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Introduction and purpose Heart failure has become a civilization disease, affecting 1-2% of the world's population. It is a condition with various etiologies and phenotypes. The annual mortality rate due to heart failure is approximately 10%, with organ dysfunction caused by hypoperfusion and sudden cardiac death being the leading causes of death. The aim of this study is to present current knowledge of heart failure, focusing on its pathophysiology, and the mechanism of action and applications of sacubitril/valsartan. Material and methods The following review was based on articles from the PubMed and Google Scholar databases. Key search terms included pathophysiology of heart failure; natriuretic peptide pathways; treatment of heart failure; sacubitril/valsartan. Conclusions Heart failure is a syndrome marked by the activation of various neurohormonal systems such as the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and natriuretic peptides (NP). Historically, the therapeutic approach has focused on reducing RAAS activity and SNS activity. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to potential benefits associated with the NP system. Following disappointing outcomes from studies involving neprilysin (NEP) inhibitors, administered alone or in conjunction with an ACE inhibitor and vasopeptidase inhibitors, there have been findings with the pharmacological class termed ARNI (angiotensin receptor and NEP inhibitors). Sacubitril/valsartan has proven to be an effective and safe treatment that reduces the need for hospitalization, enhances the quality of life and longevity of patients with chronic HFrEF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The proportion of very elderly patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) is expected to rise. Furthermore, patients are likely more prone to suffer a cardiac arrest (CA) event within the ICU. The occurrence of intensive care unit cardiac arrest (ICU-CA) is associated with high mortality. To date, the incidence of ICU-CA and its clinical impact on outcome in the very old (≥ 90 years) patients treated is unknown. Methods: Retrospective analysis of all consecutive critically ill patients ≥ 90 years admitted to the ICU of a tertiary care university hospital in Hamburg (Germany). All patients suffering ICU-CA were included and CA characteristics and functional outcome was assessed. Clinical course and outcome were assessed and compared between the subgroups of patients with and without ICU-CA. Results: 1,108 critically ill patients aged ≥ 90 years were admitted during the study period. The median age was 92.3 (91.0–94.2) years and 67% (n = 747) were female. 2% (n = 25) of this cohort suffered ICU-CA after a median duration 0.5 (0.2–3.2) days of ICU admission. The presumed cause of ICU-CA was cardiac in 64% (n = 16). The median resuscitation time was 10 (2–15) minutes and the initial rhythm was shockable in 20% (n = 5). Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) could be achieved in 68% (n = 17). The cause of ICU admission was primarily medical in the total cohort (ICU-CA: 48% vs. No ICU-CA: 34%, p = 0.13), surgical - planned (ICU-CA: 32% vs. No ICU-CA: 37%, p = 0.61) and surgical - unplanned/emergency (ICU-CA: 43% vs. No ICU-CA: 28%, p = 0.34). The median Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) was 2 (1–3) points for patients with ICU-CA and 1 (0–2) for patients without ICU-CA (p = 0.54). Patients with ICU-CA had a higher disease severity according to SAPS II (ICU-CA: 54 vs. No ICU-CA: 36 points, p < 0.001). Patients with ICU-CA had a higher rate of mechanically ventilation (ICU-CA: 64% vs. No ICU-CA: 34%, p < 0.01) and required vasopressor therapy more often (ICU-CA: 88% vs. No ICU-CA: 41%, p < 0.001). The ICU and in-hospital mortality was 88% (n = 22) and 100% (n = 25) in patients with ICU-CA compared to 17% (n = 179) and 28% (n = 306) in patients without ICU-CA. The mortality rate for patients with ICU-CA was observed to be 88% (n = 22) in the ICU and 100% (n = 25) in-hospital. In contrast, patients without ICU-CA had an in-ICU mortality rate of 17% (n = 179) and an in-hospital mortality rate of 28% (n = 306) (both p < 0.001). Conclusion: The occurrence of ICU-CA in very elderly patients is rare but associated with high mortality. Providing CPR in this cohort did not lead to long-term survival at our centre. Very elderly patients admitted to the ICU likely benefit from supportive care only and should probably not be resuscitated due to poor chance of survival and ethical considerations. Providing personalized assurances that care will remain appropriate and in accordance with the patient's and family's wishes can optimise compassionate care while avoiding futile life-sustaining interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Acute liver failure (ALF) following cardiac arrest (CA) poses a significant healthcare challenge, characterized by high morbidity and mortality rates. This study aims to assess the correlation between serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels and poor outcomes in patients with ALF following CA. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted utilizing data from the Dryad digital repository. The primary outcomes examined were intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, hospital mortality, and unfavorable neurological outcome. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between serum ALP levels and clinical prognosis. The predictive value was evaluated using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Two prediction models were developed, and model comparison was performed using the likelihood ratio test (LRT) and the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Results: A total of 194 patients were included in the analysis (72.2% male). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a one-standard deviation increase of ln-transformed ALP were independently associated with poorer prognosis: ICU mortality (odds ratios (OR) = 2.49, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.31–4.74, P = 0.005), hospital mortality (OR = 2.21, 95% CI 1.18–4.16, P = 0.014), and unfavorable neurological outcome (OR = 2.40, 95% CI 1.25–4.60, P = 0.009). The area under the ROC curve for clinical prognosis was 0.644, 0.642, and 0.639, respectively. Additionally, LRT analyses indicated that the ALP-combined model exhibited better predictive efficacy than the model without ALP. Conclusions: Elevated serum ALP levels upon admission were significantly associated with poorer prognosis of ALF following CA, suggesting its potential as a valuable marker for predicting prognosis in this patient population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Using the FDA adverse event reporting system (FAERS) database to analyze the safety profile of Dexmedetomidine and provide guidance for clinical application. Methods: Data from the FAERS database from the first quarter of 2004 to the third quarter of 2023 were collected. Reporting odds ratio (ROR), the proportional reporting ratio (PRR), and the Bayesian confidence propagation neural network (BCPNN) were employed to detect and assess adverse events associated with Dexmedetomidine. Results: A total of 1910 reports of Dexmedetomidine as the primary suspect drug were obtained. After screening, 892 preferred terms were obtained, including 52 new preferred terms not mentioned in the drug insert. The common adverse events of Dexmedetomidine include bradycardia, cardiac arrest, hypotension, diabetes insipidus, arteriospasm coronary and agitation. Notably, cardiac disorders exhibited the highest number of reports and the highest signal intensity in the system organ class. Among the new preferred terms, those with high signal intensity include transcranial electrical motor evoked potential monitoring abnormal, acute motor axonal neuropathy, trigemino-cardiac reflex, glossoptosis, floppy iris syndrome, phaeochromocytoma crisis, postresuscitation encephalopathy and diabetes insipidus. Conclusion: This study mined and evaluated adverse events associated with Dexmedetomidine and also identified new adverse events. This could help alert clinicians to new adverse events not mentioned in the drug inserts, reducing the risk of drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiac etiologies arrest accounts for almost half of all in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA), and previous studies have shown that the location of IHCA is an important factor affecting patient outcomes. The aim was to compare the characteristics, causes and outcomes of cardiovascular disease in patients suffering IHCA from different departments of Fuwai hospital in Beijing, China. Methods: We included patients who were resuscitated after IHCA at Fuwai hospital between March 2017 and August 2022. We categorized the departments where cardiac arrest occurred as cardiac surgical or non-surgical units. Independent predictors of in-hospital survival were assessed by logistic regression. Results: A total of 119 patients with IHCA were analysed, 58 (48.7%) patients with cardiac arrest were in non-surgical units, and 61 (51.3%) were in cardiac surgical units. In non-surgical units, acute myocardial infarction/cardiogenic shock (48.3%) was the main cause of IHCA. Cardiac arrest in cardiac surgical units occurred mainly in patients who were planning or had undergone complex aortic replacement (32.8%). Shockable rhythms (ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia) were observed in approximately one-third of all initial rhythms in both units. Patients who suffered cardiac arrest in cardiac surgical units were more likely to return to spontaneous circulation (59.0% vs. 24.1%) and survive to hospital discharge (40.0% vs. 10.2%). On multivariable regression analysis, IHCA in cardiac surgical units (OR 5.39, 95% CI 1.90-15.26) and a shorter duration of resuscitation efforts (≤ 30 min) (OR 6.76, 95% CI 2.27–20.09) were associated with greater survival rate at discharge. Conclusion: IHCA occurring in cardiac surgical units and a duration of resuscitation efforts less than 30 min were associated with potentially increased rates of survival to discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research on incidence and characteristics of Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) in the Middle East is limited. We assessed the incidence, prehospital characteristics, and outcomes of OHCA in Qatar, a Middle Eastern country. Subsequently, we performed gender-specific analysis. Methods: This was a retrospective examination of data obtained from the OHCA registry at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar from 2017 to 2022. We included adults, non-traumatic, EMS-treatment OHCA. We calculated the incidence of adult OHCA and conducted descriptive analyses for prehospital characteristics, and prehospital outcomes presented by return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). We evaluated gender differences in prehospital characteristics and ROSC using Student's t-test and the Chi-Square test as appropriate. Furthermore, we conducted a multivariable logistic regression analysis to investigate the correlation between gender and achieving ROSC. Results: We included 4,306 adult OHCA patients, with 869 (20.2%) being females. The mean annual incidence of adult OHCA was 27.4 per 100,000 population-year. Males had a higher annual incidence of OHCA than females. Among all cases, 36.3% occurred in a public location, 25.8% had an initial shockable rhythm, and 28.8% achieved ROSC. Males had a higher proportion of bystander CPR, arrests in public locations, and initial shockable rhythms. While unadjusted analysis showed no significant gender differences in achieving ROSC, adjusted analysis revealed that male gender was associated with higher odds of achieving ROSC (adjusted OR male vs. female 1.38, 95% CI 1.15–1.66, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Approximately 720 adults undergo non-traumatic OHCA in Qatar every year, with a higher incidence observed in males. Male gender was associated with higher odds of achieving ROSC. Further gender-specific research in OHCA intervention and outcome in the Middle East is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young (<18 years of age) patients with Brugada syndrome (BrS) are often under-represented in BrS studies and their management, especially related to syncopal episodes, remains unclear. This study sought to describe the arrhythmia prevalence among young patients with BrS undergoing continuous rhythm monitoring by implantable loop recorder (ILR) and to assess the etiology behind syncope of undetermined origin. A total of 147 patients with BrS with ILR were enrolled in 12 international centers and divided into pediatric (age <12 years; n = 77, 52%) and adolescents (age 13-18 years; n = 70, 48%). Mean age was 11.3 years, 53 patients (36.1%) were female, and 31 (21.1%) had spontaneous type 1 electrocardiograms. Over a median follow-up of 3.6 years (Q1-Q3: 1.6-4.8 years), an arrhythmic event was recorded in 33 patients (22.4%), mainly of nonventricular origin: 15 atrial (10.2%) and 16 bradyarrhythmic events (10.9%). Ventricular arrhythmias occurred in 4 patients, all with spontaneous BrS, and were fever-related in one-half. Among all patients with recurrence of syncope during follow-up, true arrhythmic syncope was documented in 5 (17.8%), and it was due to bradyarrhythmias or atrial arrhythmias in 3 cases (60%). Continuous rhythm monitoring with ILRs in young patients with BrS detects a broad range of arrhythmias. Ventricular arrhythmias occur predominantly in patients with spontaneous type 1 electrocardiograms and during fever. Despite the young age, bradyarrhythmias and atrial arrhythmias are frequent and represent the cause of arrhythmic syncope in 60% of patients. Young patients with BrS with syncope of undetermined origin may benefit from ILR implant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The demand for organ transplants, both globally and in South Korea, substantially exceeds the supply, a situation that might have been aggravated by the enactment of the Life-Sustaining Treatment Decision Act (LSTDA) in February 2018. This legislation may influence emergency medical procedures and the availability of organs from brain-dead donors. This study aimed to assess LSTDA's impact, introduced in February 2018, on organ donation status in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients in a metropolitan city and identified related factors. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of a regional cardiac arrest registry. This study included patients aged 16 or older with cardiac arrest and a cerebral performance category (CPC) score of 5 from January 2015 to December 2022. The exclusion criteria were CPC scores of 1–4, patients under 16 years, and patients declared dead or transferred from emergency departments. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyse factors affecting organ donation. Results: Of the 751 patients included in this study, 47 were organ donors, with a median age of 47 years. Before the LSTDA, there were 30 organ donations, which declined to 17 after its implementation. In the organ donation group, the causes of cardiac arrest included medical (34%), hanging (46.8%), and trauma (19.2%). The adjusted odds ratio for organ donation before the LSTDA implementation was 6.12 (95% CI 3.09–12.12), with non-medical aetiology as associated factors. Conclusion: The enactment of the LSTDA in 2018 in South Korea may be linked to reduced organ donations among patients with OHCA, underscoring the need to re-evaluate the medical and legal aspects of organ donation, especially considering end-of-life care decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors face significant risks of complications and death from hypoxic–ischemic brain injury leading to withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment (WLST). Accurate multimodal neuroprognostication, including automated pupillometry, is essential to avoid inappropriate WLST. However, inconsistent study results hinder standardized threshold recommendations. We aimed to validate proposed pupillometry thresholds with no false predictions of unfavorable outcomes in comatose OHCA survivors. Methods: In the multi-center BOX-trial, quantitative measurements of automated pupillometry (quantitatively assessed pupillary light reflex [qPLR] and Neurological Pupil index [NPi]) were obtained at admission (0 h) and after 24, 48, and 72 h in comatose patients resuscitated from OHCA. We aimed to validate qPLR < 4% and NPi ≤ 2, predicting unfavorable neurological conditions defined as Cerebral Performance Category 3–5 at follow-up. Combined with 48-h neuron-specific enolase (NSE) > 60 μg/L, pupillometry was evaluated for multimodal neuroprognostication in comatose patients with Glasgow Motor Score (M) ≤ 3 at ≥ 72 h. Results: From March 2017 to December 2021, we consecutively enrolled 710 OHCA survivors (mean age: 63 ± 14 years; 82% males), and 266 (37%) patients had unfavorable neurological outcomes. An NPi ≤ 2 predicted outcome with 0% false-positive rate (FPR) at all time points (0–72 h), and qPLR < 4% at 24–72 h. In patients with M ≤ 3 at ≥ 72 h, pupillometry thresholds significantly increased the sensitivity of NSE, from 42% (35–51%) to 55% (47–63%) for qPLR and 50% (42–58%) for NPi, maintaining 0% (0–0%) FPR. Conclusion: Quantitative pupillometry thresholds predict unfavorable neurological outcomes in comatose OHCA survivors and increase the sensitivity of NSE in a multimodal approach at ≥ 72 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Perioperative in-hospital cardiac arrests (Perioperative IHCAs) may have better outcomes than IHCAs in the ward (Ward IHCAs), due to enhanced monitoring and faster response. However, quantitative comparisons of their long-term outcomes are lacking, posing challenges for prognostication. Methods: This retrospective multicentre study included adult intensive care unit (ICU) admissions from theatre/recovery or wards with a diagnosis of cardiac arrest between January 2018 and March 2022. We used data from 175 ICUs in the ANZICS adult patient database. The primary outcome was a survival time of up to 4 years. We used the Cox proportional hazards model adjusted for Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, age, sex, comorbidities, hospital type, treatment limitation on admission to the ICU, and ICU treatments. Subgroup analyses examined age (≥ 65 years), intubation within the first 24 h, elective vs. emergency admission, and survival on discharge. Results: Of 702,675 ICU admissions, 5,659 IHCAs were included (Perioperative IHCA 38%; Ward IHCA 62%). Perioperative IHCA group were younger, less frail, and less comorbid. Perioperative IHCA were most frequent in patients admitted to ICU after cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or trauma surgeries. Perioperative IHCA group had longer 4-year survival (59.9% vs. 33.0%, p < 0.001) than the Ward IHCA group, even after adjustments (adjusted hazard ratio [HR]: 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57–0.69). This was concordant across all subgroups. Of note, older patients with Perioperative IHCA survived longer than both younger and older patients with Ward IHCA. Conclusion: Patients admitted to the ICU following Perioperative IHCA had longer survival than Ward IHCA. Future studies on IHCA should distinguish these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the relationship between proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) levels and clinical outcomes in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in ESRD patients, and risk factors for CVD in these patients include hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. While lipid-lowering therapy (LLT) with statins is well-established in high-risk CVD patients, its use in ESRD patients is not recommended. PCSK9 inhibitors have shown promise in reducing LDL-C and CVD risk, but more research is needed to determine their effects in ESRD patients. The study discussed in the article found that while PCSK9 levels were associated with increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in unadjusted analyses, this association was no longer statistically significant after adjusting for other factors. However, there was a trend towards an association between PCSK9 levels and mortality in women compared to men. The authors conclude that PCSK9 levels are not related to all-cause mortality in ESRD patients, but there may be an interaction with sex in the relationship between PCSK9 levels and mortality. The article also highlights the limitations of the study and the need for further research to better understand the role of PCSK9 levels in ESRD patients and to develop targeted management and treatment strategies for these patients. [Extracted from the article]

Opioid-associated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OA-OHCA) is a subset of cardiac arrests that could benefit from measures outside of standard Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), such as naloxone. In this study, we sought to examine whether OHCA patients chosen for naloxone therapy by emergency medical services (EMS) clinicians in a system with high rates of opioid overdose would have increased rates of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival to hospital discharge. The study took place in an urban EMS system with a high prevalence of opioid overdose. Paramedics could administer naloxone in cardiac arrest in addition to ACLS. It was often administered based on clinical gestalt for suspected OA-OHCA. The outcomes of OHCA patients who received naloxone were compared against those who received usual care in both an adjusted and unadjusted fashion. Lastly, we created a logistic regression model to test for an independent association of naloxone administration on ROSC and survival to hospital discharge. A consecutive sample of 769 OHCA patients was obtained, of which 175 (23%) received naloxone. On average, patients who received naloxone had significantly fewer comorbidities and were younger. There was no difference in ROSC, survival to hospital discharge, or modified Rankin Scores. Using logistic regression modeling, there was no statistically significant effect of naloxone administration on these outcomes. OHCA patients who received naloxone, despite being younger and having fewer comorbidities, had similar outcomes compared to those who received usual care. The difference in baseline characteristics suggests that paramedic gestalt reasonably selected for OA-OHCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Common genetic variations in the nitric oxide synthase‐1 adaptor protein (NOS1AP) gene are associated with QT‐interval prolongation. In a previous study, we observed an association between the rs10494366 variant of this gene and an increased QT‐interval shortening in digoxin users. As QT‐interval shortening is a risk factor for sudden cardiac death (SCD), in this study, we investigated whether the association between digoxin use and risk of SCD differs in participants with different NOS1AP rs10494366 genotypes. Methods: We included 11 377 individuals from the prospective population‐based cohort of the Rotterdam Study. We used Cox proportional hazard regression analysis with digoxin as time‐dependent exposure to estimate the associations between current digoxin use and the risk of SCD among different rs10494366 genotype groups in the adjusted models. We also studied whether such an association was dose‐dependent, comparing high dosage (≥ 0.250 mg), moderate dosage (0.125 mg ≤ dose< 0.250 mg) and low dosage (< 0.125 mg) digoxin users with non‐users. Results: The median baseline age of the total study population was 62 (interquartile range [IQR] 58–71) years. The cumulative incidence of SCD was 4.1% (469 cases), and among them, 74 (15.7%) individuals were current digoxin users at the time of death, during a median follow‐up of 11.5 (IQR 6.5–17) years. Current digoxin users had an increased risk of SCD (multivariable adjusted model hazard ratio [HR]: 3.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.38–3.98), with no significant differences between the three genotype groups. The adjusted HRs were 4.03 [95% CI: 1.98–8.21] in the minor homozygous GG, 3.46 [95% CI: 2.37–5.04] in the heterozygous TG and 2.56 [95%CI: 1.70–3.86] in the homozygous TT genotype groups. Compared to low‐ and moderate‐dose, high‐dose digoxin users with GG genotype had the highest risk of SCD (HR: 5.61 [95% CI: 1.34–23.47]). Conclusions: Current use of digoxin is associated with a significantly increased risk of SCD. The NOS1AP gene rs10494366 variant did not modify the digoxin‐associated risk of SCD in a population of European ancestry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracorporeal life support systems (ECLS) are life-sustaining measures for severe cardiovascular diseases, serving as bridging treatment either until cardiovascular function is restored or alternative treatment, such as heart transplantation or the implantation of permanent ventricular assist devices is performed. Given the insufficient evidence and frequent urgency of implantation without initial patient consent, the ethical challenges and psychological burden for patients, relatives and the interprofessional intensive care team are significant. As with any treatment, an appropriate therapeutic goal for ECLS treatment based on the indications and patient informed consent is mandatory. In order to integrate the necessary ethical considerations into everyday clinical practice, a structured algorithm for handling ECLS is proposed here, which takes ethical aspects into due account. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: One of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide is out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Early defibrillation and high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) have improved survival. The main goal of CPR is to achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), which is assessed by looking for a pulse, analyzing the heart rhythm, and assessing carbon dioxide levels. The use of cartography during CPR to confirm the correct position of the endotracheal tube during intubation or to assess the effectiveness of chest compressions has increased significantly in the last years. The aim of this review was to identify correlations between end-tidal carbon dioxide levels and the likelihood of ROSC in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Methods: A literature search was performed in MEDLINE (via Pubmed), Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases from September to November 2022. Keywords combined with the Boolean operators (AND/OR) were used in both free text and Medical Subject Headings. Studies on adult patients published between 01/01/2016 and 28/09/2022 were searched, with no geographical restrictions. Results: At the end of the selection process, 14 studies were included that investigated capnography in out-of-hospital CPR and reported at least 1 outcome between end-tidal carbon dioxide and ROSC or survival. Discussion: Capnography is an advantageous tool due to its noninvasive characteristics, ease of use, and immediacy of data. In out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, the use of the end-tidal carbon dioxide appears to be an appropriate complementary tool to support clinical decisions, such as correct positioning of the endotracheal tube, optimizing ventilation in CPR, and as a predictor of ROSC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the need for new guidelines specifically focused on cardiac arrest in the peri-operative period. The 7th National Audit Project (NAP7) found that the incidence of peri-operative cardiac arrest in adults undergoing non-obstetric surgery is higher than previously estimated. The study also highlighted suboptimal care practices, such as the use of adrenaline, calcium, and bicarbonate, which may not be evidence-based. The article suggests that clear and concise guidelines would help improve the management of peri-operative cardiac arrest. Additionally, the article discusses the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a potential treatment for refractory cardiac arrest, but notes that its implementation is limited due to logistical complexities and lack of high-quality evidence. The authors argue that despite the challenges, ECMO should be considered in the guidelines for peri-operative cardiac arrest management. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses the use of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) as a potential intervention for patients with refractory cardiac arrest. ECPR involves draining blood from the body, oxygenating it, and then returning it to the arterial system, providing better oxygen delivery than conventional CPR. The article highlights the need for a proactive approach to implementing ECPR in the UK, as it is currently underutilized. The article also discusses the selection criteria for ECPR and the challenges in implementing ECPR services. The authors emphasize the importance of developing institutional expertise and ensuring equitable access to ECPR services across the UK. [Extracted from the article]

Summary: Background: Few existing resuscitation guidelines include specific reference to intra‐operative cardiac arrest, but its optimal treatment is likely to require some adaptation of standard protocols. Methods: We analysed data from the 7th National Audit Project of the Royal College of Anaesthetists to determine the incidence and outcome from intra‐operative cardiac arrest and to summarise the advanced life support interventions reported as being used by anaesthetists. Results: In the baseline survey, > 50% of anaesthetists responded that they would start chest compressions when the non‐invasive systolic pressure was < 40–50 mmHg. Of the 881 registry patients, 548 were adult patients (aged > 18 years) having non‐obstetric procedures under the care of an anaesthetist, and who had arrested during anaesthesia (from induction to emergence). Sustained return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in 425 (78%) patients and 338 (62%) were alive at the time of reporting. In the 365 patients with pulseless electrical activity or bradycardia, adrenaline was given as a 1 mg bolus in 237 (65%). A precordial thump was used in 14 (3%) patients, and although this was associated with return of spontaneous circulation at the next rhythm check in almost three‐quarters of patients, in only one of these was the initial rhythm shockable. Calcium (gluconate or chloride) and 8.4% sodium bicarbonate were given to 51 (9%) and 25 (5%) patients, but there were specific indications for these treatments in less than half of the patients. A thrombolytic drug was given to 5 (1%) patients, and extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation was used in 9 (2%) of which eight occurred during cardiac procedures. Conclusions: The specific characteristics of intra‐operative cardiac arrest imply that its optimal treatment requires modifications to standard advanced life support guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-risk coronary plaques (HRP) are characterized in clinical radiological imaging by the presence of low plaque attenuation, a napkin-ring sign (NRS), spotty calcifications (SC) and a positive remodeling index (RI). To evaluate if these signs are detectable in postmortem imaging by a multi-phase postmortem CT angiography (MPMCTA), a retrospective study of a series of autopsy well-documented coronary plaques related to sudden cardiac death (SCD) was performed. Then correlations between histological and radiological findings were described. Fourty SCD cases due to acute coronary syndrome based on clinical history and confirmed at autopsy were selected (28 men and 12 women, age 53.3 ± 10.9). The culprit lesion was mainly situated in the proximal segments of coronary arteries, in the right coronary artery in 23 cases (57.5%), the left anterior descending artery in 13 cases (32.5%), the circumflex artery in 3 cases (7.5%) and in one case in the left main stem. MPMCTA showed a positive RI (≥ 1.1) in 75% of cases with a mean RI 1.39 ± 0.71. RI values were lower in cases with fibrotic plaques. NRS was observed in 40% of cases, low attenuation plaque in 46.3%, and SC in 48.7% of cases. There were significant correlations of the radiological presence of NRS for fibrolipid composition of the plaque (p-value 0.007), severe intraplaque inflammation (p-value 0.017), severe adventitial inflammation (p-value 0.021) and an increased vasa vasorum (p-value 0.012). A significant correlation (p-value 0.002) was observed between the presence of SC at radiological examination and the presence of punctuate/fragmented calcification at histology. In addition, in 58.3% of cases, plaque enhancement was observed, which correlated with plaque inflammation and the fibrolipid composition of the plaque. The coronary artery calcium score was 314 (± 455). There was a poor agreement between stenosis of the lumen at histology versus radiology. Our study shows that the various radiological signs of HRP can be detected in all plaques by MPMCTA, but individually only to a variable extent; plaque enhancement appeared as a new sign of vulnerability. In the postmortem approach, these radiological markers of HRP, should always be applied in combination, which can be useful for developing a predictive model for diagnosing coronary SCD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Semaglutide is increasingly used in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Ensuring the safety of this medication is crucial for its clinical use. This meta-analysis evaluates the safety profile of semaglutide across patient populations and treatment durations. Methods: Randomized controlled trials assessing the safety of semaglutide vs. placebo, with specified treatment durations were identified. The primary outcome was occurrence of any cardiovascular adverse events. Secondary outcomes included sudden cardiac death, adverse events leading to death, adverse events, gastrointestinal side effects, occurrence of hypoglycemia, and new-onset neoplasm. Results: A total of 23 studies met the inclusion criteria with a combined sample size of 57,911 participants. The meta-analysis revealed that the adverse event associated with semaglutide is gastrointestinal in nature (nausea and vomiting). No significant differences were observed between semaglutide and comparator groups. Conclusion: Semaglutide appears to have a favorable safety profile across diverse patient populations and treatment durations, supporting its continued use in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. It is generally well-tolerated, with a low incidence of adverse events. Clinicians should be aware of these findings and monitor patients accordingly. Further long-term studies are warranted to assess the safety of semaglutide in clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the use of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) during advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) to enhance the effectiveness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). TEE allows for continuous monitoring and improved imaging during CPR, potentially optimizing chest compression quality. However, there is limited evidence on the impact of TEE on patient outcomes. A recent study suggests that avoiding aortic valve compression during CPR may improve the likelihood of achieving and sustaining return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Further research is needed to determine long-term outcomes and potential biases in evaluating TEE findings. The article proposes that incorporating TEE as a surrogate for chest compression performance could be beneficial, but more rigorous studies are necessary to demonstrate its effectiveness in improving survival and neurological outcomes. The text also briefly touches on the management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, highlighting the variability in thresholds and triggers for fluid loading and blood transfusions. [Extracted from the article]

OBJECTIVE: Quantify hypotension burden using high-resolution continuous arterial blood pressure (ABP) data and determine its association with outcome after pediatric cardiac arrest. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study. SETTING: Academic PICU. PATIENTS: Children 18 years old or younger admitted with in-of-hospital or out-of-hospital cardiac arrest who had invasive ABP monitoring during postcardiac arrest care. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: High-resolution continuous ABP was analyzed up to 24 hours after the return of circulation (ROC). Hypotension burden was the time-normalized integral area between mean arterial pressure (MAP) and fifth percentile MAP for age. The primary outcome was unfavorable neurologic status (pediatric cerebral performance category = 3 with change from baseline) at hospital discharge. Mann-Whitney U tests compared hypotension burden, duration, and magnitude between favorable and unfavorable patients. Multivariable logistic regression determined the association of unfavorable outcomes with hypotension burden, duration, and magnitude at various percentile thresholds from the 5th through 50th percentile for age. Of 140 patients (median age 53 [interquartile range 11-146] mo, 61% male); 63% had unfavorable outcomes. Monitoring duration was 21 (7-24) hours. Using a MAP threshold at the fifth percentile for age, the median hypotension burden was 0.01 (0-0.11) mm Hg-hours per hour, greater for patients with unfavorable compared with favorable outcomes (0 [0-0.02] vs. 0.02 [0-0.27] mm Hg-hr per hour, p < 0.001). Hypotension duration and magnitude were greater for unfavorable compared with favorable patients (0.03 [0-0.77] vs. 0.71 [0-5.01]%, p = 0.003; and 0.16 [0-1.99] vs. 2 [0-4.02] mm Hg, p = 0.001). On logistic regression, a 1-point increase in hypotension burden below the fifth percentile for age (equivalent to 1 mm Hg-hr of burden per hour of recording) was associated with increased odds of unfavorable outcome (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 14.8; 95% CI, 1.1-200; p = 0.040). At MAP thresholds of 10th-50th percentiles for age, MAP burden below the threshold was greater in unfavorable compared with favorable patients in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: High-resolution continuous ABP data can be used to quantify hypotension burden after pediatric cardiac arrest. The burden, duration, and magnitude of hypotension are associated with unfavorable neurologic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVES: Data to support epinephrine dosing intervals during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are conflicting. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between epinephrine dosing intervals and outcomes. We hypothesized that dosing intervals less than 3 minutes would be associated with improved neurologic survival compared with greater than or equal to 3 minutes. DESIGN: This study is a secondary analysis of The ICU-RESUScitation Project (NCT028374497), a multicenter trial of a quality improvement bundle of physiology-directed CPR training and post-cardiac arrest debriefing. SETTING: Eighteen PICUs and pediatric cardiac ICUs in the United States. PATIENTS: Subjects were 18 years young or younger and 37 weeks old or older corrected gestational age who had an index cardiac arrest. Patients who received less than two doses of epinephrine, received extracorporeal CPR, or had dosing intervals greater than 8 minutes were excluded. INTERVENTIONS: The primary exposure was an epinephrine dosing interval of less than 3 vs. greater than or equal to 3 minutes. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The primary outcome was survival to discharge with a favorable neurologic outcome defined as a Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category score of 1-2 or no change from baseline. Regression models evaluated the association between dosing intervals and: 1) survival outcomes and 2) CPR duration. Among 382 patients meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria, median age was 0.9 years (interquartile range 0.3-7.6 yr) and 45% were female. After adjustment for confounders, dosing intervals less than 3 minutes were not associated with survival with favorable neurologic outcome (adjusted relative risk [aRR], 1.10; 95% CI, 0.84-1.46; p = 0.48) but were associated with improved sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) (aRR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.07-1.37; p < 0.01) and shorter CPR duration (adjusted effect estimate, -9.5 min; 95% CI, -14.4 to -4.84 min; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In patients receiving at least two doses of epinephrine, dosing intervals less than 3 minutes were not associated with neurologic outcome but were associated with sustained ROSC and shorter CPR duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with an out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) often undergo coronary angiography, although a culprit lesion is found in only 30%–40% of patients. The aim of this study was to investigate high‐sensitivity troponin T (hsTnT) levels in post cardiac arrest patients with and without coronary culprit lesions; factors affecting hsTnT levels after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC); and the diagnostic ability of hsTnT in identifying patients with culprit lesions. We hypothesized that peak hsTnT levels were higher during the initial 48 h after cardiac arrest in patients with a coronary culprit lesion. Methods: This was a retrospective observational study, which included patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit after an OHCA and who received a coronary angiography. Peak values and dynamic changes in hsTnT were analyzed in relation to the presence of a culprit lesion at coronary angiography. Results: A total of 238 patients were studied, of whom 140 had a culprit lesion. HsTnT levels during the initial 48 h were higher in patients with culprit lesions, longer time to ROSC and an unwitnessed cardiac arrest. At 6 to 12 h after ROSC, a hsTnT cut‐off level of 1690 ng/L had a sensitivity of 64% and specificity of 84% to identify a culprit lesion. In patients without ST‐elevations, hsTnT measured between 6 and 12 h after ROSC had a specificity above 90%, with a sensitivity of 46%. Conclusion: HsTnT levels after cardiac arrest are higher in patients with coronary culprit lesions. Presence of a culprit lesion, witnessed status and the duration of CPR are important factors affecting hsTnT levels. Repeated measurement of hsTnT within the first 12 h after admission improved diagnostic accuracy but the value of hsTnT as a predictor of culprit lesions early after OHCA is limited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Whether blood laboratory analyses differ in patients who later suffer in‐hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) compared to other hospitalised patients remains unknown. The aim of this study was to describe pre‐arrest sampling frequencies, results, and trends in blood laboratory analyses in patients with IHCA compared to controls. Methods: This study was a matched case–control study using national registries in Denmark. Cases were defined as patients with IHCA from 2017 to 2021. Controls were defined as hospitalised patients and were matched on age, sex, and date and length of admission. Data on a total of 51 different blood laboratory analyses were obtained. The laboratory analyses of primary interest were lactate, sodium, potassium, and haemoglobin. The index time for cases was defined as the time of cardiac arrest, and a corresponding index time was defined for controls based on the time to cardiac arrest for their corresponding case. Blood sampling frequencies were reported for blood laboratory analyses obtained either within the last 24 h before the index time or between the time of hospital admission and the index time. Blood sampling results were reported for blood laboratory analyses obtained within the last 24 h before the index time. Results: A total of 9268 cases and 92,395 controls were included in this study. Cases underwent more frequent sampling of all blood laboratory analyses compared to controls. This higher sampling frequency was more pronounced for lactate compared to sodium, potassium, or haemoglobin. The last measured lactate was higher in cases (median [IQR]: 2.3 [1.3, 4.9]) compared to controls (median [IQR]: 1.3 [0.9, 2.0]). Differences in sodium, potassium, and haemoglobin were negligible. The proportion of abnormally elevated levels of lactate and potassium increased as time to cardiac arrest decreased; no such effect was seen in controls. No temporal trend was evident for sodium or haemoglobin. Conclusions: Patients with IHCA undergo more frequent blood sampling prior to IHCA and have higher levels of lactate compared to matched controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying candidates for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) is challenging, and novel predictive markers are urgently needed. Hyperfibrinolysis is linked to tissue hypoxia and is associated with poor outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) can detect or rule out hyperfibrinolysis, and could, therefore, provide decision support for initiation of eCPR. We explored early detection of hyperfibrinolysis in patients with refractory OHCA referred for eCPR. We analysed ROTEM results and resuscitation parameters of 57 adult patients with ongoing OHCA who presented to our ICU for eCPR evaluation. Hyperfibrinolysis, defined as maximum lysis ≥15%, was present in 36 patients (63%) and was associated with higher serum lactate, lower arterial blood pH, and increased low-flow intervals. Of 42 patients who achieved return of circulation, 28 had a poor 30-day outcome. The incidence of hyperfibrinolysis was higher in the poor outcome group compared with patients with good outcomes (75% [21 of 28] vs 7.1% [1 of 14]; P <0.001). The ratio of EXTEM A5 to lactate concentration showed good predictive value in detecting hyperfibrinolysis (AUC of 0.89 [95% confidence interval 0.8–1]). Hyperfibrinolysis was common in patients with refractory cardiac arrest, and was associated with poor prognosis. The combination of high lactate with early clot firmness values, such as EXTEM A5, appears promising for early detection of hyperfibrinolysis. This finding could facilitate decisions to perform eCPR, particularly for patients with prolonged low-flow duration but lacking hyperfibrinolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myocarditis is a rare cardiomyocyte inflammatory process, typically caused by viruses, with potentially devastating cardiac sequalae in both competitive athletes and in the general population. Investigation into myocarditis prevalence in the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era suggests that infection with Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) is an independent risk factor for myocarditis, which is confirmed mainly through cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging. Recent studies indicated that athletes have a decreased risk of myocarditis after recent COVID-19 infection compared to the general population. However, given the unique nature of competitive athletics with their frequent participation in high-intensity exercise, athletes possess distinct factors of susceptibility for the development of myocarditis and its subsequent severe cardiac complications (e.g., sudden cardiac death, fulminant heart failure, etc.). Under this context, this review focuses on comparing myocarditis in athletes versus non-athletes, owing special attention to the distinct clinical presentations and outcomes of myocarditis caused by different viral pathogens such as cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus-6, human immunodeficiency virus, and Parvovirus B19, both before and after the COVID-19 pandemic, as compared with SARS-CoV-2. By illustrating distinct clinical presentations and outcomes of myocarditis in athletes versus non-athletes, we also highlight the critical importance of early detection, vigilant monitoring, and effective management of viral and non-viral myocarditis in athletes and the necessity for further optimization of the return-to-play guidelines for athletes in the COVID-19 era, in order to minimize the risks for the rare but devastating cardiac fatality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraosseous (IO) access is frequently utilized during the resuscitation of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. Due to proximity to the heart and differential flow rates, the anatomical site of IO access may impact patient outcomes. Using a large dataset, we aimed to compare the outcomes of OHCA patients who received upper or lower extremity IO access during resuscitation. The ESO Data Collaborative public use research datasets were used for this retrospective study. All adult (≥18 years of age) OHCA patients with successful IO access in an upper or lower extremity were evaluated for inclusion. Patients were excluded if they had intravenous (IV) access prior to IO access, or if they had a Do Not Resuscitate order documented. Our primary outcome was return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Secondary outcomes included survival to discharge and survival to discharge to home. Mixed-effects multivariable logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, etiology, witnessed status, pre-first responder cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), initial electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm, location [private/residential, public, or assisted living/institutional], and response time in addition to the primary airway management strategy (endotracheal intubation, supraglottic device, surgical airway, no advanced airway) were used to compare the outcomes of patients with upper extremity IO access to the outcomes of patients with lower extremity IO access. After application of exclusion criteria, 155,884 patients who received IO access during resuscitation remained (76% lower extremity, 24% upper extremity). Upper extremity IO access was associated with greater adjusted odds of ROSC (1.11 [1.08, 1.15]), and this finding was consistent across multiple patient subgroups. Secondary analyses suggested that upper extremity access was associated with increased survival to discharge (1.18 [1.00, 1.39]) and survival to discharge to home (1.23 [1.02, 1.48]) in comparison to lower extremity IO access. In this large prehospital dataset, upper extremity IO access was associated with a small increase in the odds of ROSC in comparison to lower extremity IO access. These data support the need for prospective investigation of the ideal IO access site during OHCA resuscitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The optimal initial vascular access strategy for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains unknown. Our objective was to evaluate the association between peripheral intravenous (PIV), tibial intraosseous (TIO), or humeral intraosseous (HIO) as first vascular attempt strategies and outcomes for patients suffering OHCA. This was a secondary analysis of the Portland Cardiac Arrest Epidemiologic Registry, which included adult patients (≥18 years-old) with EMS-treated, non-traumatic OHCA from 2018–2021. The primary independent variable in our analysis was the initial vascular access strategy, defined as PIV, TIO, or HIO based on the first access attempt. The primary outcome for this study was the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) at emergency department (ED) arrival (a palpable pulse on arrival to the hospital). Secondary outcomes included survival to: admission, discharge, and discharge with a favorable outcome (Cerebral Perfusion Category score of ≤2). We conducted multivariable logistic regressions, adjusting for confounding variables and for clustering using a mixed-effects approach, with prespecified subgroup analyses by initial rhythm. We included 2,993 patients with initial vascular access strategies of PIV (822 [27.5%]), TIO (1,171 [39.1%]), and HIO (1,000 [33.4%]). Multivariable analysis showed lower odds of ROSC at ED arrival (adjusted odds ratio [95% CI]) with TIO (0.79 [0.64–0.98]) or HIO (0.75 [0.60–0.93]) compared to a PIV-first strategy. These associations remained in stratified analyses for those with shockable initial rhythms (0.60 [0.41–0.88] and 0.53 [0.36–0.79]) but not in patients with asystole or pulseless electrical activity for TIO and HIO compared to PIV, respectively. There were no statistically significant differences in adjusted odds for survival to admission, discharge, or discharge with a favorable outcome for TIO or HIO compared to the PIV-first group in the overall analysis. Patients with shockable initial rhythms had lower adjusted odds of survival to discharge (0.63 [0.41–0.96] and 0.64 [0.41–0.99]) and to discharge with a favorable outcome (0.60 [0.39–0.93] and 0.64 [0.40–1.00]) for TIO and HIO compared to PIV, respectively. TIO or HIO as first access strategies in OHCA were associated with lower odds of ROSC at ED arrival compared to PIV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Varying rates of complications have been reported for prehospital sedation with ketamine, and the relationship to dosing has not been studied on a large scale. We evaluated the association between prehospital ketamine dosing and rates of intubations and other adverse events in patients with behavioral emergencies. Using the 2018/2019 ESO public-use research datasets, we included all non-traumatic, adult behavioral and drug-related EMS encounters with ketamine administration. Based on consensus guidelines, we stratified patients into "above" and "at/below" the maximum dosing for sedation (2 mg/kg IV/IO or 5 mg/kg IM) using the highest single dose of ketamine given. We created propensity scores for matched subjects using 1:1 propensity score matching. Using logistic regression, we compared rates of intubation and other airway interventions, antipsychotic coadministration, improvement reported by EMS, hypoxia, hypotension, and cardiac arrest between the two groups. We included 2383 patients: 478 in the above and 1905 in the at/below dose group. Above-dose ketamine was associated with a higher rate of intubation or supraglottic airway placement (6.4% v 3.3%, OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.00–3.90). Other airway interventions were similar (40.0% v 40.0%, OR 1, 95% CI 0.80–1.30). The above-dose group also showed a higher rate of improvement noted by EMS clinicians (92.5% v 88.7%, OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.01–2.40). The rates of antipsychotic coadministration, hypoxia, hypotension, and cardiac arrest were similar between the cohorts. Patients given ketamine doses above consensus recommendations for sedation appeared more likely to receive prehospital intubation but not more likely to experience other adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inherited cardiomyopathies are genetic diseases that can lead to heart failure and sudden cardiac death. These conditions tend to run in families, following an autosomal dominant pattern where first-degree relatives have a 50% chance of carrying the pathogenic variant. Despite significant advancements and increased accessibility of genetic testing, accurately predicting the phenotypic expression of these conditions remains challenging due to the inherent variability in their clinical manifestations and the incomplete penetrance observed. This poses challenges in providing patient care and effectively communicating the potential risk of future disease to patients and their families. To address these challenges, this review aims to synthesize the available evidence on penetrance, expressivity, and factors influencing disease expression to improve communication and risk assessment for patients with inherited cardiomyopathies and their family members. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pandemic conditions of system-wide strain are associated with increased rates of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). During normal times, medical-surgical nurses may forget cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills as soon as 3 months after training, leaving them unprepared and anxious about managing cardiac arrests. During pandemic surges, heightened anxiety can also impact concentration and confidence. Method: Clinicians offered a 45-minute mock code training refresher for medical-surgical nurses to improve confidence performing CPR while adhering to pandemic-related safety procedures. In this pre-post clinical education project, nurses' confidence was measured with the Nursing Anxiety and Self-Confidence with Clinical Decision Making© Scale. Results: Although the results were not statistically significant, participants verbally reported increased confidence to initiate resuscitation, collaborate with team members, and use personal protective equipment during the posttraining debrief. Conclusion: A high percentage of RNs do not have adequate confidence and/or competence in performing CPR, particularly during times of system-wide strain, and this brief, inexpensive refresher training warrants further study. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(9):442–448.] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Although several studies have shown that the right ventricular to pulmonary artery (RV-PA) coupling, assessed by the ratio between tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (TAPSE/sPAP) using echocardiography, is strongly associated with cardiovascular events, its prognostic value is not established in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We aimed to assess the in-hospital prognostic value of TAPSE/sPAP among patients hospitalized for ACS in a retrospective analysis from the prospective ADDICT-ICCU study. Methods and results A total of 481 consecutive patients hospitalized in intensive cardiac care unit [mean age 65 ± 13 years, 73% of male, 46% ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI)] for ACS [either STEMI or non-STEMI (NSTEMI)] with TAPSE/sPAP available were included in this prospective French multicentric study (39 centres). The primary outcome was in-hospital major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) defined as all-cause death, resuscitated cardiac arrest, or cardiogenic shock and occurred in 33 (7%) patients. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified 0.55 mm/mmHg as the best TAPSE/sPAP cut-off to predict in-hospital MACEs. TAPSE/sPAP <0.55 was associated with in-hospital MACEs, even after adjustment with comorbidities [odds ratio (OR): 19.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.78–54.8], clinical severity including left ventricular ejection fraction (OR: 14.4, 95% CI 5.70–41.7), and propensity-matched population analysis (OR: 22.8, 95% CI 7.83–97.2, all P < 0.001). After adjustment, TAPSE/sPAP <0.55 showed the best improvement in model discrimination and reclassification above traditional prognosticators (C-statistic improvement: 0.16; global χ 2 improvement: 52.8; likelihood ratio test P < 0.001) with similar results for both STEMI and NSTEMI subgroups. Conclusion A low RV-PA coupling defined as TAPSE/sPAP ratio <0.55 was independently associated with in-hospital MACEs and provided incremental prognostic value over traditional prognosticators in patients hospitalized for ACS. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05063097 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to facilitate cardiovascular research to develop non-invasive optical heart pacing methods, we have generated a double-transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (fruit fly) model suitable for optogenetic pacing. We created a fly stock with both excitatory H134R-ChR2 and inhibitory eNpHR2.0 opsin transgenes. Opsins were expressed in the fly heart using the Hand-GAL4 driver. Here we describe Hand > H134R-ChR2; eNpHR2.0 model characterization including bi-directional heart control (activation and inhibition) upon illumination of light with distinct wavelengths. Optical control and real-time visualization of the heart function were achieved non-invasively using an integrated light stimulation and optical coherence microscopy (OCM) system. OCM produced high-speed and high-resolution imaging; simultaneously, the heart function was modulated by blue (470 nm) or red (617 nm) light pulses causing tachycardia, bradycardia and restorable cardiac arrest episodes in the same animal. The irradiance power levels and illumination schedules were optimized to achieve successful non-invasive bi-directional heart pacing in Drosophila larvae and pupae. Optical control and real-time beating heart visualization of Hand > H134R-ChR2; eNpHR2.0 Drosophila were achieved non-invasively using an integrated light stimulation and optical coherence microscopy (OCM) system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a literature review of ED autoresuscitation. The impetus for this review was a case which revealed a lack of understanding about Lazarus syndrome among ED staff. The primary objective was to see the proportion of cases who survived neurologically intact to discharge and the time frame when this occurred after death had been declared. A secondary outcome was to see whether these studies mention whether bedside echo was performed prior to deciding whether to terminate resuscitation. A systematic search of five databases was undertaken with keywords, ‘autoresuscitation’, ‘cardiac arrest’ and ‘emergency department’. Articles published in the English language were selected for inclusion. No time frame was selected because of the low number of articles. A total of 240 articles were identified, that yielded 26 cases that were relevant and could be synthesised to create a discussion on the current clinical guidelines around resuscitation. Our analysis demonstrates that of the 11 survivors who were discharged neurologically intact, the average age was 42.9 years; otherwise, the average was 62.6 years. The majority (23/26) 88% auto‐resuscitated within 10 min after being pronounced dead. Only five patients are mentioned as having had a bedside echo prior to deciding to cease efforts. Under‐reporting of autoresuscitation is suspected because of fears of blame. Passive monitoring for 10 min after resuscitation is ceased, is recommended. There is need for more data on this phenomenon to help inform further research on the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Paramedics are responsible for critical resuscitation decisions when attending Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrests (OHCA). Existing research indicates that a range of clinical and non-clinical factors moderate their decision-making. Within the United Kingdom (UK), there is little evidence on how and why paramedics make their decisions at actual OHCA events. Methods: We explored the experiences of UK paramedics using individually recalled OHCA events as catalysts for discussion. Pen portraits developed from semi-structured interviews with 31 paramedics across two UK ambulance services were thematically analysed, enabling cross-participant comparisons whilst retaining depth and context. Results: We identified four themes: uncertainties encountered in resuscitation guidelines, influences on decision-making, holistic perspectives, and indirect moderators. We found that paramedics experienced uncertainty at all stages of the resuscitation process. Uncertainties arose from indeterminate, ambiguous or complex information and were described as having both clinical and ethical dimensions. Whilst guidelines drove paramedics' decisions, non-clinical personal, practical and relational factors moderated their assessments of survivability and decision-making, with attitudes to interactions between patient age, frailty and quality of life playing a substantial role. Coping strategies such as uncertainty reduction, assumption-based reasoning and weighing pros and cons were evident from interviews. Conclusions: The complexity of interactions between clinical and non-clinical factors points to an element of variability in paramedics' responses to uncertainty. Exploring UK paramedics' uncertainties and decision-making during specific OHCA events can help acknowledge and address uncertainties in resuscitation guidelines and paramedic training, providing paramedics with the tools to manage uncertainty in a consistent and transparent way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fosphenytoin (FOS) is a prodrug of phenytoin (PHT) with a metabolism that exhibits Michaelis–Menten-type kinetics. Genetic polymorphisms of the metabolic enzymes of PHT make it challenging to predict its plasma concentrations. High plasma PHT concentrations are typically problematic, and several causes have been elucidated. In contrast, cases of patients with low PHT plasma concentrations that did not increase despite the administration of appropriate PHT doses have been reported, and the causes may include changes in plasma protein-binding rates, genetic mutations, and concomitant use of drugs that induce liver enzymes; however, even these factors do not explain the low PHT plasma concentrations in some cases. Case presentation: We encountered the case of a patient with plasma PHT concentrations that were continuously < 0.7 µg/mL after daily use of FOS for seizures that occurred after cardiopulmonary arrest. We analyzed the protein-unbound fraction, urinary metabolites, and related genes to investigate the cause. False negatives due to the measurement method, errors in dosage and administration method, and increased excretion of PHT were excluded. Hepatic metabolic activity of PHT increased to 4.6–6.1 times the normal level. The S/R ratio of 5-(p-hydroxyphenyl)-5-phenylhydantoin-glucuronide, a major PHT metabolite, was normal at 15.2, suggesting increased activities of CYP2C9 and CYP2C19. Furthermore, the protein-unbound fraction of PHT was 5.2–6.9%, CYP2C19*17 was wild type, and there was no concomitant drug use to induce both enzymes. Conclusions: The low PHT plasma concentration in this patient was found to be caused by increased hepatic metabolic activity that could not be explained by known factors. Careful monitoring is necessary to consider the possibility of increased hepatic metabolic activity in similar cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fulminant myocarditis has been defined as the clinical manifestation of cardiac inflammation with rapid-onset heart failure and cardiogenic shock. We report on the case of a 17-year-old boy with hemodynamic derangement and cardiac arrest due to fulminant myocarditis. After about 2 h of intensive cardiopulmonary resuscitation, with 13 days of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support, the patient finally bridged to orthotopic heart transplantation. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged 37 days after transplantation. The explanted heart revealed diffuse lymphocytic infiltration and myocyte necrosis in all four cardiac chamber walls confirming the diagnosis and identifying the underlying cause of fulminant myocarditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For many years, ventilation has been an essential part of advanced life support (ALS) in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Nevertheless, there is little evidence about the best method of ventilation during resuscitation for both out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and inhospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) patients. Effective ventilation is one of the two main keys to successful resuscitation. In this context, the question always arises as to which airway management, along with which ventilation mode, constitutes the best strategy. Conventional ventilation modes are not designed for cardiac arrest and show important limitations that must be considered when used in CPR. Manual ventilation without the use of an automated transport ventilator (ATV) could be shown to be uncontrolled in applied volumes and pressures and should be avoided. Mechanical ventilation with an ATV is therefore superior to manual ventilation, but both volume- and pressure-controlled ventilation modes are significantly influenced by chest compressions. With the newly designed chest compression synchronized ventilation (CCSV), a special ventilation mode for resuscitation is available. Further research should be conducted to obtain more evidence of the effect of ventilation during CPR on outcomes following OHCA and not only about how to secure the airway for ventilation during CPR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Cardiac arrest is associated with high mortality rates and severe neurological impairments. One of the underlying mechanisms is global ischemia‐reperfusion injury of the body, particularly the brain. Strategies to mitigate this may thus improve favorable neurological outcomes. The use of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary membrane oxygenation (ECMO) during CA has been shown to improve survival, but available systems are vastly unable to deliver goal‐oriented resuscitation to control patient's individual physical and chemical needs during reperfusion. Recently, controlled automated reperfusion of the whoLe body (CARL), a pulsatile ECMO with arterial blood‐gas analysis, has been introduced to deliver goal‐directed reperfusion therapy during the post‐arrest phase.This review focuses on the device profile and use of CARL. Specifically, we reviewed the published literature to summarize data regarding its technical features and potential benefits in ECPR.Peri‐arrest, mitigating severe IRI with ECMO, might be the next step toward augmenting survival rates and neurological recovery. To this end, CARL is a promising extracorporeal oxygenation device that improves the early reperfusion phase after resuscitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions Conventional transvenous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (TV‐ICD) is the standard device used for primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Nonetheless its use is associated with lead‐related complications including infection and malfunction. A subcutaneous implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (S‐ICD) offers an alternative option without the need for a transvenous lead but has limitations. The decision to implant a TV‐ICD or S‐ICD in patients with impaired LVEF for primary prevention of SCD is controversial. Several randomised controlled trials and large observational studies have confirmed similar safety and efficacy of S‐ICDs and TV‐ICDs in such population.A literature review was conducted to compare the outcomes of subcutaneous (S‐ICD) versus transvenous (TV‐ICD) implantable cardioverter‐defibrillators. Databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane were searched for relevant peer‐reviewed articles. Studies were selected based on relevance and quality. Key outcomes like complication rates, efficacy, and patient survival were summarized in a comparative table.Different factors that influence the choice between an TV‐ICD and S‐ICD for primary prevention of SCD in patients with LVEF are highlighted to guide selection of the appropriate device in different patient populations. Moreover, future perspective on the combination of SICD with leadless pacemaker, and the latest development of the extravascular implantable cardioverter defibrillator are also discussed.S‐ICD offers a safe and efficacious option to primary prevention in reduced ejection fraction. Future development including incorporation of leadless pacemaker will add to the arsenal of choice to protect patients from sudden cardiac death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Methods Results Conclusions Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) implantation has significantly modified the natural history of patients at high risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) in various types of heart diseases. However there is a high rate of psychological distress and reduced quality of life in patients with an ICD, more evident in younger individuals. The ICD removal upon patient request is a very rare event and causes many clinical and ethical issues.The article discusses the case of a young patient affected by hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy, who underwent implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation as a primary prevention of sudden cardiac death (SCD). Two years after the implantation, the patient repeatedly requested removal of the ICD due to of a significant and untreatable psychological device intolerance.Intervention became possible only after extensive psychological evaluation, which excluded specific pathology, and the ratification of Italian law 219/2017 on informed consent and advance directives, which guarantees the patient's independent decisions on current and future medical treatment. The explantation was performed 7 years after the implant. The patient is alive and in good health.The paper debates the issues related to establishing a patient–physician relationship based on respect for the patient's autonomy and experience of illness, in reference to principles such as beneficence and non‐maleficence, and the conflicts that sometimes arise between them.If a paternalistic approach in the patient–physician relationship evolves into a patient‐centered model, it is more certain that the patient's choice is realistically known and shared, and that it is consistent with the patient's values and life goals.The shared decision making (SDM) process and the use of pathology‐specific decision aids are able to transform the informed consent tool, usually related to medical‐legal issues, into an aid for true partnership between the patient and the medical care team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Severe hyperlactatemia (lactate level ≥ 10 mmol/L) is associated with high mortality rates in critically ill patients. However, there is limited data on emergency department (ED) patients. We aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, etiology and outcomes of patients with severe hyperlactatemia in the ED setting. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Thailand. We included adult patients with a venous lactate sample taken in the ED within one hour. We excluded patients after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, transferred to/from another hospital or those with missing clinical data. Mortality rates were evaluated among patients with increasing degrees of lactate elevation and among patients with severe hyperlactatemia, stratified by causative etiology. Results: We analyzed venous lactate levels in 40,047 patients, with 26,680 included in the analysis. Among these, 1.7% had severe hyperlactatemia (lactate ≥ 10 mmol/L), 10.5% moderate (4–9.99 mmol/L), 28.8% mild (2—3.99 mmol/L), and 59.0% normal levels (< 2 mmol/L). Severe hyperlactatemia was associated with high mortality rates of 29%, 37%, and 38% at 7, 28, and 60 days respectively, significant ICU admissions and mechanical ventilation rates. Patients with severe hyperlactatemia were stratified into high (> 50% mortality), moderate (21–50%), and low (< 20%) 28-day mortality risk groups. High-risk conditions included non-septic shock, traumatic injuries/burns, and neurological issues, with mortality rates of 51.1%, 61.8%, and 57.1%, respectively. In the moderate risk group, namely infection without shock showed a high prevalence, with a mortality rate of 36%. In the low-risk group, seizures and fainting were associated with lower mortality, exhibiting mortality rates of 0%. Conclusions: Severe hyperlactatemia is associated with higher rates of ICU admission and mortality compared to other degrees of lactate elevation in a general ED population. However, mortality rates can vary considerably, depending on the underlying etiology associated with different primary diagnoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims Pathogenic desmoplakin (DSP) gene variants are associated with the development of a distinct form of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy known as DSP cardiomyopathy. Patients harbouring these variants are at high risk for sustained ventricular arrhythmia (VA), but existing tools for individualized arrhythmic risk assessment have proven unreliable in this population. Methods Patients from the multi-national DSP-ERADOS (Desmoplakin SPecific Effort for a RAre Disease Outcome Study) Network patient registry who had pathogenic or likely pathogenic DSP variants and no sustained VA prior to enrolment were followed longitudinally for the development of first sustained VA event. Clinically guided, step-wise Cox regression analysis was used to develop a novel clinical tool predicting the development of incident VA. Model performance was assessed by c -statistic in both the model development cohort (n = 385) and in an external validation cohort (n = 86). Results In total, 471 DSP patients [mean age 37.8 years, 65.6% women, 38.6% probands, 26% with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) < 50%] were followed for a median of 4.0 (interquartile range: 1.6–7.3) years; 71 experienced first sustained VA events {2.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.0, 3.5] events/year}. Within the development cohort, five readily available clinical parameters were identified as independent predictors of VA and included in a novel DSP risk score: female sex [hazard ratio (HR) 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1–3.4)], history of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia [HR 1.7 (95% CI: 1.1–2.8)], natural logarithm of 24-h premature ventricular contraction burden [HR 1.3 (95% CI: 1.1–1.4)], LVEF < 50% [HR 1.5 (95% CI:.95–2.5)], and presence of moderate to severe right ventricular systolic dysfunction [HR 6.0 (95% CI: 2.9–12.5)]. The model demonstrated good risk discrimination within both the development [ c -statistic.782 (95% CI:.77–.80)] and external validation [ c -statistic.791 (95% CI:.75–.83)] cohorts. The negative predictive value for DSP patients in the external validation cohort deemed to be at low risk for VA (<5% at 5 years; n = 26) was 100%. Conclusions The DSP risk score is a novel model that leverages readily available clinical parameters to provide individualized VA risk assessment for DSP patients. This tool may help guide decision-making for primary prevention implantable cardioverter-defibrillator placement in this high-risk population and supports a gene-first risk stratification approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cardiac arrests are traditionally classified according to the setting in which they occur, including out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA). However, cardiac arrests that occur in the emergency department (EDCA) could constitute a third category, due to the peculiar characteristics of the emergency department (ED). In recent years, the need to study EDCAs separately from other intra-hospital events has emerged. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and outcomes of a cohort of patients experiencing EDCA in an Italian hospital over a 14-year period. Methods: This was a single-centre retrospective observational study conducted in the ED of the Santa Croce e Carle Hospital in Cuneo, Italy. All adult patients who experienced EDCA between 1 January 2010 and 30 June 2023 were included. OHCA patients, those arriving in the ED with on-going resuscitation measures, patients with EDCA not undergoing resuscitation, and patients with post-traumatic cardiac arrest were excluded from the study. The main outcome of the study was survival at hospital discharge with a favourable neurological outcome. Results: 350 cases of EDCA were included. The median age was 78 (63–85) years, and the median Charlson Comorbidity Index score was 5 (3–6). A total of 35 patients (10%) survived to hospital discharge with a cerebral performance category (CPC) Score of 1–2; survival in the ED was 28.3%. The causes of cardiac arrests were identified in 212 cases (60.6%) and included coronary thrombosis (35%), hypoxia (22%), hypovolemia (17%), pulmonary embolism (11%), metabolic (8%), cardiac tamponade (4%), toxins (2%) and hypothermia (1%). Variables associated with survival with a favourable neurological outcome were young age, a lower Charlson Comorbidity Index, coronary thrombosis as the primary EDCA cause, and shockable presenting rhythm; however, only the latter was associated with the outcome in a multivariate age-weighted model. Conclusions: In a cohort of patients with EDCA over a period of more than a decade, the most frequent cause identified was coronary thrombosis; 10% of patients survived with a good neurological status, and the only factor associated with the best prognosis was presenting a shockable rhythm. EDCA should be considered an independent category in order to fully understand its characteristics and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key points Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is a familial cardiac disease, mainly caused by mutations in desmosomal genes, which accounts for most cases of stress‐related arrhythmic sudden death, in young and athletes. AC hearts display fibro‐fatty lesions that generate the arrhythmic substrate and cause contractile dysfunction. A correlation between physical/emotional stresses and arrhythmias supports the involvement of sympathetic neurons (SNs) in the disease, but this has not been confirmed previously. Here, we combined molecular, in vitro and ex vivo analyses to determine the role of AC‐linked DSG2 downregulation on SN biology and assess cardiac sympathetic innervation in desmoglein‐2 mutant (Dsg2mut/mut) mice. Molecular assays showed that SNs express DSG2, implying that DSG2‐mutation carriers would harbour the mutant protein in SNs. Confocal immunofluorescence of heart sections and 3‐D reconstruction of SN network in clarified heart blocks revealed significant changes in the physiologialc SN topology, with massive hyperinnervation of the intact subepicardial layers and heterogeneous distribution of neurons in fibrotic areas. Cardiac SNs isolated from Dsg2mut/mut neonatal mice, prior to the establishment of cardiac innervation, show alterations in axonal sprouting, process development and distribution of varicosities. Consistently, virus‐assisted DSG2 downregulation replicated, in PC12‐derived SNs, the phenotypic alterations displayed by Dsg2mut/mut primary neurons, corroborating that AC‐linked Dsg2 variants may affect SNs. Our results reveal that altered sympathetic innervation is an unrecognized feature of AC hearts, which may result from the combination of cell‐autonomous and context‐dependent factors implicated in myocardial remodelling. Our results favour the concept that AC is a disease of multiple cell types also hitting cardiac SNs. Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy is a genetically determined cardiac disease, which accounts for most cases of stress‐related arrhythmic sudden death. Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy linked to mutations in desmoglein‐2 (DSG2) is frequent and leads to a left‐dominant form of the disease. Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy has been approached thus far as a disease of cardiomyocytes, but we here unveil that DSG2 is expressed, in addition to cardiomyocytes, by cardiac and extracardiac sympathetic neurons, although not organized into desmosomes. AC‐linked DSG2 downregulation primarily affect sympathetic neurons, resulting in the significant increase in cardiac innervation density, accompanied by alterations in sympathetic neuron distribution. Our data supports the notion that AC develops with the contribution of several ‘desmosomal protein‐carrying’ cell types and systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brain swelling after cardiac arrest may affect brain ventricular volume. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic implications of ventricular volume on early thin-slice brain computed tomography (CT) after cardiac arrest. We measured the gray-to-white matter ratio (GWR) and the characteristics and volumes of the lateral, third, and fourth ventricles. The primary outcome was a poor 6-month neurological outcome. Of the 166 patients, 115 had a poor outcome. The fourth ventricle was significantly smaller in the poor outcome group (0.58 cm3 [95% CI, 0.43–0.80]) than in the good outcome group (0.74 cm3 [95% CI, 0.68–0.99], p < 0.001). Ventricular characteristics and other ventricular volumes did not differ between outcome groups. The area under the curve for the fourth ventricular volume was 0.68, comparable to 0.69 for GWR. Lower GWR (<1.09) and lower fourth ventricular volume (<0.41 cm3) predicted poor outcomes with 100% specificity and sensitivities of 8.7% (95% CI, 4.2–15.4) and 20.9% (95% CI, 13.9–29.4), respectively. Combining these measures improved the sensitivity to 25.2% (95% CI, 17.6–34.2). After adjusting for covariates, the fourth ventricular volume was independently associated with neurologic outcome. A marked decrease in fourth ventricular volume, with concomitant hypoattenuation on CT scans, more accurately predicted outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a heart muscle disease associated with an increased risk for sudden cardiac death (SCD). Cytokeratin 18-based proteins, such as M30 and M65 antigens, are known cell-death biomarkers. M30 antigen is released from cells during apoptosis, and M65 antigen is released during cell death from any cause, such as apoptosis or necrosis. We aimed to study the expression of M30 and M65 antigens in peripheral blood obtained by 46 HCM patients and compare with 27 age- and sex-matched patients without HCM. We also investigated the CK18 expression in myocardium from postmortem HCM hearts. M30 and M65 antigens were significantly increased in the HCM vs. non-HCM group (Μ30: 338 ± 197 U/uL vs. 206 ± 166 U/uL, p = 0.003; M65: 428 ± 224 U/uL vs. 246 ± 214 U/uL, p = 0.001), and HCM patients with a higher expression of these markers (M30: 417 ± 208 vs. 271 ± 162 U/uL, p = 0.011; M65: 518 ± 242 vs. 351 ± 178 U/uL, p = 0.011) had a higher risk for SCD. In HCM, both apoptosis and necrosis are increased, but particularly necrosis (M30/M65 ratio: 0.75 ± 0.09 vs. 0.85 ± 0.02, p < 0.001). CK18 is expressed in the HCM myocardium (1.767 ± 0.412 vs. 0.537 ± 0.383, % of area, p = 0.0058). Therefore, M30 and M65 antigens may be novel biomarkers in HCM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims Methods and results Conclusion To assess whether left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS), derived from cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), is associated with (i) progressive heart failure (HF), and (ii) sudden cardiac death (SCD) in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy with mildly reduced ejection fraction (DCMmrEF).We conducted a prospective observational cohort study of patients with DCM and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥40% assessed by CMR, including feature‐tracking to assess LV GLS and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). Long‐term adjudicated follow‐up included (i) HF hospitalization, LV assist device implantation or HF death, and (ii) SCD or aborted SCD (aSCD). Of 355 patients with DCMmrEF (median age 54 years [interquartile range 43–64], 216 men [60.8%], median LVEF 49% [46–54]) followed up for a median 7.8 years (5.2–9.4), 32 patients (9%) experienced HF events and 19 (5%) died suddenly or experienced aSCD. LV GLS was associated with HF events in a multivariable model when considered as either a continuous (per % hazard ratio [HR] 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00–1.21, p = 0.045) or dichotomized variable (LV GLS > −15.4%: HR 2.70, 95% CI 1.30–5.94, p = 0.008). LGE presence was not associated with HF events (HR 1.49, 95% CI 0.73–3.01, p = 0.270). Conversely, LV GLS was not associated with SCD/aSCD (per % HR 1.07, 95% CI 0.95–1.22, p = 0.257), whereas LGE presence was (HR 3.58, 95% CI 1.39–9.23, p = 0.008). LVEF was neither associated with HF events nor SCD/aSCD.Multi‐parametric CMR has utility for precision prognostic stratification of patients with DCMmrEF. LV GLS stratifies risk of progressive HF, while LGE stratifies SCD risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using a nationwide multicenter prospective registry in Japan's data, we calculated prognostic and predictive scores, including the Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA); Cardiac Arrest Hospital Prognosis (CAHP); Nonshockable rhythm, Unwitnessed arrest, Long no-flow or Long low-flow period, blood PH < 7.2, Lactate > 7.0 mmol/L, End-stage chronic kidney disease on dialysis, Age ≥ 85 years, Still resuscitation, and Extracardiac cause (NULL-PLEASE); revised post-Cardiac Arrest Syndrome for Therapeutic hypothermia (rCAST); and MIRACLE2 scores, for adult patients with cardiac arrest. The MIRACLE2 score was validated with the modified MIRACLE2 score, which excludes information of pupillary reflexes. Each score was calculated only for the cases with no missing data for the variables used. These scores' accuracies were compared using neurological outcomes 30 days after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OOHCA). Patients with a cerebral performance category scale of 1 or 2 were designated as having favorable neurological outcomes. Each score's discrimination ability was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve's area under the curve (AUC). To assess in detail in areas of high specificity and high sensitivity, which are areas of interest to clinicians, partial AUCs were also used. The analysis included 11,924 hospitalized adult patients. The AUCs of the OHCA, MIRACLE2, CAHP, rCAST, and NULL-PLEASE scores for favorable neurological outcomes were 0.713, 0.727, 0.785, 0.761, and 0.831, respectively. The CAHP and NULL-PLEASE scores were significantly more accurate than the rest. Accuracies did not differ significantly between the CAHP and NULL-PLEASE scores. The NULL-PLEASE score was significantly better at discriminating favorable neurological prognoses at 30 days in patients with OOHCA compared to other scoring systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]