Resuscitation
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A comparison of rectilinear and truncated exponential biphasic waveforms in elective cardioversion of atrial fibrillation: a prospective randomized controlled trial.
Several different biphasic waveforms are used clinically, but few studies have compared their efficacy. The two main waveforms are the biphasic rectilinear (BR) and biphasic truncated exponential (BTE) waveforms, both of which have important differences, particularly at the extremes of transthoracic impedance. ⋯ BR and BTE waveforms show similar high efficacy in the elective cardioversion of atrial fibrillation.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
A critical reappraisal of the ATLS classification of hypovolaemic shock: does it really reflect clinical reality?
The aim of this study was to validate the classification of hypovolaemic shock given by the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS). ⋯ This study indicates that the ATLS classification of hypovolaemic shock does not seem to reflect clinical reality accurately.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Development and validation of a multiple choice examination assessing cognitive and behavioural knowledge of pediatric resuscitation: a report from the EXPRESS pediatric research collaborative.
Assessing the knowledge of Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) based learning objectives of medical trainees is an important evaluation component for both residency programs and for research studies. In this study, a multiple-choice question (MCQ) examination was developed and validated for use in a larger pediatric simulation resuscitation study (EXPRESS study). ⋯ This short MCQ examination demonstrated reasonable reliability and construct validity. It may be useful to assess pediatric resuscitation knowledge in future studies or courses.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study Comparative Study
Therapeutic hypothermia and vasopressor dependency after cardiac arrest.
Clinical trials of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) after cardiac arrest excluded patients with persistent hemodynamic instability after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and thus equipoise may exist regarding use of TH in these patients. Our objective was to determine if TH is associated with worsening hemodynamic instability among patients who are vasopressor-dependent after ROSC. ⋯ In patients with vasopressor-dependency after cardiac arrest, the induction of hypothermia was not associated with a decrease in mean arterial pressure or increase in vasopressor requirement.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
Moderate hypothermia for severe cardiogenic shock (COOL Shock Study I & II).
Hypothermia exerts profound protection from neurological damage and death after resuscitation from circulatory arrest. Its application during concomitant cardiogenic shock has been discussed controversially, and still hypothermia is used with reserve when haemodynamic parameters are impaired. On the other hand hypothermia improves force development in isolated human myocardium. Thus, we hypothesized that hypothermia could beneficially affect cardiac function in patients during cardiogenic shock. ⋯ Moderate Hypothermia is safe and feasable in patients during cardiogenic shock. Moreover, hypothermia improved parameters of cardiac function, suggesting that hypothermia might be considered as a positive inotropic intervention rather than a risk for patients during cardiogenic shock.