The American journal of emergency medicine
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When the initial rhythm of cardiac arrest is non-shockable, resuscitation outcomes tend to be unfavorable. However, signs of life (gasping, pupillary light reaction, or any form of body movement) have been suggested as favorable prognostic factors for patients with refractory cardiac arrest who are undergoing extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR). This study determined whether signs of life are favorable neurological prognostic factors for patients undergoing ECPR post non-shockable cardiac arrest. ⋯ Signs of life during resuscitation were favorable prognostic factors in patients with refractory cardiac arrest and non-shockable rhythm. When these patients are considered for ECPR, the status of signs of life during resuscitation may facilitate the decision to perform ECPR.