Kardiol Pol
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Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is the sudden, unexpected loss of heart function, which occurs out of specialist healthcare facilities and inevitably leads to death if uninterrupted by effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). ⋯ OHCA incidence in the Bielsko-Biala population in 2013 was high, increased with age, and was twice as high for men than women. OHCA occurred most often at home, in the presence of a witness; however, CPR was not always undertaken promptly at the scene. CPR was effective for approximately 30% of the victims. The prehospital mortality was high with no differences between genders.
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The no-reflow phenomenon during primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) can lead to poor outcomes. It has been shown that the monocytes may be involved in the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease and associated with high risk of myocardial infarction. ⋯ Monocyte count on admission and low haemoglobin concentration were independent clinical predictors of no-reflow following pPCI in patients with STEMI. Our findings suggest that admission monocyte count may be available for early risk stratification of no-reflow after pPCI and might allow the improvement of strategies to prevent this phenomenon.
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Severe accidental hypothermia is a condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. In the years 2009–2012 the Polish National Statistics Department reported 1836 deaths due to exposure to excessive natural cold. ⋯ It is a unit functioning within the structure of the Cardiac Surgery Clinic, established in order to improve the effectiveness of the treatment of patients in the advanced stages of severe hypothermia. Early identification of hypothermia, binding algorithm and coordination leading to extracorporeal rewarming, are the most important elements in the deep hypothermia management.
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Comparative Study
Comparison of the effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation with standard manual chest compressions and the use of TrueCPR and PocketCPR feedback devices.
High effectiveness of chest compressions is an important element of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), improving survival and reducing neurological deficits resulting from sudden cardiac arrest. ⋯ During simulated CPR, TrueCPR device significantly increased the effectiveness of chest compressions compared to SMCC and the use of PocketCPR smartphone application. Further studies are required to confirm these findings in clinical practice.