Background
Organ failure increases mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis. Data about resuscitated cardiac arrest patients with liver cirrhosis are missing. This study aims to assess aetiology, ...survival and functional outcome in patients after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) with and without liver cirrhosis.
Methods
Analysis of prospectively collected cardiac arrest registry data of consecutively hospital-admitted patients following successful CPR was performed. Patient’s characteristics, admission diagnosis, severity of disease, course of disease, short- and long-term mortality as well as functional outcome were assessed and compared between patients with and without cirrhosis.
Results
Out of 1068 patients with successful CPR, 47 (4%) had liver cirrhosis. Acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) was present in 33 (70%) of these patients on admission, and four patients developed ACLF during follow-up. Mortality at 1 year was more than threefold increased in patients with liver cirrhosis (OR 3.25; 95% CI 1.33–7.96). Liver cirrhosis was associated with impaired neurological outcome (OR for a favourable cerebral performance category: 0.13; 95% CI 0.04–0.36). None of the patients with Child–Turcotte–Pugh (CTP) C cirrhosis survived 28 days with good neurological outcome. Overall nine (19%) patients with cirrhosis survived 28 days with good neurological outcome. All patients with ACLF grade 3 died within 28 days.
Conclusion
Cardiac arrest survivors with cirrhosis have worse outcome than those without. Although one quarter of patients with liver cirrhosis survived longer than 28 days after successful CPR, patients with CTP C as well as advanced ACLF did not survive 28 days with good neurological outcome.
We investigated the relationship between lactate clearance and outcome in patients surviving the first 48 hours after cardiac arrest. We conducted the study in the emergency department of an urban ...tertiary care hospital. We analyzed the data for all 48-hour survivors after successful resuscitation from cardiac arrest during a 10-year period. Serial lactate measurements, demographic data, and key cardiac arrest data were correlated to survival and best neurologic outcome within 6 months after cardiac arrest. Parameters showing significant results in univariate analysis were tested for significance in a logistic regression model. Of 1502 screened patients, 394 were analyzed. Survivors (n = 194, 49%) had lower lactate levels on admission (median, 7.8 interquartile range, 5.4-10.8 vs 9 6.6-11.9 mmol/L), after 24 hours (1.4 1-2.5 vs 1.7 1.1-3 mmol/L), and after 48 hours (1.2 0.9-1.6 vs 1.5 1.1-2.3 mmol/L). Patients with favorable neurologic outcome (n = 186, 47%) showed lower levels on admission (7.6 5.4-10.3 vs 9.2 6.7-12.1 mmol/L) and after 48 hours (1.2 0.9-1.6 vs 1.5 1-2.2 mmol/L). In multivariate analysis, lactate levels at 48 hours were an independent predictor for mortality (odds ratio OR: 1.49 increase per mmol/L, 95% confidence interval CI: 1.17-1.89) and unfavorable neurologic outcome (OR: 1.28 increase per mmol/L, 95% CI: 1.08-1.51). Lactate levels higher than 2 mmol/L after 48 hours predicted mortality with a specificity of 86% and poor neurologic outcome with a specificity of 87%. Sensitivity for both end points was 31%. Lactate at 48 hours after cardiac arrest is an independent predictor of mortality and unfavorable neurologic outcome. Persisting hyperlactatemia over 48 hours predicts a poor prognosis.
Background:
In cardiac arrest survivors, metabolic parameters pH value, lactate concentration, and base deficit (BD) are routinely added to peri-arrest factors (including age, sex, bystander ...cardiopulmonary resuscitation, shockable first rhythm, resuscitation duration, adrenaline dose) to enhance early outcome prediction. However, the additional value of this strategy remains unclear.
Methods:
We used our resuscitation database to screen all patients ≥18 years who had suffered in- or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA, OHCA) between January 1st, 2005 and May 1st, 2019. Patients with incomplete data, without return of spontaneous circulation or treatment with sodium bicarbonate were excluded. To analyse the added value of metabolic parameters to prognosticate neurological function, we built three models using logistic regression. These models included: (1) Peri-arrest factors only, (2) peri-arrest factors plus metabolic parameters and (3) metabolic parameters only. Receiver operating characteristics curves regarding 30-day good neurological function (Cerebral Performance Category 1-2) were analysed.
Results:
A total of 2,317 patients (OHCA:
n
= 1842) were included. In patients with OHCA, model 1 and 2 had comparable predictive value. Model 3 was inferior compared to model 1. In IHCA patients, model 2 performed best, whereas both metabolic (model 3) and peri-arrest factors (model 1) demonstrated similar power. PH, lactate and BD had interchangeable areas under the curve in both IHCA and OHCA.
Conclusion:
Although metabolic parameters may play a role in IHCA, no additional value in the prediction of good neurological outcome could be found in patients with OHCA. This highlights the importance of accurate anamnesis especially in patients with OHCA.
The generation of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS), including hydrogen peroxide, in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors causes systemic ischemia/reperfusion injury that may lead to ...multiple organ dysfunction and mortality. We hypothesized that the antioxidant enzyme catalase may attenuate these pathophysiological processes after cardiac arrest. Therefore, we aimed to analyze the predictive value of catalase levels for mortality in OHCA survivors. In a prospective, single-center study, catalase levels were determined in OHCA survivors 48 h after the return of spontaneous circulation. Thirty-day mortality was defined as the study end point. A total of 96 OHCA survivors were enrolled, of whom 26% (n = 25) died within the first 30 days after OHCA. The median plasma intensity levels (log2) of catalase were 8.25 (IQR 7.64–8.81). Plasma levels of catalase were found to be associated with mortality, with an adjusted HR of 2.13 (95% CI 1.07–4.23, p = 0.032). A Kaplan–Meier analysis showed a significant increase in 30-day mortality in patients with high catalase plasma levels compared to patients with low catalase levels (p = 0.012). High plasma levels of catalase are a strong and independent predictor for 30-day mortality in OHCA survivors. This indicates that ROS-dependent tissue damage is playing a crucial role in fatal outcomes of post-cardiac syndrome patients.
Background:
The post-cardiac arrest (CA) phase is characterized by high fluid requirements, endothelial activation and increased vascular permeability. Erythrocytes are large cells and may not leave ...circulation despite massive capillary leak. We hypothesized that dynamic changes in hemoglobin concentrations may reflect the degree of vascular permeability and may be associated with neurologic function after CA.
Methods:
We included patients ≥18 years, who suffered a non-traumatic CA between 2013 and 2018 from the prospective Vienna Clinical Cardiac Arrest Registry. Patients without return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), with extracorporeal life support, with any form of bleeding, undergoing surgery, receiving transfusions, without targeted temperature management or with incomplete datasets for multivariable analysis were excluded. The primary outcome was neurologic function at day 30 assessed by the Cerebral Performance Category scale. Differences of hemoglobin concentrations at admission and 12 h after ROSC were calculated and associations with neurologic function were investigated by uni- and multivariable logistic regression.
Results:
Two hundred and seventy-five patients were eligible for analysis of which 143 (52%) had poor neurologic function. For every g/dl increase in hemoglobin from admission to 12 h the odds of poor neurologic function increased by 26% (crude OR 1.26, 1.07–1.49,
p
= 0.006). The effect remained unchanged after adjustment for fluid balance and traditional prognostication markers (adjusted OR 1.27, 1.05–1.54,
p
= 0.014).
Conclusion:
Increasing hemoglobin levels in spite of a positive fluid balance may serve as a surrogate parameter of vascular permeability and are associated with poor neurologic function in the early post-cardiac arrest period.
Background: Mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) is a treatment adjunct in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) that deserves investigation. Copeptin―a surrogate marker for vasopressin―is ...an early biomarker in STEMI. Data from cardiac arrest patients suggest a reduction of copeptin levels through MTH; however, copeptin levels have not been investigated in MTH during STEMI. Methods: We analyzed patients treated with MTH during STEMI in a sub-study of the STATIM trial (Testori, Heart 2019). Patients were randomized to normothermia or MTH with out-of-hospital initiation. Seven copeptin samples were collected from each patient. Primary endpoint was the difference in copeptin levels between the groups. As secondary endpoints, we defined differences in the kinetics between the sampling timepoints and the correlation between copeptin and the infarct size in relation to left ventricular myocardium. Results: We included 99 patients (MTH n = 47, control n = 52) in our intention to treat analysis. No differences in copeptin values at first medical contact between the MTH and normothermia groups were found. MTH showed no effect on copeptin levels, neither during cooling phase nor through the course. Copeptin peaked at first medical contact and hospital admission in both groups. No differences in kinetics between the timepoints were found. Copeptin showed no correlation with infarct size, neither at first medical contact nor hospital admission. Conclusions: Copeptin levels were not influenced by MTH in STEMI, suggesting the use of this biomarker also during temperature management. Furthermore, copeptin levels were not usable as a surrogate marker for infarct size at any timepoint.
Background and Rationale:
Mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH) is a concept to reduce infarct size and improve outcome after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). In the STATIM trial, we ...investigated MTH as an additional therapy for STEMI patients. In the intention-to-treat set, 101 patients were included. No difference in primary and secondary endpoints measured by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was found. Platelet activation and plasmatic coagulation are key in the pathophysiology of STEMI. In the present study, we investigated the effect of MTH on primary and secondary hemostasis in STEMI patients.
Methods and Results:
Platelet function and morphology were assessed by routine blood count, aggregometry testing, and flow cytometry. Soluble platelet markers were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing. Plasmatic coagulation was measured throughout the study. Platelet count remained unchanged, irrespective of treatment, whereas platelet size decreased in both patient groups. Platelet aggregometry indicated increased platelet reactivity in the MTH group. Furthermore, higher adenosine diphosphate (ADP) plasma levels were found in MTH patients. Expression of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa was increased on platelets of STEMI patients treated with MTH. Lower patient temperatures correlated with longer clotting times and resulted in reduced pH. Lower pH values were positively correlated with longer clotting times.
Conclusion:
Present data indicate longer clotting times and higher platelet reactivity in STEMI patients treated with MTH. These changes did not correspond to clinical bleeding events or larger infarct size.
Abstract Backround Infections are a common problem in cardiac arrest survivors. Antimicrobial drugs are often administered in routine care during treatment of patients with mild therapeutic ...hypothermia (MTH). Because there is to date no evidence for the pharmacodynamics of antimicrobial drugs under MTH conditions, we investigated the in vitro activity of common antimicrobials against clinically relevant bacterial pathogens. Material and methods Activities of antimicrobial drugs against clinically relevant bacterial pathogens were assessed in vitro by disk diffusion and broth microdilution assays at normothermic (37°C) and hypothermic (32°C) conditions. Results Seventy-three bacterial isolates were tested in disk diffusion and 15 in broth microdilution assays. Mean differences in zone diameters and minimal inhibitory concentration ratios were 0.6 mm (95% confidence interval, 0.3-0.9 mm) and 0.98 (95% confidence interval, 0.95-1.02), respectively, meeting predefined criteria for equivalence of in vitro antimicrobial activity. Conclusions The presented data provide reassuring evidence that the intrinsic activity of antimicrobials seems to be unaltered in MTH. However, further studies evaluating the pharmacokinetics including target site concentrations of the respective drugs and in vivo pharmacodynamics are necessary to complement our understanding of the appropriate use of antimicrobials in MTH.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Abstract Background Sudden cardiac arrest as a complication of neurologic disorders is rare, occasionally acute neurologic events present with cardiac arrest as initial manifestation. Objective Our ...aim was to describe neurologic disorders as a cause of cardiac arrest in order to enable better recognition. Methods We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected resuscitation data of all patients treated between 1991 and 2011 at the emergency department after cardiac arrest caused by a neurologic event, including diagnosis, therapy, and outcomes. Results Over 20 years, 154 patients suffered cardiac arrest as a result of a neurologic event. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest occurred in 126 (82%) patients, 78 (51%) were male, median age was 51 years (interquartile range 17 to 89 years). As initial electrocardiogram rhythm, pulseless electrical activity was found in 77 (50%) cases, asystole in 61 (40%), and ventricular fibrillation in 16 (10%) cases. The most common cause was subarachnoid hemorrhage in 74 (48%) patients, 33 (21%) patients had intracerebral hemorrhage, 23 (15%) had epileptic seizure, 11 (7%) had ischemic stroke, and 13 (8%) had other neurologic diseases. Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in 139 (90%) patients. Of these, 22 (14%) were alive at follow-up after 6 months, 14 (9%) with favorable neurologic outcome, 8 of these with epileptic seizure, and most of them with history of epilepsy. Conclusions Subarachnoidal hemorrhage is the leading neurologic cause of cardiac arrest. Most of the patients with cardiac arrest caused by neurologic disorder have a very poor prognosis.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK
Abstract Background The medical priority dispatch system (MPDS®) assists lay rescuers in protocol-driven telephone-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Objective Our aim was to clarify which ...CPR instruction leads to sufficient compression depth. Methods This was an investigator-blinded, randomized, parallel group, simulation study to investigate 10 min of chest compressions after the instruction “push down firmly 5 cm” vs. “push as hard as you can.” Primary outcome was defined as compression depth. Secondary outcomes were participants exertion measured by Borg scale, provider's systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and quality values measured by the skill-reporting program of the Resusci® Anne Simulator manikin. For the analysis of the primary outcome, we used a linear random intercept model to allow for the repeated measurements with the intervention as a covariate. Results Thirteen participants were allocated to control and intervention. One participant (intervention) dropped out after min 7 because of exhaustion. Primary outcome showed a mean compression depth of 44.1 mm, with an inter-individual standard deviation (SDb ) of 13.0 mm and an intra-individual standard deviation (SDw ) of 6.7 mm for the control group vs. 46.1 mm and a SDb of 9.0 mm and SDw of 10.3 mm for the intervention group (difference: 1.9; 95% confidence interval −6.9 to 10.8; p = 0.66). Secondary outcomes showed no difference for exhaustion and CPR-quality values. Conclusions There is no difference in compression depth, quality of CPR, or physical strain on lay rescuers using the initial instruction “push as hard as you can” vs. the standard MPDS® instruction “push down firmly 5 cm.”
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK