemia with reperfusion tissue injury contributes to post-cardiac arrest syndrome. We hypothesized that diarrhea is a symptom of intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury and ...investigated whether the occurrence of early diarrhea (≤12 hours) after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation is associated with an unfavorable neurological outcome.We analyzed data from the Vienna Clinical Cardiac Arrest Registry. Inclusion criteria comprised ≥18 years of age, a witnessed, non-traumatic out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), initial shockable rhythm, and ST-segment elevation in electrocardiogram after ROSC with consecutive coronary angiography. Patients with diarrhea caused by other factors (e.g., infections, antibiotic treatment, or chronic diseases) were excluded. The primary endpoint was neurological function between patients with or without "early diarrhea" (≤12 hours after ROSC) according to cerebral performance categories.We included 156 patients between 2005 and 2012. The rate of unfavorable neurologic outcome was higher in patients with early diarrhea (67% vs 37%). In univariate analysis, the crude odds ratio for unfavorable neurologic outcome was 3.42 (95% confidence interval, 1.11-10.56, P = .03) for early diarrhea. After multivariate adjustment for traditional prognostication markers the odds ratio of early diarrhea was 5.90 (95% confidence interval, 1.28-27.06, P = .02).In conclusion, early diarrhea within 12 hours after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation was associated with an unfavorable neurological outcome.
Hypoxic liver injury (HLI) is a frequent and life-threatening complication in critically ill patients that occurs in up to ten percent of critically ill patients. However, there is a lack of data on ...HLI following cardiac arrest and its clinical implications on outcome. Aim of this study was to investigate incidence, outcome and functional outcome of patients with HLI after in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).
We conducted an analysis of a cardiac arrest registry data over a 7-year period. All patients with non-traumatic OHCA and IHCA with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) treated at the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital were included in the study. HLI was defined according to established criteria. Predictors of HLI, occurrence, clinical and neurological outcome were assessed using multivariable regression.
Out of 1068 patients after IHCA and OHCA with ROSC, 219 (21%) patients developed HLI. Rate of HLI did not differ significantly in IHCA and OHCA patients. Multivariate regression analysis identified time-to-ROSC OR 1.18, 95% CI (1.01–1.38); p < 0.05, presence of cardiac failure OR 2.57, 95% CI (1.65–4.01); p < 0.001 and Charlson comorbidity index OR 0.83, 95% CI (0.72–0.95); p < 0.01 as independent predictors for occurrence of HLI. Good functional outcome was significantly lower in patients suffering from HLI after 28-days (35% vs. 48%, p < 0.001) and 1-year (34% vs. 44%, p < 0.001). Occurrence of HLI was associated with unfavourable neurological outcome OR 1.74, 95% CI (1.16–2.61); p < 0.01 in multivariate regression analysis.
New onset of HLI is a frequent finding after IHCA and OHCA. HLI is associated with increased mortality, unfavourable neurological and overall outcome.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Outcome is generally poor in out of hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) with initial non-shockable rhythms. Termination of resuscitation rules facilitate early prognostication at the scene to cease ...resuscitation attempts in futile situations and to proceed advanced life support in promising conditions. As pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is present as first rhythm in every 4th OHCA we were interested if the initial electrical frequency in PEA predicts survival.
All patients >18 years of age with non-traumatic OHCA and PEA as first rhythm between August 2013 and August 2015 from the Vienna Cardiac Arrest Registry were included in this retrospective observational study. Defibrillator and epidemiological data from the emergency medical system as survival data were processed considering the initial electrical activity in PEA and 30 days survival.
Out of 2149 OHCA patients, a total of 504 PEA patients were eligible for analyses. These patients were stratified into 4 groups according the initial electrical frequency in PEA: 10–24/min, 25–39/min, 40–59/min, >60/min. Compared to a frequency >60/min all other subgroups were associated with higher mortality especially those with an initial electrical frequency 10–24 (adjusted OR 0.56 (0.39–0.79) p = .001 for each category chance). QRS duration in PEA did not influence outcome. Patients in the >60/min group showed a 30-days-survival rate of 22% and a good neurological outcome in 15% of all patients – comparable to shockable cardiac arrest rhythms.
Regardless of other resuscitation factors, higher initial electrical frequency in PEA is associated with increased odds of survival and good neurological outcome.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
BACKGROUNDThere is an increasing use of extracorporeal life support in refractory cardiac arrest. Recent studies highlighted the importance of an early and accurate patient selection for this ...invasive procedure.
OBJECTIVESThe aim of this study was to retrospectively validate a six-criteria-screening-checklist (witnessed collapse, bystander-cardiopulmonary resuscitation/first medical contact <5 min, shockable, age <70 years, end tidal carbon dioxide >14 mmHg and pupils not anisocoric/distorted/mydriatic) as an early screening tool in patients treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) at the emergency department.
DESIGNRetrospective observational study.
SETTING/PATIENTSAll patients at least 18 years of age with nontraumatic cardiac arrest and without return of spontaneous circulation before eCPR treatment at our department between January 2013 and December 2018 were included in this retrospective observational study.
INTERVENTIONNo specific intervention was set in this observational study.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESPrimary outcome was the rate of patients who fulfilled all criteria, secondary outcome was 30-day and 6-month survival in accordance with the criteria.
RESULTSOverall, data from a total of 92 patients were eligible for analyses. Out of these, 27 patients (29%) met all criteria. Patients, who fulfilled all criteria, showed significantly higher odds for 30-day survival OR 6.0 (95% CI 1.78 to 20.19) P = 0.004. Patients, who did not fulfil all criteria, showed significantly higher rates of early mortality after eCPR initiation OR 4.57 (95% CI 1.69 to 12.37) P = 0.003.
CONCLUSIONPatients fulfilling all inclusion criteria showed higher rates of survival after eCPR. Our results affirm that there is a possibility and even an obvious necessity for early patient selection based on standardised criteria before eCPR treatment. Large randomised trials are urgently needed to answer this question accurately.
Summary
Background
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common cause of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). Although coronary angiography (CAG) should be performed also in the absence of ST-elevation ...(STE) after sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), this recommendation is not well implemented in daily routine.
Methods
A retrospective database analysis was conducted in a tertiary care center between January 2005 and December 2014. We included all SCA patients aged ≥ 18 years with presumed cardiac cause and sustained ROSC in the absence of STE at hospital admission. The rate and timing of CAG were defined as the primary endpoints. As secondary endpoints, the reasons pro and contra CAG were analyzed. Furthermore, we observed if the signs and symptoms used for decision making occurred more often in patients with treatable CAD.
Results
We included 645 (53.6%) of the 1203 screened patients, CAG was performed in 343 (53.2%) patients with a diagnosis of occlusive CAD in 214 (62.4%) patients. Of these, 151 (71.0%) patients had occlusive CAD treated with coronary intervention, thrombus aspiration, or coronary artery bypass grafting. In an adjusted binomial logistic regression analysis, age ≥ 70 years, female sex, non-shockable rhythms, and cardiomyopathy were associated with withholding of CAG. In patients diagnosed and treated with occlusive CAD, initially shockable rhythms, previously diagnosed CAD, hypertension, and smoking were found more often.
Conclusion
Although selection bias is unavoidable due to the retrospective design of this study, a high proportion of the examined patients had occlusive CAD. The criteria used for patient selection may be suboptimal.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
BACKGROUNDEarly outcome prediction in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is still a challenge. End-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) has been shown to be a reliable parameter to reflect the quality of ...cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the chance of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).
OBJECTIVESThis study assessed the validity of early capnography as a predictive factor for ROSC and survival in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims with an underlying nonshockable rhythm.
DESIGNRetrospective observational study.
SETTING/PATIENTSDuring a 2-year observational period, data from 2223 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims within the city of Vienna were analysed. The focus was on the following patientsage more than 18 years, an underlying nonshockable rhythm, and advanced airway management within the first 15 min of advanced life support with subsequent capnography.
INTERVENTIONNo specific intervention was set in this observational study.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURESThe first measured ETCO2, assessed immediately after placement of an advanced airway, was used for further analysis. The primary outcome was defined as sustained ROSC, and the secondary outcome was 30-day survival.
RESULTSA total of 526 patients met the inclusion criteria. These were stratified into three groups according to initial ETCO2 values (<20, 20 to 45, >45 mmHg). Baseline data and resuscitation factors were similar among all groups. The odds of sustained ROSC and survival were significantly higher for patients presenting with higher values of initial ETCO2 (>45 mmHg)3.59 95% CI, 2.19 to 5.85 P = 0.001 and 5.02 95% CI, 2.25 to 11.23 P = 0.001, respectively. On the contrary ETCO2 levels less than 20 mmHg were associated with significantly poorer outcomes.
CONCLUSIONPatients with a nonshockable out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who presented with higher values of initial ETCO2 had an increased chance of sustained ROSC and survival. This finding could help decision making as regards continuation of resuscitation efforts.
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