Resuscitation
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Quantitative waveform measures of the ventricular fibrillation (VF) electrocardiogram (ECG) predict defibrillation outcome. Calculation requires an ECG epoch without chest compression artifact. However, pauses in CPR can adversely affect survival. Thus the potential use of waveform measures is limited by the need to pause CPR. We sought to characterize the relationship between the length of the CPR-free epoch and the ability to predict outcome. ⋯ Waveform measures predict defibrillation outcome using very brief ECG epochs, a quality that may enable their use in current resuscitation algorithms designed to limit CPR interruption.
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Hypoxic brain injury is the largest contributor to disability and mortality after cardiac arrest. We aim to identify electroencephalogram (EEG) characteristics that can predict outcome on cardiac arrest patients treated with targeted temperature management (TTM). ⋯ An unreactive EEG background and SE predicted poor functional outcome and in-hospital mortality in cardiac arrest patients undergoing TTM. Prognostic value of pure SB is confounded by use of sedative agents, and its use on prognostication decisions should be made with caution.
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Observational Study
The effect of atmosphere temperature on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes.
It is unclear whether the atmosphere temperature is associated with outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). ⋯ The temperature at the time of the OHCA event was associated with outcomes after OHCA in a nationwide observational study in Korea.
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Survivors of a cardiac arrest often have cognitive and emotional problems. As a cardiac arrest is also an obvious life-threatening event, other psychological sequelae associated with surviving such as spirituality may also affect quality of life. ⋯ Quality of life after a cardiac arrest and after a myocardial infarction without arrest are not different; fatigue, a sense of meaning and peace, and level of extended daily activities are factors related to higher life satisfaction.