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Summary Balance between thrombosis and bleeding is now well recognized in patients treated for acute coronary syndrome, with impact on short- and long-term prognosis, including survival. Recent data suggest that patients who are resuscitated after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest related to myocardial infarction are at an even higher risk of bleeding and thrombosis than those with uncomplicated acute coronary syndrome. Delayed enteral absorption of medication due to induced hypothermia and systemic inflammation increases thrombosis risk, whereas transfemoral access site, cardiopulmonary resuscitation manoeuvres and mechanical circulatory support devices increase bleeding risk. In addition, post-resuscitation syndrome and renal or hepatic impairment are potential risk factors for both bleeding and thrombotic complications. There are currently no randomized controlled trials comparing various P2Y12 inhibitor and/or anticoagulation strategies in the setting of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and current practice is largely derived from management of patients with uncomplicated acute coronary syndrome. The aim of this review is therefore to describe the bleeding and thrombosis risk factors in this specific population, and to review recent data on antithrombotic drugs in this patient subset.

Introduction Overall survival of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains low, even in those with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). In addition to usual prognostic characteristics, patients’ medical history may also influence their outcome. This study aimed to investigate the role of pre-arrest comorbidities on hospital survival, neurological outcome and mode of death in OHCA patients with successful ROSC. Methods From Jan 2012 to Sep 2017, all consecutive non-traumatic OHCA adults, admitted with a stable ROSC were included. Utstein characteristics, circumstances of arrest and interventions were prospectively recorded. Prior comorbidities were measured using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), and the population was divided into 3 groups (CCI 0, CCI 1–3 and CCI ≥ 4). The association of CCI with early and long-term mortality was assessed using logistic regression and association with withdrawal-of-life sustaining treatments (WLST) or another cause of death using multinomial regression. Results During the study period, 777 patients were analyzed and 483 (62%) died before hospital discharge, with death rate of 49%, 60% and 70% in CCI 0, CCI 1–3 and CCI ≥ 4 respectively. After adjustment, an increase CCI was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality (OR = 2.47 [1.35–4.52], p = 0.001 for CCI 1–3; OR = 2.82 [1.49–5.33], p = 0.003 for CCI ≥ 4; ref = CCI 0). Other independent predictors were non-shockable rhythm (OR = 3.23 [2.08–5]), lack of bystander CPR (OR = 1.96 [1.22–3.13]), epinephrine dose ≥ 2 mg (OR = 5.56 [3.70–8.33]), CA to CPR ≥ 5 min (OR = 1.96 [1.28–3.03]) and CPR to ROSC ≥ 20 min (OR = 2.13 [1.39–3.23]). Using multinomial regression, an increase in CCI was associated with all modes of in-hospital death, particularly with WLST-related death (RRadj = 2.48 [1.26–4.90], p = 0.01 for CCI = 1–3 and 3.75 [1.85−8.7.58], p Conclusion Alteration of chronic health status, as assessed by an elevated CCI, was associated with a higher mortality and a worse neurological outcome in OHCA patients. Presence and burden of comorbidities should be considered in the evaluation of the prognosis in patients admitted in hospital after cardiac arrest.

Summary Background Survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention are at high thrombotic and bleeding risk. The type of antiplatelet that should be used in these patients remains controversial. Aim To compare the impact of the use of more potent P2Y12 receptor inhibitors on thrombotic and bleeding events with that of clopidogrel in survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods This was an observational study including consecutive patients treated for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest associated with acute coronary syndrome by percutaneous coronary intervention with stent implantation and dual antiplatelet therapy between January 2007 and December 2017. Baseline characteristics, mortality and in-hospital haemorrhagic and thrombotic events were compared between patients who received clopidogrel and those who received more potent P2Y12 receptor inhibitors. Results Among the 359 included patients, 197 received clopidogrel and 162 received ticagrelor or prasugrel. The primary composite endpoint of death, definite stent thrombosis or major bleeding was similar in the two groups (57.4% in the clopidogrel group vs. 53.7% in the new P2Y12 receptor inhibitors group; P = 0.49). Fewer haemorrhagic events occurred in the clopidogrel group (21.8% vs. 31.5%; P = 0.04), whereas similar rates of definite stent thrombosis were observed (5.1% vs. 6.2%; P = 0.65). The use of more potent P2Y12 receptor inhibitors was an independent predictor of major bleeding (odds ratio 2.69, 95% confidence interval 1.37–5.25; P = 0.004). Conclusions In this specific population, the use of more potent P2Y12 receptor inhibitors was not associated with a reduced thrombosis rate compared with clopidogrel, but with a higher haemorrhagic risk. Prospective studies should be performed on the optimal antithrombotic therapy in this subset of patients.

Background Among patients successfully resuscitated after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), 10% to 15% evolve toward brain death (BD), thus becoming potential organ donors. Research Question Is it possible to establish a score for early estimation of BD risk after OHCA? Study Design and Methods The BD after cardiac arrest (BDCA) score was developed from data available within 24 hours after OHCA from two OHCA trials: Cyclosporine in Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation and Erythropoietin After OHCA. The BDCA score was then validated in another large prospective multicenter data set. The main outcome was the occurrence of BD. Independent prognostic covariates for BD were identified using a binomial two-stage adaptive least absolute shrinkage and selection operator procedure. Results The development cohort included 569 patients alive 24 hours after OHCA, among whom 84 (14.8%) experienced BD. Independent predictors of BD used to build the BDCA score were being female (4 points), nonshockable rhythm (24 points), cardiac cause of OHCA (−6 points), neurological cause of OHCA (45 points), natremia at 24 hours (natremia in millimoles per liter minus 140 points), and vasoactive drug at admission (4 points) and at 24 hours (6 points). The area under the curve (AUC) of the BDCA score was 0.82 (95% CI, 0.77-0.86), and the discrimination value in the validation cohort (n = 487) was consistent (AUC, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.76-0.86). In the validation cohort, BD occurred in 4.0%, 20.4%, and 67.7% of patients with scores of 50, respectively. Interpretation The BDCA score allows early detection of patients with a high probability of experiencing BD, which may help increase organ donation after OHCA. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov; No.: NCT01595958, and ClinicalTrials.gov ; No.: NCT00999583; URL: www.clinicaltrials.gov

Post-cardiac arrest myoclonus (PCAM) is a frequent finding in resuscitated patients after cardiac arrest (CA), with rather poor prognostic significance. In this study, we evaluated the association of PCAM within intensive care unit (ICU) mortality from a university hospital CA patients’ registry. Clinical data of consecutive CA survivors admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU) between January and December 2016 at the Paris Cochin University Hospital were assessed from the Parisian registry of cardiac arrest (PROCAT) and analyzed. Neurologic outcome was assessed using the Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale at ICU discharge. Prevalence of PCAM and their association with mortality at ICU discharge were computed. One hundred thirty-two (132) patients were included (73.5% males), median age of 66 years. Among them, 37 (28%) developed PCAM during their ICU stay. Only two patients with PCAM survived (5.4%). PCAM was strongly associated with mortality at ICU discharge (odds ratio 17.5 [4.2–123.2]). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of PCAM for prediction of death were 41%, 96%, 95%, and 46%, respectively. PCAM was observed in nearly one-third of CA patients admitted in ICU. Patients with PCAM had a significantly higher likelihood of ICU mortality and a low likelihood of a good outcome. The prognostic value of PCAM seems rather bleak but remains nuanced and merits study in larger-scale prospective studies taking into account confounding factors.

International audience; Background: Data is scarce on hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) associated with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).Methods: This is a monocentric, retrospective study conducted from January 2012 to December 2017 in a tertiary university hospital, which serves as a cardiac arrest center for a large urban area. Over the study period, all consecutive patients who were treated with stent implantation for STEMI with or without OHCA were included. Baseline characteristics, treatments, hemorrhagic and thrombotic events were compared between STEMI patients with and without OHCA. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed in order to identify predictors of 30-day mortality, occurrence of major bleeding (MB), and early stent thrombosis (ST).Results: A total of 549 patients treated for STEMI without OHCA and 146 patients for STEMI with OHCA were included. The incidence of definite ST and MB after coronary angioplasty was significantly higher in patients with OHCA (2.6% vs. 7.5%, p = 0.004 and 3.3% vs. 19.2%, p < 0.001, respectively). Independent predictors of MB in OHCA patients were anticoagulation therapy (HR = 3.11, 95%CI [1.22-7.98], p = 0.02) and the use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (HR = 4.16, 95%CI [1.61-10.79], p = 0.003). Independent predictors of mortality in OHCA patients were age (HR = 1.05, 95%CI [1.02-1.09], p = 0.004) and ST (HR = 5.62, 95%CI [1.61-19.65], p = 0.007, with a protective effect of new anti-P2Y12 treatments (HR = 0.20, 95%CI [0.08-0.46], p < 0.001).Conclusion: Patients treated for STEMI associated with OHCA are at higher-risk of ST and MB than those who did not experience cardiac arrest. In this subset of patients, prospective studies are needed to better evaluate the balance of thrombosis and hemorrhage.

Aims Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) without return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) despite conventional resuscitation is common and has poor outcomes. Adding extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (extracorporeal-CPR) is increasingly used in an attempt to improve outcomes. Methods and results We analysed a prospective registry of 13 191 OHCAs in the Paris region from May 2011 to January 2018. We compared survival at hospital discharge with and without extracorporeal-CPR and identified factors associated with survival in patients given extracorporeal-CPR. Survival was 8% in 525 patients given extracorporeal-CPR and 9% in 12 666 patients given conventional-CPR (P = 0.91). By adjusted multivariate analysis, extracorporeal-CPR was not associated with hospital survival [odds ratio (OR), 1.3; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 0.8–2.1; P = 0.24]. By conditional logistic regression with matching on a propensity score (including age, sex, occurrence at home, bystander CPR, initial rhythm, collapse-to-CPR time, duration of resuscitation, and ROSC), similar results were found (OR, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.5–1.3; P = 0.41). In the extracorporeal-CPR group, factors associated with hospital survival were initial shockable rhythm (OR, 3.9; 95% CI, 1.5–10.3; P = 0.005), transient ROSC before ECMO (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.1–4.7; P = 0.03), and prehospital ECMO implantation (OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.5–5.9; P = 0.002). Conclusions In a population-based registry, 4% of OHCAs were treated with extracorporeal-CPR, which was not associated with increased hospital survival. Early ECMO implantation may improve outcomes. The initial rhythm and ROSC may help select patients for extracorporeal-CPR.

Purpose of review There is a need for an early assessment of outcome in patients with return of spontaneous circulation after cardiac arrest. During the last decade, several models were developed in order to identify predictive factors that may facilitate prognostication and stratification of outcome. Recent findings In addition to prognostication tools that are used in intensive care, at least five scores were recently developed using large datasets, based on simple and immediately available parameters, such as circumstances of arrest and early in-hospital indicators. Regarding neurological outcome, predictive performance of these models is good and even excellent for some of them. These scores perform very well for identifying patients at high-risk of unfavorable outcome. The most important limitation of these scores remains the lack of replication in different communities. In addition, these scores were not developed for individual decision- making, but they could instead be useful for the description and comparison of different cohorts, and also to design trials targeting specific categories of patients regarding outcome. Finally, the recent development of big data allows extension of research in epidemiology of cardiac arrest, including the identification of new prognostic factors and the improvement of prediction according to the profile of populations. Summary In addition to the development of artificial intelligence, the prediction approach based on adequate scores will further increase the knowledge in prognostication after cardiac arrest. This strategy may help to develop treatment strategies according to the predicted severity of the outcome.

Background: In out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), geographic disparities in outcomes may reflect baseline variations in patients’ characteristics but may also result from differences in the number of ambulances providing basic life support (BLS) and advanced life support (ALS). We aimed at assessing the association between allocated ambulance resources and outcomes in OHCA patients in a large urban community. Methods: From May 2011 to January 2016, we analyzed a prospectively collected Utstein database for all OHCA adults. Cases were geocoded according to 19 neighborhoods and the number of BLS (firefighters performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation and applying automated external defibrillator) and ALS ambulances (medicalized team providing advanced care such as drugs and endotracheal intubation) was collected. We assessed the respective associations of Utstein parameters, socioeconomic characteristics, and ambulance resources of these neighborhoods using a mixed-effect model with successful return of spontaneous circulation as the primary end point and survival at hospital discharge as a secondary end point. Results: During the study period, 8754 nontraumatic OHCA occurred in the Greater Paris area. Overall return of spontaneous circulation rate was 3675 of 8754 (41.9%) and survival rate at hospital discharge was 788 of 8754 (9%), ranging from 33% to 51.1% and from 4.4% to 14.5% respectively, according to neighborhoods ( P P for trend P 1.5 per neighborhood and aOR, 1.21 [1.04–1.41]; P =0.01 for BLS ambulances >4 per neighborhood). Regarding survival at discharge, only the number of ALS ambulances >1.5 per neighborhood was significant (aOR, 1.30 [1.06–1.59] P =0.01). Conclusions: In this large urban population-based study of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests patients, we observed that allocated resources of emergency medical service are associated with outcome, suggesting that improving healthcare organization may attenuate disparities in prognosis.

Purpose To explore diagnostic pitfalls and treatment issues in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest of neurological cause (OHCA-NC). Methods Retrospective analysis of all consecutive patients from the Paris Sudden Death Expertise Centre (France) registry from May 2011 to September 2015 presenting with a sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) at hospital admission and a final diagnosis of OHCA-NC. Description of the early diagnostic check-up performed to identify the cause of cardiac arrest. Logistic multivariate regression to identify factors associated with immediate coronary angiography (iCAG) in OHCA-NC patients. Results Among 3542 patients with ROSC, a final diagnosis of OHCA-NC was established in 247 (7%). The early diagnostic check-up consisted in a total of 207 (84%) immediate cranial CT-scan, 66 (27%) iCAG and 25 (10%) chest CT-scan. The brain CT-scan allowed identifying a neurovascular cause in 116 (47%) patients. An iCAG was performed as the first line exam in 57 (23%) patients, in whom a final diagnosis of neurovascular cause for OHCA-NC was later identified in 41 patients. By multivariate analysis, decision for iCAG was independently associated with ST-segment elevation on post-ROSC electrocardiogram (OR, 5.94; 95%CI, 2.14–18.28; P = 0.0009), whereas an obvious cause of cardiac arrest on scene was negatively associated with iCAG (OR, 0.14; 95%CI, 0.02–0.51; P = 0.01). Conclusions OHCA-NC is a rare event that is mainly related to neurovascular causes. The initial ECG pattern may be a confounder regarding triage for early diagnostic check-up. Further studies are required to explore the potential harmfulness associated with decision to perform an iCAG in this population.

Purpose of review Early coronary angiogram (CAG) remains a cornerstone in postcardiac arrest management as coronary disease (CAD)-related cardiac arrest is the leading cause of sudden death in adults. The opportunity to treat the cause early on with immediate CAG may improve outcome in cardiac arrest patients with AMI. Identifying the patients who will benefit from such an early invasive strategy is an unanswered question. Recent and ongoing trials may improve the level of evidence on this problematic, especially for some subgroup; however, current guidelines remain founded upon a very heterogeneous level of evidence. Recent findings The key variable to argue for immediate CAD remains the pattern of the ECG monitored after return of spontaneous of circulation (ROSC). ST-segment elevation (STE) on postresuscitation ECG is the strongest argument to rule for an early CAG strategy. In other situations, identifying the best candidates for early CAG is very challenging. Different approaches including elements, such as circumstances of cardiac arrest and expected outcomes. may also drive the strategy. Summary This review aims to provide an overview of these different discussion points. The indication for early CAG should rely on multiple factors and an individual approach.

Aim Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) carries a poor prognostic with high mortality rates and multiple scoring systems have been developed to assess its prognostic. This study sought to evaluate the performance of three prognostic scores to predict survival in OHCA patients due to acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods and results This is an observational, monocentric study including 386 consecutive patients treated for OHCA due to ACS, treated by percutaneous coronary intervention, between 2007 and 2019. The OHCA, NULL-PLEASE and CAHP scores were calculated respectively for 370 patients (95.9%), 371 patients (96.1%) and 350 patients (90.7%). A C-statistic analysis was performed to determine score performance. The areas under the curve for the OHCA, NULL-PLEASE and CAHP scores were 0.861 (95% CI, 0.823–0.898), 0.789 (95% CI, 0.744–0.834) and 0.830 (95% CI, 0.788–0.872) respectively demonstrating good performance. The OHCA score performed better than the NULL-PLEASE score (p = 0.001), and there was no difference between the CAHP and the NULL-PLEASE score (p = 0.062) nor between the OHCA and the CAHP score (p = 0.105). Conclusion The OHCA score, the NULL-PLEASE score and the CAHP score performed well in predicting in-hospital death in patients presenting OHCA secondary to ACS. The NULL-PLEASE score is the easiest to use but performed less accurately than the OHCA score.

Background: Significant improvements in survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have been reported; however, these are based only on data from OHCA in whom resuscitation is initiated by emergency medical services (EMS). We aimed to assess the characteristics and temporal trends of OHCA without resuscitation attempt by EMS. Methods: Prospective population-based study between 2011 and 2016 in the Greater Paris area (6.7 million inhabitants). All cases of OHCA were included in collaboration with EMS units, 48 different hospitals, and forensic units. Results: Among 15 207 OHCA (mean age 70.7±16.9 years, 61.6% male), 5486 (36.1%) had no resuscitation attempt by EMS. Factors that were independently associated with increase in likelihood of no resuscitation attempt included: age of patients (odds ratio, 1.06 per year [95% CI, 1.05–1.06], P P =0.002), OHCA at home location (odds ratio, 3.38 [95%CI, 2.86–4.01], P P P =0.028). This increase was related to an increase of the annual number of OHCA without resuscitation attempt by EMS by 26.3% (from 993 to 1253, P =0.012), while the annual number of OHCA with resuscitation attempt by EMS did not significantly change (from 1930 to 1936, P =0.416). Considering only cases with resuscitation attempt, survival rate at hospital discharge increased (from 7.3% to 9.5%, P =0.02). However, when considering all OHCA, survival improvement did not reach statistical significance (from 4.8% to 5.7%, P =0.17). Conclusions: We demonstrated an increase of the total number of OHCA related to an increase of the number of OHCA without resuscitation attempt by EMS. This increasing proportion of OHCA without resuscitation attempt attenuates improvement in survival rates achieved in EMS-treated patients.

International audience; Background: Out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients requiring percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are at higher risk of both stent thrombosis and bleeding. The use of aggressive antiplatelet therapy could lead to a higher risk of bleeding in these patients. Indeed, data on glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (GPi) use in this specific indication is scarce.Aim: We sought to evaluate the benefit and safety of GPi use in OHCA patients requiring PCI.Methods and results: Between January 2007 and December 2017, we retrospectively included all consecutive patients treated with PCI for an OHCA from cardiac cause. Clinical, procedural data and in-hospital outcomes were collected. Three hundred and eighty-five patients were included. GPi were administrated in 41.3% of cases (159 patients). Patients who received GPi were younger, had less prior PCI, more often a TIMI 0 or 1 flow before PCI and thromboaspiration use. There were no differences regarding in-hospital definite stent thrombosis among the two groups (11.9% in the GPi group vs 7.1% in the non-GPi group, p = 0.10) or in-hospital mortality (48.6% vs 49.3%, p = 0.68). The incidence of any bleeding (33.3% vs. 19.6%; p = 0.002), and major bleeding (BARC 3-5) (21.9% vs. 16.8%; p = 0.007) was significantly higher in patients receiving GPi. Indeed, using multivariate analysis, GPi use was predictor of major bleeding (OR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.06-3.08; p = 0.03).Conclusions: In patients treated with PCI for OHCA from cardiac cause, GPi use was associated with an increased risk of major bleeding events, without difference on in-hospital stent thrombosis or death.

Background: Conflicting data exist regarding the benefit of urgent coronary angiogram and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after sudden cardiac arrest, particularly in the absence of ST-segment elevation. We hypothesized that the type of lesions treated (stable versus unstable) influences the benefit derived from PCI. Methods: Data were taken between May 2011 and 2014 from a prospective registry enrolling all sudden cardiac arrest in Paris and suburbs (6.7 million inhabitants). Patients undergoing emergent coronary angiogram were included. Decision to perform PCI was left to the discretion of local teams. We assessed the impact of emergent PCI on survival at discharge according to whether the treated lesion was angiographically unstable or stable, and we investigated the predictive factors for unstable coronary lesions. Results: Among 9265 sudden cardiac arrests occurring during the study period, 1078 underwent emergent coronary angiogram (median age: 59.6 years, 78.3% males): 463 (42.9%) had an unstable lesion, 253 (23.5%) only stable lesions, and 362 (33.6%) no significant lesions. Emergent PCI was performed in 478 patients (91.4% of unstable and 21.7% of stable lesions). At discharge, PCI of unstable lesions was associated with twice-higher survival rate compared with untreated unstable lesions (47.9% versus 25.6%, P =0.013), while stable lesions PCI did not improve survival (25.5% versus 26.3%, P =1.00). After adjustment, PCI of unstable coronary lesions was independently associated with improved survival (odds ratio, 2.09 [95% CI, 1.42–3.09], P P =0.824). Angina, initial shockable rhythm, ST-segment elevation, and absence of known coronary artery disease were independent predictors of unstable lesions. Conclusions: Emergent PCI of unstable lesions is associated with improved survival after sudden cardiac arrest, contrary to PCI of stable lesions. Accordingly, early PCI should only be performed in patients with unstable lesions. Four factors (chest pain, ST-elevation, absence of coronary artery disease history, and shockable initial rhythm) could help identify patients with unstable lesions who would, therefore, benefit from emergent coronary angiogram.

Background: Lumbar puncture is among the investigations used to determine the aetiology and prognosis of cardiac arrest, despite a dearth of data on its performance. We aimed to assess the diagnostic and prognostic performance of lumbar puncture after cardiac arrest. Methods: We retrospectively studied data from prospectively established databases of consecutive patients who were admitted to two French ICUs in 2007-2016 with sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after cardiac arrest and who underwent lumbar puncture as an aetiological investigation. Results: Of 1984 patients with sustained ROSC, 65 (3.3%) underwent lumbar puncture and were included. Lumbar puncture identified a neurological cause of cardiac arrest in 6/65 (9%) patients, including 5 with neurologic prodromal symptoms before cardiac arrest and 4 with the lumbar puncture done post-mortem. Lumbar puncture performed before death showed nonspecific cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities in 37/53 (69.8%) patients. By univariate analysis, factors significantly associated with cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities were shorter no-flow time (0 min [0-3] versus 4 min [2-10], p=0.004) and post-resuscitation shock (26 [70%] versus 5 [31%], pp=0.06). Conclusions: Lumbar puncture, although rarely performed, can contribute to the aetiological diagnosis of cardiac arrest. As a second-line investigation, it identified the cause in 9% of our patients. Nonspecific cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities are common after cardiac arrest, perhaps due to blood-brain barrier disruption, and may carry prognostic significance.

International audience; Aim: Coronary artery disease (CAD) has recently been emphasized as a major cause of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in young adults. We aim to assess the rate of immediate coronary angiography performance in young patients resuscitated from SCA.Methods: From May 2011 to May 2017, all cases of out-of-hospital SCA aged 18-40 years alive at hospital admission were prospectively included in 48 hospitals of the Great Paris area. Cardiovascular causes of SCA were centrally adjudicated, and management including immediate coronary angiography performance was assessed.Results: Out of 3579 SCA admitted alive, 409 (11.4%) patients were under 40 years of age (32.3 ± 6.2 years, 69.7% males), with 244 patients having a definite cause identified. Among those, CAD accounted for 72 (29.5%) cases, of which 64 (88.9%) were acute coronary syndromes. The rate of immediate coronary angiography was only 41.7% compared to 65.1% among those ≥40-years (P < 0.001). During the study period, while the rate of immediate coronary angiography increased from 60.5% to 70.3% (P < 0.001) in patients aged ≥40 years, the rate in patients aged less than 40 years remained stable (43.5% to 45.3%, P = 0.795). Patients younger than 40 years were significantly less likely to undergo immediate coronary angiography (OR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.25-0.47), although early angiography was associated with survival at hospital discharge (OR = 2.68, 95% CI: 1.21-6.00).Conclusion: CAD is the first cause of SCA in young adults aged less than 40 years. The observed low rates of immediate coronary angiography suggest a missed opportunity for early intervention.

Purpose Recent doubts regarding the efficacy may have resulted in a loss of interest for targeted temperature management (TTM) in comatose cardiac arrest (CA) patients, with uncertain consequences on outcome. We aimed to identify a change in TTM use and to assess the relationship between this change and neurological outcome. Methods We used Utstein data prospectively collected in the Sudden Death Expertise Center (SDEC) registry (capturing CA data from all secondary and tertiary hospitals located in the Great Paris area, France) between May 2011 and December 2017. All cases of non-traumatic OHCA patients with stable return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) were included. After adjustment for potential confounders, we assessed the relationship between changes over time in the use of TTM and neurological recovery at discharge using the Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale. Results Between May 2011 and December 2017, 3925 patients were retained in the analysis, of whom 1847 (47%) received TTM. The rate of good neurological outcome at discharge (CPC 1 or 2) was higher in TTM patients as compared with no TTM (33% vs 15%, P P P P P = 0.76). After adjustment, year of CA occurrence was not associated with outcome. Conclusions We report a progressive decrease in the use of TTM in post-cardiac arrest patients over the recent years. During this period, neurological outcome remained stable, despite an increase in bystander-initiated resuscitation and a decrease in “no flow” duration.

Background Adrenal gland volume is associated with survival in septic shock. As sepsis and post-cardiac arrest syndrome share many pathophysiological features, we assessed the association between adrenal gland volume measured by computerized tomography (CT)-scan and post-cardiac arrest shock and intensive care unit (ICU) mortality, in a large cohort of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. We also investigated the association between adrenal hormonal function and both adrenal gland volume and outcomes. Patients and Methods Prospective analysis of CT-scan performed at hospital admission in patients admitted after OHCA (2007–2012). A pair of blinded radiologist calculated manually adrenal gland volume. In a subgroup of patients, plasma cortisol was measured at admission and 60 min after a cosyntropin test. Factors associated with post-cardiac arrest shock and ICU mortality were identified using multivariate logistic regression. Results Among 775 patients admitted during this period after OHCA, 138 patients were included: 72 patients (52.2%) developed a post-cardiac arrest shock, and 98 patients (71.1%) died. In univariate analysis, adrenal gland volume was not different between patients with and without post-cardiac arrest shock: 10.6 and 11.3 cm3, respectively (p = 0.9) and between patients discharged alive or dead: 10.2 and 11.8 cm3, respectively (p = 0.4). Multivariate analysis confirmed that total adrenal gland volume was associated neither with post-cardiac arrest shock nor mortality. Neither baseline cortisol level nor delta between baseline and after cosyntropin test cortisol levels were associated with adrenal volume, post-cardiac arrest shock onset or mortality. Conclusion After OHCA, adrenal gland volume is not associated with post-cardiac arrest shock onset or ICU mortality. Adrenal gland volume does not predict adrenal gland hormonal response.

Introduction: Hanging-induced Out-of-Hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is poorly studied and a better understanding of these specific OHCA could be helpful to improve patients’ outcome. The main objective of our study was to describe characteristics and outcomes in patients who had OHCA from hanging injuries. Methods: From May 2011 to December 2017 we analyzed a prospectively collected Utstein database for all OHCA adults. All cases due to hanging were included. Utstein style variables were compared for 2 groups of patients: those with a Return of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC) and those without (non-ROSC). Continuous data are described as means (extremes). Results: Among 25 055 OHCA, 500 patients were included. They were 49 (18-100) years old. Seventy-three (14.6%) hanging were witnessed and 58 (11.6%) benefited from a bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation before Emergency Medical Service (EMS) arrival. No-flow duration was 29.1 (4-180) minutes. Advance life support was initiated by EMS in 299 (59.8%) cases. Low-flow duration was 23.8 (2-79) minutes. Nine patients (1.8%) had a shockable initial rhythm. We observed 83 (16.6%) ROSC. Four (0.8%) patients were discharged alive from hospital. They were all CPC 1. Table 1 compares characteristics with significant differences between ROSC and non-ROSC groups. Conclusion: As expected, younger age, short no-flow and low-flow durations and shockable rhythm on EMS arrival were significantly associated with ROSC. Overall prognosis is dramatically poor when OHCA is due to hanging (

Little is known about the association between provision of post-resuscitation care and prognosis of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in elderly patients. Previous studies have suggested futility after 65 years of age.We aimed to evaluate the association of early coronary angiogram (CAG) followed if necessary by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), with favorable outcome after OHCA among elderly patients, compared to younger patients.Using a large French registry, we included all OHCA patients with an initial shockable rhythm, transported to hospital from 2011 to 2015. Favorable outcome was defined as hospital discharge with Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) 1 or 2. and were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression. Subgroup analyses were performed according to age groups:65, 65-75 and75 years.Among 1502 included patients, 31% were older than 65 and 12% older than 75 years. An early CAG was performed in 79%, 88% and 76% of patients below 65, between 65 and 75 and above 75, respectively (P = 0.002). The rate of patients discharged with CPC1 or 2 was 42% below 65, 38% between 65 and 75 and 24% above 75 (P 0.001). Among the whole population, early CAG (OR = 6.4, 95% CI = 3.9-10.5, P 0.001) was associated with favorable outcome. In subgroups analysis, CAG was associated with favorable outcome among patients65 and 65-75. In patients75, there was a trend towards a favorable outcome (OR2.9, 95CI = 0.9-9.1).In a large registry of OHCA survivors, the early CAG use was associated with a better prognosis. This benefit was persistent up to 75 years of age, suggesting that age alone should not guide the decision for early invasive strategy.

Introduction Although the survival rate after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has increased over time, little is known about the return to work of OHCA survivors. We aim to evaluate prevalence and factors associated with return to work (RTW) in OHCA survivors. Patients and methods All consecutive OHCA survivors aged 18–65 years and discharged alive from a Paris tertiary intensive care unit between 2000 and 2013 were included. Pre-hospital care, in-hospital care, and after-hospital discharge data, such as work description (work location, job classification, nature of the job) were compared relative to work status and RTW. Factors associated with RTW were evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Results 153 OHCA survivors were included in the analysis. Among them, 96 (62.8%) returned to work an average of 714 days after OHCA (SD 1031); mostly to the same job (n = 72, 75%). Six patients changed jobs (4%) and 12 reduced their activity (10.6%). Factors associated with RTW were younger age (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.64 [1.10; 12.02]), being managers and professionals, and service and sales workers (compared to technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, respectively aOR 3.43 [1.05; 11.22] and 4.69 [1.14; 19.37]), and workplace occurrence (aOR 11.72 [1.37; 99.93]). Conclusion Two thirds of OHCA survivors, in the present study, returned to work. Patients with a higher-level job, and with the arrest occurring in the workplace, were more likely to return to work. Further research should include more details of job contents, evolution, financial consequences, as well as prevention practices related to work location.

The survival rate of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains extremely low, generally under 10%. Post-resuscitation care, and particularly early coronary reperfusion, may improve this outcome. The main objective of the present study was to determine whether patients with immediate coronary angiography at hospital admission (CAA) had a better outcome than patients without immediate CAA.This cohort analysis study was based on data extracted from the French National Cardiac Arrest registry (RéAC). To control for attribution bias, patients were matched using a propensity score, which included age clusters, low flow and no flow delays, initial rhythm and bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The main endpoint was survival at day 30 (D30). Secondary endpoint was neurological recovery of survivors assessed by the Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) scale, with CPC 1 and 2 at D30 considered as a favorable outcome.From July 1st, 2011 to October 1st, 2016, 63394 OHCA were registered in the database, of which 39444 were of an unknown or suspected cardiac origin. After on-site resuscitation by a mobile medical team, 7584 patients were transported to a hospital facility. Among these patients, 4046 were retained in the analysis after matching for the aforementioned factors and constituted into 2 groups: immediate coronary angiography (iCAA) group (n = 2023) and non-immediate coronary angiography (niCAA) group (n = 2023). The survival rate at D30 after matching was 43.3% in the iCAA group versus 34.5% in the niCAA group (OD = 0.66 [0.58; 0.75], p 0.001). In the iCAA group, (n = 707) 36% of the patients at D30 were CPC 1-2 comparatively to (n = 539) 27.3% in the niCAA group (p 0.01).Both the survival and proportion of patients with favorable neurological recovery were significantly higher in patients who underwent an immediate coronary angiography after a resuscitated OHCA. These observational results warrant further exploration of the benefit of this invasive strategy in randomized studies.

Background Metabolic acidosis is frequently observed as a consequence of global ischemia–reperfusion after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We aimed to identify risk factors and assess the impact of metabolic acidosis on outcome after OHCA. Methods We included all consecutive OHCA patients admitted between 2007 and 2012. Using admission data, metabolic acidosis was defined by a positive base deficit and was categorized by quartiles. Main outcome was survival at ICU discharge. Factors associated with acidosis severity and with main outcome were evaluated by linear and logistic regressions, respectively. Results A total of 826 patients (68.3% male, median age 61 years) were included in the analysis. Median base deficit was 8.8 [5.3, 13.2] mEq/l. Male gender (p = 0.002), resuscitation duration (p

Objectives This study sought to assess the relationship between an immediate invasive strategy and survival after an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) of presumed cardiac cause, according to prognosis evaluated on hospital arrival. Background An immediate coronary angiogram (CAG) may be associated with better outcome after OHCA in neurologically preserved patients but could be futile in other cases. Methods From May 2011 to May 2015, we collected data for all patients admitted in hospital after OHCA in Paris and its suburbs (France). Risk of in-hospital death was retrospectively calculated using the validated Cardiac Arrest Hospital Prognosis score, which includes age, setting, initial rhythm, durations from collapse to basic life support and from basic life support to return of spontaneous circulation, pH, and epinephrine dose. Independent predictors of survival at discharge (including immediate CAG) were assessed in multivariate logistic regression in each of the 3 pre-defined subgroups of Cardiac Arrest Hospital Prognosis score: low risk ( 200 points) for in-hospital death. Results A total of 1,410 patients were included and overall survival rate at hospital discharge was 32%. Distribution in the low-, medium-, and high-risk Cardiac Arrest Hospital Prognosis subgroups was 667 (47%), 469 (33%), and 274 patients (20%), respectively. The rate of early CAG was 86%, 66%, and 47% in the low-, medium-, and high-risk subgroups, respectively (p Conclusions In cardiac arrest patients, our results suggest that investigations regarding early CAG after OHCA should focus on patients with preserved neurological status.

BackgroundSudden cardiac arrest (SCA) accounts for 10% of adult mortality in Western populations. While several risk factors are observationally associated with SCA, the genetic architecture of SCA in the general population remains unknown. Furthermore, understanding which risk factors are causal may help target prevention strategies.MethodsWe carried out a large genome-wide association study (GWAS) for SCA (n=3,939 cases, 25,989 non-cases) to examine common variation genome-wide and in candidate arrhythmia genes. We also exploited Mendelian randomization methods using cross-trait multi-variant genetic risk score associations (GRSA) to assess causal relationships of 18 risk factors with SCA.ResultsNo variants were associated with SCA at genome-wide significance, nor were common variants in candidate arrhythmia genes associated with SCA at nominal significance. Using cross-trait GRSA, we established genetic correlation between SCA and (1) coronary artery disease (CAD) and traditional CAD risk factors (blood pressure, lipids, and diabetes), (2) height and BMI, and (3) electrical instability traits (QT and atrial fibrillation), suggesting etiologic roles for these traits in SCA risk.ConclusionsOur findings show that a comprehensive approach to the genetic architecture of SCA can shed light on the determinants of a complex life-threatening condition with multiple influencing factors in the general population. The results of this genetic analysis, both positive and negative findings, have implications for evaluating the genetic architecture of patients with a family history of SCA, and for efforts to prevent SCA in highrisk populations and the general community.

Introduction The cumulative burden of chronic health conditions could contribute to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) physiology and response to attempted resuscitation. Yet little is known about how chronic health conditions influence prognosis. We evaluated the relationship between cumulative comorbidity and outcome following ventricular fibrillation OHCA using 3 different scales. Methods We performed a cohort investigation of persons >= 18 years who suffered non-traumatic OHCA and presented with ventricular fibrillation between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2013 in a metropolitan emergency medical service (EMS) system. Chronic conditions were ascertained from EMS reports. The primary relationship between cumulative comorbidity and outcome (survival to hospital discharge) used the Charlson Index and two other scales. Analyses used logistical regression (LR), multiple imputation and inverse probability weighting. Results During the study period 1166/1488 potential patients were included. The median Charlson Index was 1 (25th-75th%: 0–2). Overall survival was 43.9%. Comorbidity was associated with a dose-dependent decrease in the likelihood of survival. ompared to Charlson Score of 0, the odds ratio of survival was 0.68 (0.48–0.96) for Charslon of 1, 0.49 (0.35–0.69) for Charlson of 2, and 0.43 (0.30–0.61) for Charlson of >= 3 after adjustment for Utstein predictors using multivariable LR. This inverse comorbidity-survival association was similar for the other 2 scales and was observed for different clinical outcomes (admission to hospital, functional survival, 30-day survival, and 1-year survival). Conclusion Based on these results, cumulative comorbidity can help explain survival variability and improve prognostic accuracy. Whether information about cumulative comorbidity or specific health conditions can inform resuscitation care is unknown though the results suggest comorbidity may influence acute pathophysiology and treatment response.

Background Respective proportions of final etiologies are disparate in cohorts of cardiac arrest patients, depending on examined population and diagnostic algorithms. In particular, prevalence and characteristics of sudden unexplained death syndrome (SUDS) are debated. We aimed at describing etiologies in a large cohort of aborted out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients, in order to assess prevalence and outcome of SUDS. Patients and methods We analyzed data from our prospective registry of successfully resuscitated OHCA patients admitted to a cardiac arrest centre between January 2002 and December 2014. The in-ICU diagnostic strategy included early coronary angiogram, brain and chest CT scan. This was completed by an extensive diagnostic strategy, encompassing biological and toxicological tests, repeated electrocardiograms and echocardiography, MRI and pharmacologic tests. Two independent investigators reviewed each final diagnosis. Baseline characteristics were compared between subgroups of patients. Three-month mortality was compared between subgroups using univariate Kaplan-Meier curves. Results Over the study period, 1657 patients were admitted to our unit after an aborted OHCA. The event was attributed to a non-cardiac and a cardiac cause in 478 (32.0%) and 978 (65.5%) patients, respectively. The main cause of cardiac related OHCA was ischemic heart disease (76.7%) while primary electrical diseases accounted for only 2.5%. Sudden unexplained deaths (SUDS) were observed in 37 (2.5%) patients. Conclusion We observed that ischemic heart disease was by far the most common cause of cardiac arrest, while primary electrical diseases were much less frequent. SUDS accounted for a very small proportion of patients who suffered an aborted OHCA.

The impact of time of occurrence has been extensively evaluated for in-hospital cardiac arrests but less for Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrests (OHCA). We assessed the impact of the time of occurrence on the characteristics and prognosis of OHCA.Using data from the Paris Sudden Cardiac Death Expertise Center prospective study that includes all OHCA in the Paris Area, we compared characteristics and outcomes of off-hours OHCA (nights and days off) to regular-hours OHCA between 2011 and 2014.Among a total of 9834 OHCA (70.0±17years old, 62.1% males), off-hours OHCA accounted for 63.4%. Although bystanders were more often present (74.4 vs. 72.1%, P=0.01), rates of bystander CPR (46.7 vs. 50.6%, P=0.001) and AED use (1.0 vs. 1.9%, P=0.01) were lower during off-hours. While EMS arrival delays were similar, patients were less often in shockable rhythm (16.3 vs. 19.1%, P0.0001), and return of spontaneous circulation was less frequent (27.5 vs. 31.1%, P0.0001). There was no difference in rates of targeted temperature control (54.8 vs. 54.7%, P=0.75), coronary angiography (57.3 vs. 58.2%, P=0.68) and angioplasty use (32.2 vs. 35.6%, P=0.22). Survival at hospital discharge was lower (4.7 vs. 6.5%, P0.0001) during off-hours. After adjusting for potential confounders, time of occurrence was not associated with worse outcome (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.69-1.06, P=0.15), and bystander-initiated CPR, shockable initial rhythm and AED use were the main survival predictors (P0.0001).Off-hours OHCA have a 30% lower survival rate, mainly due to differences in initial management (bystander CPR and AED use), illustrating the need to improve bystanders' responsiveness in all circumstances.

Background Even if a large majority of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survivors appear to have a good neurological recovery with no important sequellae, whether health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is altered is less explored. Patients and methods HRQOL was evaluated by telephone interview using SF-36 questionnaire. Each OHCA case was age and gender-matched with 4 controls from the French general population. Association between current condition of the survivors with the 8 dimensions of the SF-36 questionnaire was investigated using MANCOVA. Cluster analysis was performed to identify patterns of HRQOL among CPC1 survivors. Results 255 patients discharged alive from our referral centre between 2000 and 2013 (median age of 55y [45,64], 73.7% males) were interviewed. Global physical and mental components did not differ between CPC 1 survivors and controls (47.0 vs. 47.1, p=0.88 and 46.4 vs. 46.9, p=0.45) but substantially differed between CPC2, CPC3 and the corresponding controls. Younger age, male gender, good neurological recovery and daily-life autonomy at telephone interview were significantly associated with better scores in each SF-36 dimensions. Cluster analysis individualized 4 distinct subgroups of CPC1 patients characterised by progressively increased score of SF-36. Return to work and daily-life autonomy were differently distributed across these 4 groups while pre-hospital Utstein variables were not. Conclusion HRQOL of CPC1 OHCA survivors appeared similar to that of the general population, but patients with CPC2 or 3 had altered HRQOL. Younger age, male gender, good neurological recovery and daily-life autonomy were independently associated with a better HRQOL.

Purpose Cardiogenic shock due to post-resuscitation myocardial dysfunction is a major cause of mortality among patients hospitalized after cardiac arrest (CA). Veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) has been proposed in the most severe cases but the level of evidence is very low. We assessed characteristics, outcome and prognostic factors of patients treated with VA-ECMO for post-CA shock. Methods Using a large regional registry, we focused on all CA admitted in ICU. Among those who developed a post-CA shock, prognostic was compared according to VA-ECMO use, using logistic regression and propensity score. Specific prognostic factors were identified among VA-ECMO patients. Results Among 2988 patients admitted after CA, 1489 developed a post-CA shock, and were included. They were mostly male (68%), with mean age 63 years (SD=15). Fiflty-two patients (3.5%) were treated with VA-ECMO, mostly patients with ischemic cause of CA (67%). Among patients with post-CA shock, 312 (21%) were discharged alive (25% in VA-ECMO group, 21% in control group, P=0.45). After adjustment for pre-hospital and in-hospital factors, survival did not differ among patients treated with VA-ECMO (OR for survival=0.9, 95%CI 0.4–2.3, P=0.84). After propensity-score matching, results were consistent. Among patients treated with VA-ECMO, initial arterial pH (OR=1.7 per 0.1 increase, 95%CI 1.0–2.8, P=0.04) and implantation of VA-ECMO over 24h after ROSC (OR=20.0, 95%CI 1.4–277.3, P=0.03) were associated with survival. Conclusions Post-CA shock is frequent and is associated with a high mortality rate. When used in selected patients, we observed that VA-ECMO could be an appropriate treatment.

Introduction A significant increase in the prevalence of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) with non-shockable rhythm (NSR) has been reported. Factors associated with NSR and the mode to the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) may help for a better understanding. Purpose We aimed to describe the frequency, characteristics and outcome of NSR related SCA in the community. Methods In this prospective ongoing multicentre population-based registry (6.7 million inhabitants), data from all SCA were analyzed. Medical records for each SCA were reviewed by two cardiologists to identify aetiology and associated conditions. Results Among the 3,028 SCAs admitted alive out of a total of 18,622 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests from May 2011 to May 2016, 2,904 patients had available information regarding initial rhythm. Among them, 1,314 patients (45.3%) presented with NSR: 1,109 (38.2%) cases with asystole, 197 (6.8%) with pulseless electrical activity and 8 (0.3%) with high degree atrioventricular block. NSR cases were older (60.6 vs. 57.4 years, P Conclusions Initial NSR is encountered in almost half of SCA cases admitted alive; mostly occurs in older patients with higher proportion of females. Over three quarters of these cases did not require external defibrillation prior to ROSC.

Background Obesity prevalence has dramatically increased over recent years and is associated with cardiovascular diseases, but data are lacking on its prognostic impact in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. Methods Data of all consecutive OHCA patients admitted in two cardiac arrest centers from Paris and suburbs between 2005 and 2012 were prospectively collected. Patients treated by therapeutic hypothermia (TH) were included in the analysis. Logistic and Cox regression analyses were used to quantify the association between body mass index (BMI) at hospital admission and day-30 and 1-year mortality respectively. Results 818 patients were included in the study (median age 60.9 [50.8–72.7] year, 70.2% male). Obese patients (BMI>30kgm −2 ) were older, more frequently male and evidenced more frequently cardiovascular risk factors than normally (18.5 −2 ) or overweight patients (25 −2 ). Post-resuscitation shock and therapeutic hypothermia failure were more frequent in obese patients. Overall mortality at day-30 and one-year was 63.8 and 67.2%, respectively. After multivariate adjustment, BMI>30kgm −2 was independently associated with day-30 mortality (Odds ratio [OR] in comparison with normally weight patients 2.45; 95% confidence interval [95%CI: 1.32–4.56; p Conclusion In the present study, obesity was independently associated with day-30 mortality in successfully resuscitated ICU TH OHCA patients. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanisms that underpin this finding.

Despite the cardiovascular benefits of regular sports, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) risk is increased during or shortly after exercise. Association with coronary artery disease (CAD) has been described in small studies, mainly autopsic with potential bias given the high sports-related SCA survival, and focusing on young competitive athletes, whereas sports-related SCA occurs mostly in recreational athletes. 1-5 Through the Paris Sudden Death Expertise Center prospective registry that includes all SCAs in Paris and suburbs since May 2011, we performed the first broad comprehensive CAD description in sports-related SCAs, with a comparison with matched non-sports-related SCAs.

Background Data is scarce on hemorrhagic and thrombotic complications in patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) associated with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Purpose We sought to evaluate the difference in the thrombotic-hemorrhagic balance in STEMI patients with or without associated cardiac arrest. Methods This is a monocentric, retrospective study conducted from January 2012 to December 2017. Over the study period, all consecutive patients who were treated for STEMI with our without OHCA were included. Baseline characteristics, treatments, haemorrhagic and thrombotic events were compared between STEMI patients associated or not with OHCA. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to identify predictors of 30-day mortality, occurrence of major bleeding, defined by BARC score ≥3 and early stent thrombosis. Results A total of 549 patients treated for STEMI and 146 patients for STEMI associated with OHCA were included. The incidence of stent thrombosis and major bleeding after coronary angioplasty in patients treated for STEMI was significantly higher when associated with OHCA (2.7% vs. 12.3%, p=0.04 and 3.3% vs. 19.2%, p Clinical outcomes at 30 days follow-up Conclusion Patients treated for STEMI associated with OHCA are at higher-risk of stent thrombosis and bleeding than those who did not experience cardiac arrest. The use of effective anticoagulation and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors contributes to increase bleeding complications. In this subset of patients, prospective studies are needed to better evaluate thrombotic and haemorrhagic balance.

Introduction A significant increase in the prevalence of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) with non-shockable rhythm has been reported, related to asystole and pulseless electrical activity (PEA). Factors associated with non-shockable rhythm and the mode to the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) may help for a better understanding. Purpose We aimed to describe the frequency, characteristics and outcome of SCA related to non-shockable versus shockable rhythm in the community. Methods In this prospective ongoing, multicentre population-based registry (6.7 million inhabitants), data from all SCA over a 5-year period were analyzed. Initial rhythm was obtained from the EMS report and the initial recorded rhythm strip when available. Medical records for each SCA were reviewed by cardiologists to identify underlying aetiology and associated conditions. Results Among the 3,028 SCAs admitted alive out of a total of 18,622 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests from May 2011 to May 2016, 2,904 patients had available information regarding initial rhythm at the time of EMS arrival. Among them, 1,314 patients (45.3%) presented with non-shockable rhythm: 1,109 (38.2%) cases with asystole, 197 (6.8%) with PEA and 8 (0.3%) with high degree atrioventricular block. Cases with non-shockable rhythm were older (60.6 vs. 57.4 years, P Among the 1,314 non-shockable cases eventually admitted alive to hospital, 1,022 (77.8%) did not require external defibrillation prior to ROSC, and a majority (91.7%) received adrenaline during resuscitation. In this subgroup, the main identified cardiac cause was acute coronary syndrome (45.3%), followed by chronic CAD (27.1%), structural non-ischemic heart disease (22.4%), and non-structural heart disease (5.2%). Conclusions Initial non-shockable rhythm is encountered in almost half of SCA cases admitted alive; mostly occurs in older patients with higher proportion of females. Over three quarters of these cases did not require external defibrillation prior to ROSC.

Introduction Since a large proportion of patients resuscitated from out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) die in the intensive care unit (ICU), early systematic investigation towards identifying etiology may be crucial to ensure targeted therapy and appropriate future prevention among relatives, especially when the index case is young. Purpose We hypothesized that etiologic investigations were not initiated in a timely manner in a significant proportion of young SCA patients, alive at ICU admission, prior to death. Methods In this prospective, ongoing, multicenter, population-based registry (6.7 million inhabitants), data from all SCA over a 5-year period were analyzed, in collaboration with all the 48 hospitals of the area, with a specific focus on young patients ( Results Of the 18,622 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests from May 2011 to May 2016, 3,028 were admitted alive to ICU. Among them, 2,190 (72.3%) died in ICU, including 367 (16.8%) young cases ( Conclusion More than half of young SCA cases who died in ICU remained unexplained. There was significant underuse of core cardiac investigations. Efforts to promote prompt and systematic investigation through better collaboration between intensivist and cardiologist may improve both acute management and future targeted preventive strategies for family members.

Background Survival rate remains extremely low in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) and death may occur at all stages of its management. We hypothesized that different medical care providers have different visions of the SCA population characteristics. Purpose To assess SCA characteristics among four groups: all-comers SCA, resuscitated SCA, SCA admitted alive to intensive care unit (ICU), and SCA admitted to cardiology. Methods Data was taken from the Paris Sudden Cardiac Death Expertise Center prospective registry that includes all adults presenting SCA in Paris and suburbs (6.7 millions). We compared SCA characteristics according to the management phase where the population was assessed. Results Of 18,622 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occurring between 2011 and 2016, 15,207 fulfilled SCA criteria and had known resuscitation status. Among them, 9,721 SCA (63.9%) underwent resuscitation, leading to 3,349 SCA (22.0%) admitted to ICU, then 735 (4.8%) admitted to Cardiology. Mean age was highest in the global population (70.7yrs), and decreased progressively throughout the phases to 57.0yrs in cardiology (P Sudden cardiac arrests characteristics Entire SCA population SCA with attempted resuscitation SCA admitted to ICU SCA admitted to Cardiology P value n=15,207 n=9,721 n=3349 n=735 Age (years ± SD) 70.7±16.9 65.8±16.1 59.7±15.7 57.0±14.5 Conclusion Characteristics of SCA change considerably according to the assessed population, leading to different views on SCA reality. Keeping in mind the SCA population considered is paramount for a non-biased view of SCA.

Objective After out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) associated with obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD), the risk of recurrence during the early period is unclear and the indication for anti-arrhythmic treatment is debated. We assessed the incidence and predisposing factors for severe cardiac arrhythmias in this population. Design Retrospective study in a cardiac arrest center. Settings The primary endpoint was the occurrence of major cardiac arrhythmias from hospital admission to intensive care unit (ICU) discharge in patients admitted after an OHCA associated with obstructive CAD. A major arrhythmia was defined as any arrhythmic event (auricular or ventricular) associated with cardiac arrest recurrence and/or severe arterial hypotension. Secondary outcomes were time from ICU admission to arrhythmia occurrence and all-cause in-ICU mortality. Risk factors for recurrence of a major arrhythmia were assessed using multivariate analysis. Patients We included all consecutive OHCA patients resuscitated from ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) as initial rhythm associated with obstructive CAD, and who had a successful primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Intervention None. Measurements and main results Among 256 patients, a major arrhythmia occurred in 29 (11.3%), within the first 24 h in 79.3% of cases and were mostly VF (44.8%). Mortality rate was significantly increased in patients with major arrhythmia recurrence (69% vs 41%; p = 0.006). Factor significantly associated with recurrence of severe arrhythmia was male gender (OR 0.32 [0.12–0.92]; p = 0.034). Treatment with prophylactic anti-arrhythmic in the ICU was not associated with a change in the risk of recurrence (OR 0.85 [0.21–3.65], p = 0.82). Conclusion An early recurrence of major arrhythmia was observed in more than 10% of post-cardiac arrest patients. These events happened mostly within the first 24 h. The interest of prophylactic anti-arrhythmic treatment remains to be evaluated in this population.

Summary Background Post cardiac arrest shock (PCAS) occurring after resuscitated cardiac arrest (CA) is a main cause of early death. Extracorporeal life support (ECLS) could be useful pending recovery from myocardial failure. Aim To describe our PCAS population, and the factors associated with initiation of ECLS. Methods This analysis included 921 patients admitted to two intensive care units between 2005 and 2014 for CA and PCAS; 43 of these patients had ECLS initiated. Neurological and ECLS-related outcomes were gathered retrospectively. Results The 43 patients treated with ECLS were predominantly (70%) young males with evidence of myocardial infarction on coronary angiography. ECLS was initiated in patients with severe cardiovascular dysfunction (median left ventricular ejection fraction 15% [interquartile range 10–25%]), a median of 9 hours [interquartile range 6–16 hours] after the CA. At 1 year, eight patients (19%) had survived without neurological disability. Blood lactate and coronary aetiology were associated with neurological outcomes. Logistic regression conducted using 878 controls with PCAS identified age > 62 years, location of CA, use of a high dose of adrenaline (> 3 mg) and blood lactate and serum creatinine concentrations (> 5 mmol/L and > 109 μmol/L, respectively) as risk factors for initiation of ECLS. Conclusions ECLS, as a salvage therapy for PCAS, could be an acceptable alternative for highly-selected patients.

Introduction Quantitative waveform measures are a surrogate of the acute physiological status of the myocardium and predict survival following ventricular fibrillation out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We investigated whether the amplitude spectrum area (AMSA) waveform measure mediates the adverse relationship between increasing burden of chronic health conditions and lower likelihood of survival. Methods We performed a cohort investigation of persons > = 18 years who suffered ventricular fibrillation OHCA between 2008–2015 in a metropolitan emergency medical service (EMS) system. The count of chronic health conditions was determined using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). AMSA was calculated just prior to the initial shock. We used multivariable logistic regression to assess the relationship between CCI and survival-to-discharge in models first without and then with AMSA to determine the extent to which AMSA attenuated the CCI-survival association. Results Of the 716 eligible patients, 422/716 (59%) had at least one chronic health condition; 21.8% with one, 19.6% with two, 10.3% with 3, and 7.3% with ≥4. Survival-to-discharge was 45% (324/716). In the multivariable model adjusted for traditional Utstein characteristics, increasing CCI was associated with lower odds of survival (Odds ratio (OR) (95% confidence interval] = 0.82 [0.72, 0.93] for each additional chronic health condition). The addition of AMSA to the model only modestly attenuated the CCI-survival association (OR = 0.85 [0.74,0.98]). Conclusion The waveform measure AMSA – a surrogate for the physiological status of the myocardium – mediated only a modest portion of the association between increasing burden of chronic health conditions and lower likelihood of survival following ventricular fibrillation OHCA.

International audience; Purpose: To evaluate the predictive value of EEG reactivity assessment and confounders for neurological outcome after cardiac arrest.Methods: All consecutive patients admitted in a tertiary cardiac arrest center between 2007 and 2016 still alive 48 h after admission with at least one EEG recorded during coma. EEG reactivity was defined as a reproducible waveform change in amplitude or frequency following standardized stimulation. Each EEG was classified based on American Clinical Neurophysiology Society nomenclatures and classified in highly malignant (including status epilepticus), malignant, or benign EEG. We assessed the predictive values of EEG reactivity and sedation effect for neurologic outcome at ICU discharge using the Cerebral Performance Category scale (with CPC 1-2 assumed as favorable outcome and CPC 3-4-5 considered as poor outcome).Results: Among 428 patients, a poor outcome was observed in 80% patients. The median time to EEG recording was 3 (1-4) days and 51% patients had a non-reactive EEG. The positive predictive value (PPV) of a non-reactive EEG to predict an unfavorable outcome was 97.1% (IC95% 93.6-98.9), increasing to 98.3% (IC95 94.1-99.8) when the EEG had been performed without sedation. In multivariate analysis, a non-reactive EEG was associated with poor outcome (OR 12.6 IC95% 4.7-33.6; p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, concomitant sedation was not statistically associated with EEG non-reactivity. The PPV of a benign EEG to predict favorable outcome was 49.7% (IC95% 41.5-57.9), increasing to 66.2% (IC95% 54.3-76.8) when EEG was recorded earlier, with ongoing sedation.Conclusions: After cardiac arrest, absence of EEG reactivity was predictive of unfavorable outcome. By contrast, a benign EEG was slightly predictive of a favorable outcome. Reactivity assessment may have important implications in the neuroprognostication process after cardiac arrest and could be influenced by sedation.

Objectives In a large cohort of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients without ST-segment elevation (STE), the study assessed the relationship between the use of an early invasive strategy and patient outcome. Background Emergent coronary angiogram (CAG) and reperfusion are currently a standard of care in patients resuscitated from an OHCA with ST-segment elevation (STE). However, using a similar invasive strategy is still debated in patients without STE. Methods In the absence of an obvious extracardiac cause, for many years our practice has had to perform an emergent CAG in all OHCA patients (STE and no STE) at admission, followed by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) when required. All patients’ characteristics are prospectively collected in the PROCAT (Parisian Registry Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest) database. Focusing on non-STE patients and using logistical regression, we investigated the association between early PCI and favorable outcome (cerebral performance category 1 to 2 at discharge) and we searched predictive factors for PCI requirement. Results During the study period (2004 to 2013), we investigated 958 OHCA patients with an emergent CAG. Among them 695 of 958 (73%), mostly male (76%), and average 60 years of age had no evidence of STE on the post-resuscitation electrocardiography. A PCI was deemed necessary in 199 of 695 (29%). A favorable outcome was observed in 87 of 200 (43%) in patients with PCI compared with 164 of 495 (33%) in patients without PCI (p = 0.02). After adjustment, PCI was associated with a better outcome (adjusted odds ratio: 1.80 [95% confidence interval: 1.09 to 2.97]; p = 0.02). The other predictive factors of favorable outcome were a shorter resuscitation length ( Conclusions A culprit coronary lesion requiring PCI was found in nearly one-third of OHCA patients without STE. In these patients, emergent PCI was associated with a nearly 2-fold increase in the rate of favorable outcome. These findings support the use of an invasive strategy in these patients, particularly in those resuscitated from a shockable rhythm.

Evaluate long-term neurologic outcome for paediatric survivors of OHCA.Subjects19 years who experienced OHCA from 1976-2007 and survived to hospital discharge were included. Demographics, neurologic outcomes and years of survival were determined using the King County Emergency Medical Service cardiac arrest database, Seattle Children's Hospital medical records, Washington State Death Database and National Death Index. A Paediatric Cerebral Performance Category (PCPC) score (1-6) was determined for the index hospitalization discharge and all subsequent visits.From 1976-2007, 1683 cases of OHCA resulted in 91 survivors to hospital discharge. 18/91 survivors identified had pre-morbid conditions. 72/91 survivors had follow-up PCPC scores. Patients were: ≤5 years (53%) and 54% female. 33/35 patients with initial favorable neurologic outcomes (PCPC 1-2) maintained favorable neurologic status in long-term follow-up. 14/37 patients with initial unfavorable neurologic outcomes (PCPC 3-5) remained unfavorable over long-term follow-up. Six unfavorable patients showed some improvement, three of whom achieved favorable PCPC scores at last evaluation. One unfavorable patient declined from PCPC 4 to PCPC 5. Twenty patients with an initial unfavorable neurologic outcome died in long-term follow-up.In this cohort study of neurologic outcomes for paediatric OHCA survivors, a favorable initial PCPC score was highly associated with stable long-term neurological outcomes. Those with poor neurologic status at initial discharge were unlikely to improve and were at greatest risk to die in follow-up. Future studies should focus on improving neurologic outcomes and prospectively evaluating the long-term neurologic course.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the contribution of endotoxemia to the severity of postcardiac arrest shock. DESIGN A prospective monocentric study. SETTING A tertiary hospital in Paris, France. PATIENTS Patients admitted in our ICU after a successfully resuscitated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. INTERVENTIONS None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Endotoxin measurement was performed in the 12 hours following return of spontaneous circulation using the endotoxin activity assay. Endotoxin level was classified as low (< 0.4 endotoxin activity), intermediate (0.4 to < 0.6 endotoxin activity), or high (≥ 0.6 endotoxin activity) according to manufacture guidelines. Severity of shock was assessed by the vasopressor-free days and by the mean daily dose of vasopressor to insure a mean arterial pressure of 65-75 mm Hg. Among 92 patients included in the study, 60 presented a postcardiac arrest shock. Endotoxemia level was higher in patients with postcardiac arrest shock. Among these patients, by multivariate linear regression, high endotoxin class (adjusted estimate -2.0; 95% CI, -3.90 to -0.11), public place of cardiac arrest (adjusted estimate, 1.47; 95% CI, 0.007 to 2.93), and time to return of spontaneous circulation (adjusted estimate -0.08; 95% CI, -0.13 to -0.03) were independently associated with the number of vasopressor-free days. Furthermore, high endotoxin class (adjusted estimate, 97.95; 95% CI, 20.5 to 175.4) and a nonshockable rhythm (adjusted estimate, 59.9; 95% CI, 6.2 to 113.7) were the sole factors independently associated with the mean daily dose of vasopressors. CONCLUSIONS In patients successfully resuscitated from cardiac arrest with a postcardiac arrest shock, high level of endotoxemia is independently associated with duration of postcardiac arrest shock and the amount of vasopressive drugs. Whether treatment targeting endotoxemia could be beneficial in the management of postcardiac arrest shock needs to be studied in further randomized controlled studies.

Introduction Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD) in sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is indicated in non-reversible cardiac causes. A systematic description of SCA survivors discharged without an ICD has not been undertaken thus far. Purpose We aimed to describe the frequency, characteristics and etiologies of SCA survivors discharged without an ICD. Methods In this prospective ongoing multicentre community-based study (6.7 million inhabitants), data from all SCA cases alive at hospital discharge, over a 5-year period, were analyzed with a specific focus on survivors. All medical records were reviewed by two cardiologists to identify underlying mechanisms and ascertain etiologies. Results Among the 18,622 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests from May 2011 to May 2016, 717 survivors at hospital discharge fulfilled definition for cardiac SCA. Among them, 247 patients (34.5%) received an ICD and 468 (65.4%) did not. Compared to the ICD group, the group without ICD were older (58.9 vs. 52.6 years, P Conclusions Almost two third of SCA survivors were discharged without an ICD; while this was largely related to ACS and coronary stenting, some cases of chronic CAD as well as drug refractory coronary spasm in this population may represent lost opportunity, warranting further studies addressing this specific issue.