Resuscitation
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Review
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) and cerebral perfusion: A narrative review.
Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) is emerging as an effective, lifesaving resuscitation strategy for select patients with prolonged or refractory cardiac arrest. Currently, a paucity of evidence-based recommendations is available to guide clinical management of eCPR patients. Despite promising results from initial clinical trials, neurological injury remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. ⋯ Furthermore, no studies prospectively or retrospectively evaluated the relationship between epinephrine and neurological outcomes in eCPR patients. In summary, the field currently lacks a comprehensive understanding of how regional cerebral perfusion and cerebral autoregulation are temporally modified by factors such as pre-eCPR low-flow duration, vasopressors, and circuit flow rate. Elucidating these critical relationships may inform future strategies aimed at improving neurological outcomes in patients treated with lifesaving eCPR.
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Observational Study
Mechanical chest compression and extracorporeal life support for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. A 30-month observational study in the metropolitan area of Milan, Italy.
Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is achieved in 25% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. Mechanical chest compression (mechCPR) may maintain better perfusion during transport, allowing hospital treatments like extracorporeal circulation life support (ECLS). We aim to assess the effectiveness of a pre-hospital protocol introduction. ⋯ MechCPR patients achieved ROSC more frequently than manual CPR patients; mechCPR was a crucial factor in an ECLS protocol for refractory OHCA. ECLS offered a chance of survival to patients who would otherwise die.
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Observational Study
Sodium Bicarbonate Administration is Associated with Improved Survival in Asystolic and PEA Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest.
Sodium bicarbonate ("bicarb") administration in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is intended to counteract acidosis, although there is limited clinical evidence to support its routine administration. We sought to analyze the association of bicarb with resuscitation outcomes in non-traumatic OHCA. ⋯ Bicarb was associated with survival in non-shockable rhythms and ROSC in asystole. Findings from this observational study should be corroborated with prospective randomized work.