Resuscitation
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Observational Study
Cost-effectiveness of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A multi-centre prospective cohort study.
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) is an evolving resuscitative method for refractory cardiopulmonary arrests. However, considering the substantial healthcare costs and resources involved, there is an urgent need for a full economic evaluation. We therefore assessed the cost-effectiveness of ECPR for refractory ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/pVT). ⋯ ECPR was an economically acceptable resuscitative strategy, and the results of the present study were robust even when considering the uncertainty of all parameters.
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Traditional assessment of return of cardiac output in cardiac arrest by manual palpation has poor accuracy. Point of care ultrasound of a major artery has been suggested as an alternative. We conducted a diagnostic accuracy study of two-dimensional carotid ultrasound to detect the presence or absence of a pulse, using cardiopulmonary bypass patients for pulse and pulseless states. ⋯ 2D ultrasound of the common carotid artery is both sensitive and specific for detection of the presence or absence of a pulse.
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The aim of this study is to analyse the causes of cardiac arrests (CA) in the emergency departments (ED) in the United States and their clinical outcomes according to whether they had a primary or a secondary diagnosis of CA. ⋯ Survival with CA in ED is <30% of patients and is greater among patients with a secondary diagnosis of CA. CAs are associated with significant mortality in ED and hospital settings and measures should be taken to better manage cardiac, infection and respiratory causes particularly in the winter months.
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A robust estimation method is needed to prevent medication dosing and equipment sizing errors and improve time to administration during paediatric resuscitation. An electronic measurement with computer interface may improve accuracy and alleviate cognitive burden. This study evaluates the accuracy of two electronic height measurement methods, a laser and an optical device, and compares them to the Broselow™ Pediatric Emergency Tape (BT) for weight estimation. ⋯ Electronic-based weight estimates were more accurate than the BT. The accuracy of medication dosing and equipment sizing during paediatric resuscitation may be improved by integrating optical height-based weight estimates with electronic clinical decision support.
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Editorial Comment
NOMI after cardiac arrest. Could refined diagnostics improve outcome?