Resuscitation
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To investigate whether high mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) and S100B in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the serum predict the neurological outcome in patients resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). ⋯ The significant elevations of HMGB1 and S100B in CSF, and S100B in serum are associated with the neurologically poor outcome in OHCA patients.
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Quality of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a key determinant of outcome following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Recent evidence shows manual chest compressions are typically too shallow, interruptions are frequent and prolonged, and incomplete release between compressions is common. Mechanical chest compression systems have been developed as adjuncts for CPR but interruption of CPR during their use is not well documented. ⋯ Interruptions in chest compressions to apply LUCAS can be <20s but are often much longer, and users do not perceive pause time accurately. Therefore, we recommend better training on application technique, and implementation of systems using impedance data to give users objective feedback on their mechanical chest compression device use.
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Determine the impact of backboard placement, torso weight and bed compression on chest compression (CC) depth feedback in simulated cardiac arrest patients. ⋯ BB is important for CPR when performed on soft surfaces, such as ICU beds, especially when torso weight is light. BB may not be needed on stretchers, relatively firm hospital beds, or for patients with heavy torso weights.
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Treatment with hypothermia has been shown to improve outcome after cardiac arrest (CA). Current consensus is to rewarm at 0.25-0.5 °C/h and avoid fever. The aim of this study was to investigate whether active rewarming, the rate of rewarming or development of fever after treatment with hypothermia after CA was correlated with poor outcome. ⋯ This study showed that patients who needed active rewarming after therapeutic hypothermia after CA did not have a higher risk for a poor outcome. In addition, neither speed of rewarming, nor development of fever had an effect on outcome.
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Historical Article
From clinical judgment to odds: a history of prognostication in anoxic-ischemic coma.
Persistent coma from a major anoxic-ischemic injury to the brain may indicate there is less chance for full recovery. The tools of prognostication to assess comatose survivors of cardiopulmonary resuscitation have developed over several decades. Physicians would initially base their judgment on experience and data on outcome in these patients in the early years were merely on awakening not on disability. ⋯ The impetus for this study was the result of Plum and Jennet's collaboration. In 1981--for the first time--complex statistics were used to improve the accuracy of prognosis and became known as the "Levy algorithms." These early seminal studies shaped the prediction models and implied that clinical information alone could assist physicians in making a prediction. Later, probabilistic methods became more commonplace.