Resuscitation
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While public access automated external defibrillator (AED) programs appear to improve outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) it is unclear if men and women benefit equally. We examined gender-based differences in OHCA location to determine what proportion were potentially eligible for public access AED application, and if patient gender was associated with AED utilization. ⋯ Women had fewer OHCA in public locations that may have public access AEDs. Even among public location OHCA with bystander interventions, women were less likely to have public access AED applied. Initiatives to optimize AED locations and to engage the public with gender-specific resuscitation training may improve outcomes in women with OHCA.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
The effect of levosimendan on survival and cardiac performance in an ischaemic cardiac arrest model- a blinded randomised placebo-controlled study in swine.
Survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remains poor. Levosimendan could be a new intervention in this setting. Therefore, we conducted a blinded, placebo controlled randomized study investigating the effects of levosimendan on survival and cardiac performance in an ischemic cardiac arrest model in swine. ⋯ Levosimendan given intra-arrest and during the first 24-h of post-resuscitation care improved survival and cardiac performance in this ischemic cardiac arrest model. Institutional Protocol Number; KERIC 5.2.18-14933.
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Observational Study
Epidemiology and outcome of emergency medical service witnessed out-of-hospital-cardiac arrest by prodromal symptom: Nationwide observational study.
Although emergency medical service- (EMS-) witnessed out-of-hospital-cardiac arrest (OHCA) has a high survival rate and potential for prevention of progression to cardiac arrest, its characteristics and prodromal symptoms are not well known. The purpose of this study was to investigate the epidemiologic characteristics and outcome of EMS-witnessed OHCA by focusing on its prodromal symptoms. ⋯ About 40% of EMS-witnessed OHCA patients had prodromal symptom before cardiac arrest. In cardiac etiology, patients with cardiac symptoms had the best rate of survival to discharge and good neurological outcome. Promoting public awareness of prodromal symptoms is needed to earn time for preparedness and prevention of progression to cardiac arrest.