Resuscitation
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Uninterrupted chest compressions are a key factor in determining resuscitation success. Interruptions to chest compression are often associated with defibrillation, particularly the need to stand clear from the patient during defibrillation. It has been suggested that clinical examination gloves may provide adequate electrical resistance to enable safe hands-on defibrillation in order to minimise interruptions. We therefore examined whether commonly used nitrile clinical examination gloves provide adequate resistance to current flow to enable safe hands-on defibrillation. ⋯ Nitrile clinical examination gloves do not provide adequate electrical insulation for the rescuer to safely undertake 'hands-on' defibrillation and when exposed to the physical forces of external chest compression, even greater resistive degradation occurs. Further work is required to identify gloves suitable for safe use for 'hands-on' defibrillation.
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To compare the effects of two TNF-α antagonists, etanercept and infliximab, on post-cardiac arrest hemodynamics and global left ventricular function (LV) in a swine model following ventricular fibrillation (VF). ⋯ Only infliximab demonstrated a beneficial effect on post cardiac arrest hemodynamics and LV function in this swine model. Etanercept was no better in this regard than saline.
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To study the time needed to obtain a reliable, functioning pulse oximeter signal during the resuscitation of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. ⋯ Our data show that an experienced respiratory therapist can apply a pulse oximeter and achieve reliable SpO2 values for the majority VLBW infants by 120 s of life as recommended by current NRP guidelines.
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Editorial Comment
Prognostication of coma after cardiac arrest: think positive.