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Background: Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation improves outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. However, bleeding and thrombosis are common complications. We aimed to describe the incidence and predictors of bleeding and thrombosis and their association with in-hospital mortality., Methods and Results: Consecutive patients presenting with refractory ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation out-of-hospital cardiac arrest between December 2015 and March 2022 who met the criteria for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation initiation at our center were included. Major bleeding was defined by the Extracorporeal Life Support Organization's criteria. Adjusted analyses were done to seek out risk factors for bleeding and thrombosis and evaluate their association with mortality. Major bleeding occurred in 135 of 200 patients (67.5%), with traumatic bleeding from cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 73 (36.5%). Baseline demographics and arrest characteristics were similar between groups. In multivariable analysis, decreasing levels of fibrinogen were independently associated with bleeding (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 0.98 per every 10 mg/dL rise [95% CI, 0.96-0.99]). Patients who died had a higher rate of bleeds per day (0.21 versus 0.03, P <0.001) though bleeding was not significantly associated with in-hospital death (aHR, 0.81 [95% CI. 0.55-1.19]). A thrombotic event occurred in 23.5% (47/200) of patients. Venous thromboembolism occurred in 11% (22/200) and arterial thrombi in 15.5% (31/200). Clinical characteristics were comparable between groups. In adjusted analyses, no risk factors for thrombosis were identified. Thrombosis was not associated with in-hospital death (aHR, 0.65 [95% CI, 0.42-1.03])., Conclusions: Bleeding is a frequent complication of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation that is associated with decreased fibrinogen levels on admission whereas thrombosis is less common. Neither bleeding nor thrombosis was significantly associated with in-hospital mortality.

Background: The DOSE VF randomized controlled trial (RCT) employed a pragmatic definition of refractory ventricular fibrillation (VF after three successive shocks). However, it remains unclear whether the underlying rhythm during the first three shocks was shock-refractory or recurrent VF., Objective: To explore the relationship between alternate defibrillation strategies employed during the DOSE VF RCT and the type of VF, either shock-refractory VF or recurrent VF, on patient outcomes., Methods: We performed a secondary analysis of the DOSE VF RCT. We categorized cases as shock-refractory or recurrent VF based on pre-randomization shocks (shocks 1-3). We then analyzed all subsequent (post-randomization) shocks to assess the impact of standard, vector change (VC) or double sequential external defibrillation (DSED) shocks on clinical outcomes employing logistic regression adjusted for Utstein variables, antiarrhythmics, and epinephrine., Results: We included 345 patients; 60 (17%) shock-refractory VF, and 285 (83%) recurrent VF. Patients in recurrent VF had greater survival than shock-refractory VF (OR: 2.76 95% CI [1.04, 7.27]). DSED was superior to standard defibrillation for survival overall, and for patients with shock-refractory VF (28.6% vs 0%, p = 0.041) but not for those in recurrent VF. DSED was superior to standard defibrillation for return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and neurologic survival for shock-refractory and recurrent VF. VC defibrillation was not superior for survival or ROSC overall, for shock-refractory, or recurrent VF groups, but was superior for VF termination across all groups., Conclusion: DSED appears to be the superior defibrillation strategy in the DOSE VF trial, irrespective of whether the preceding VF is shock-refractory or recurrent., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Annually 15,200 children suffer an in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) in the US. Ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/pVT) is the initial rhythm in 10-15% of these arrests. We sought to evaluate the association of number of shocks and early dose escalation with survival for initial VF/pVT in pediatric IHCA., Methods: Using 2000-2020 data from the American Heart Association's (AHA) Get with the Guidelines®-Resuscitation (GWTG-R) registry, we identified children >48 hours of life and ≤18 years who had an IHCA from initial VF/pVT and received defibrillation., Results: There were 251 subjects (37.7%) who received a single shock and 415 subjects (62.3%) who received multiple shocks. Baseline and cardiac arrest characteristics did not differ between those who received a single shock versus multiple shocks except for duration of arrest and calendar year. The median first shock dose was consistent with AHA dosing recommendations and not different between those who received a single shock versus multiple shocks. Survival was improved for those who received a single shock compared to multiple shocks. However, no difference in survival was noted between those who received 2, 3, or ≥4 shocks. Of those receiving multiple shocks, no difference was observed with early dose escalation., Conclusions: In pediatric IHCA, most patients with initial VF/pVT require more than one shock. No distinctions in patient or pre-arrest characteristics were identified between those who received a single shock versus multiple shocks. Subjects who received a single shock were more likely to survive to hospital discharge even after adjusting for duration of resuscitation., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: ‘Tia Raymond reports she is a paid consultant of New England Research Institutes, Inc., as a member of the adjudication committee for the COMPASS Trial (Comparison of Methods for Pulmonary Blood Flow Augmentation in Neonates: Shunt versus Stent. Dianne Atkins reports she is a paid member of the Data Monitoring Safety Board for the Pediatric Heart Network, a multicenter study funded by NHLBI’., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Knowing the kinetics of endogenous stress hormones during cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CRP) will help to optimize personalized physiology-guided treatment. The aim of this study was to examine the dynamic changes in stress hormones in a swine model of ventricular fibrillation (VF) cardiac arrest., Methods: Ventricular fibrillation was induced in 10 healthy Landrace/Large White piglets, which were subsequently left untreated for 8 min. All animals were resuscitated according to the 2015 European Resuscitation Council guidelines. The concentration of adrenalin, noradrenalin, and cortisol was measured at baseline and at the 4th and 8th minute of VF-cardiac arrest, as well as at 30-min, 60-min, 24 h and 48 h post-ROSC., Results: By the end of the 4th min of VF, the animals of the ROSC group exhibited significantly higher adrenaline levels compared to those of the no-ROSC group (7264 pg/ml vs. 1648 pg/ml, p = 0.03). Noradrenaline was higher in the ROSC group at the 4th min of VF (3021 pg/ml vs. 1626 pg/ml, p = 0.02). Cortisol levels in the ROSC group were significantly lower by the end of the 8th min of VF [16.25 ng/ml vs. 92.82 ng/ml, p = 0.03]. With a cut-off point of 5970 pg/ml, adrenaline at the 4th min of VF exhibited 100% sensitivity and 80% specificity for predicting ROSC., Conclusion: Higher endogenous adrenaline and lower endogenous cortisol levels were associated with ROSC., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest None., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background There is controversy over whether the number and mode of electrical shock are optimal for successful defibrillation. Methods and Results Fifty-four pigs were randomly assigned to 3 groups. After inducing ventricular fibrillation and a 2-minute downtime, basic life support was initiated with a 30:2 compression/ventilation ratio for 8 minutes. Subsequently, 20 minutes of advanced life support, including asynchronous ventilation, every 10 chest compressions with 15 L/min of oxygen, was delivered. Animals of the single shock group received a single shock, animals of the 2-stacked shock group received 2 consecutive shocks, and animals of the 3-stacked shock group received 3 consecutive shocks. Animals with the return of spontaneous circulation underwent post-cardiac arrest care for 12 hours. The rates of successful defibrillation, return of spontaneous circulation, 24-hour survival, and 48-hour survival and neurological deficit score were compared between the groups. Hemodynamic parameters, arterial blood gas profiles, troponin I, and cardiac output were not different between the groups. There was a significant difference in chest compression fraction between the single and 3-stacked shock groups ( P <0.001), although there was no difference between the single and 2-stacked shock groups ( P =0.022) or the 2-stacked and 3-stacked shock groups ( P =0.040). The rates of successful defibrillation, return of spontaneous circulation, 24-hour survival, and 48-hour survival were higher in the 2- and 3-stacked shock groups than in the single shock group ( P =0.021, P =0.015, and P =0.021, respectively). Neurological deficit score at 48 hours was not different between the groups. Conclusions A stacked shock strategy was superior to a single shock strategy for successful defibrillation and better resuscitation outcomes in treating ventricular fibrillation.

Introduction: Prolongation of QTc interval, a common electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormality encountered in the toxicology patient, is reportedly associated with an increased risk of malignant ventricular dysrhythmias (MVD), such as ventricular tachycardia (VT, with and without a pulse), ventricular fibrillation (VF), and/or cardiac arrest. Quantifiable cardiac arrest risk in relation to specific QTc interval length is not known in this population., Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational study to assess the rate of cardiac arrest and its association with degree of QTc prolongation in a cohort of patients requiring toxicology consultation., Results: 550 patients were included in our analysis (average age 36 years and 49% male). Average QTc was 453 milliseconds (ms). Overall incidence of cardiac arrest in the study cohort was 1.1% with 6 reported cases; when considering patients with QTc > 500 ms, incidence was 1.7%. Two patients with cardiac arrest experienced ventricular dysrhythmia with decompensation prior to cardiac arrest; four patients developed sudden cardiac arrest., Conclusions: The risk of malignant ventricular dysrhythmia, including cardiac arrest, is low in this poisoned patient population with an overall rate of 1.1%. Two-thirds of cardiac arrest cases occurred in patients with normal QTc intervals. When considering patients with prolonged QTc intervals, the rate of cardiac arrest remains very low at 0.8%. Considering QTc greater than 500 ms, the rate of cardiac arrest is 1.7%. Further prospective studies are required to quantify the risk of malignant ventricular dysrhythmias, including cardiac arrest, and its relation to the degree of QTc interval in poisoned patients., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background Pulseless electrical activity (PEA) is a common initial rhythm in cardiac arrest. A substantial number of PEA arrests are caused by coronary ischemia in the setting of acute coronary occlusion, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. We hypothesized that the initial rhythm in patients with acute coronary occlusion is more likely to be PEA than ventricular fibrillation in those with prearrest severe left ventricular dysfunction. Methods and Results We studied the initial cardiac arrest rhythm induced by acute left anterior descending coronary occlusion in swine without and with preexisting severe left ventricular dysfunction induced by prior infarcts in non-left anterior descending coronary territories. Balloon occlusion resulted in ventricular fibrillation in 18 of 34 naïve animals, occurring 23.5±9.0 minutes following occlusion, and PEA in 1 animal. However, all 18 animals with severe prearrest left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction 15±5%) developed PEA 1.7±1.1 minutes after occlusion. Conclusions Acute coronary ischemia in the setting of severe left ventricular dysfunction produces PEA because of acute pump failure, which occurs almost immediately after coronary occlusion. After the onset of coronary ischemia, PEA occurred significantly earlier than ventricular fibrillation (<2 minutes versus 20 minutes). These findings support the notion that patients with baseline left ventricular dysfunction and suspected coronary disease who develop PEA should be evaluated for acute coronary occlusion.

Background: Brugada syndrome (BrS) is diagnosed in patients with ST-segment elevation with spontaneous, drug-induced, or fever-induced type 1 morphology. Prognosis in type 2 or 3 Brugada electrocardiogram (Br-ECG) patients remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to evaluate long-term prognosis in non-type 1 Br-ECG patients in a large Japanese cohort of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (The Japan Idiopathic Ventricular Fibrillation Study [J-IVFS])., Methods: From 567 patients with Br-ECG in J-IVFS, a total of 28 consecutive non-type 1 patients who underwent programmed electrical stimulation (PES) (median age: 58 years, all male, previous sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias [VTs] 1, syncope 11, asymptomatic 16) were enrolled. Cardiac events (CEs: sudden cardiac death or sustained VT/ventricular fibrillation) during the follow-up period were examined., Results: During a median follow-up of 136 months, four patients (14%) had CEs. None of patients with PES- have experienced CEs. There was no statistically significant clinical risk factor for the development of CEs. Using the Kaplan-Meier method, the event-free rate significantly decreased in a group with all 3 risk factors (symptom, wide QRS complex in lead V 2 , and positive PES) (p = .01)., Conclusions: Our study revealed long-term prognosis in patients with non-type 1 Br-ECG. The combination analysis of these risk factors may be useful for the risk stratification of CEs in non-type 1 Br-ECG patients. The present study suggests that the patients with all these parameters showed high risk for CEs and need to be carefully followed., (© 2021 The Authors. Annals of Noninvasive Electrocardiology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Idiopathic ventricular fibrillation (IVF) is diagnosed in patients with apparently unexplained cardiac arrest (UCA) after varying degrees of evaluation. This is largely due to the lack of a standardized approach to UCA., Objective: We sought to develop an evidence-based diagnostic algorithm for IVF by systematically examining the yield of diagnostic testing in UCA probands., Methods: Studies reporting the yield of diagnostic testing in UCA were identified in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and conference abstracts. Their methodological quality was assessed by the National Institutes of Health quality assessment tool. Meta-analyses were performed using the random effects model., Results: A total of 21 studies were included. The pooled comprehensive diagnostic testing yield was 43% (95% confidence interval 39%-48%). A lower yield was seen when only definite diagnoses based on the prespecified criteria were used (32% vs 47%; P = .15). Epinephrine challenge, Holter monitoring, and family screening were associated with low yield (<5%), whereas cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, exercise treadmill test, and sodium-channel blocker challenge were associated with high yield (≥5%). Coronary spasm provocation, electrophysiology study, and systematic genetic testing were reported to be abnormal in a high proportion of UCA probands (>10%)., Conclusion: We developed a stepwise algorithm for UCA evaluation and criteria to assess the strength of IVF diagnosis on the basis of the diagnostic yield of UCA testing., (Copyright © 2021 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Mortality for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is high when traditional chest compressions are used without adjuncts. The abdominal aortic and junctional tourniquet (AAJT) is a device with a wedge-shaped air bladder that occludes the aortic bifurcation, augmenting blood flow to the heart and brain. Previously, the addition of AAJT during chest compression led to an increase in rate of survival in a model of traumatic cardiac arrest., Hypothesis: This study was designed to determine if application of the AAJT would lead to more effective chest compressions as measured by improved hemodynamic parameters and an increased rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)., Methods: Yorkshire swine (n = 6 per group) underwent general anesthesia and instrumentation. Ventricular fibrillation (Vfib) was electrically induced and animals were allocated into groups with or without the AAJT. The AAJT was inflated if selected after four minutes of compressions. Following a total of ten minutes of compressions, the animals entered into a ten-minute advanced cardiac life support phase. Hemodynamics and blood gas measurements were compared between groups., Results: ROSC or cardioversion from Vfib was not achieved in either group. The AAJT group had improved hemodynamic parameters with significantly higher carotid diastolic pressure and higher blood flow in the carotid artery (p = 0.016 and 0.028 respectively). However, no significant differences were observed with coronary perfusion pressure or end tidal CO 2 ., Conclusion: The AAJT did not confer a survival advantage during chest compressions, but hemodynamic improvements were observed while the AAJT was in place., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background Steroid use after cardiac arrest has been reported to improve survival and neurological outcome in cardiac arrest survivors. The study aimed to evaluate the effect of post-arrest hydrocortisone use on myocardial damage and cardiac mitochondrial injury in a rat model of ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest. Methods and Results Ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest was induced and left untreated for 5 minutes in adult male Wistar rats. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and electric shocks were then applied to achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). Successfully resuscitated animals were randomized into 3 groups: control, low-dose hydrocortisone (2 mg/kg), and high-dose hydrocortisone (8 mg/kg). The low-dose hydrocortisone and high-dose hydrocortisone (treatment) groups received intravenous hydrocortisone immediately after ROSC and the control group received saline as placebo. Each group consisted of 15 animals. Within 4 hours of ROSC, both treatment groups showed a higher cardiac output than the control group. At the fourth hour following ROSC, histological examination and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated less myocardial damage and mitochondrial injury in the animals treated with hydrocortisone. In the treatment groups, hydrocortisone mitigated the acceleration of Ca 2+ -induced mitochondrial swelling and suppression of complex activity observed in the control group. At the 72nd hour after ROSC, a significantly higher proportion of animals treated with hydrocortisone survived and had good neurological recovery compared with those given a placebo. Conclusions Hydrocortisone use after cardiac arrest may mitigate myocardial injury and cardiac mitochondrial damage and thus improve survival, neurological and histological outcomes in a rat model of ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest.

A 3 month old boy, with no known health conditions, suffered a sudden collapse at home. On first EMS arrival, ventricular fibrillation (VF) cardiac arrest was identified and resuscitation following UK national guidelines was initiated. He remained in cardiac arrest for over 25 min, during which he received 10 defibrillation shocks, each effective, but with VF reoccurring within a few seconds of each of the first 9. A return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) was achieved after the 10th shock. The resuscitation was conducted fully in his home, with the early involvement of Advanced Paramedic Practitioners specialising in critical care (APP- CC). Throughout his resuscitation, there remained a strong focus on delivering quality resuscitation in situ, rather than a 'load and go' approach that would have resulted in very early conveyance to hospital with on-going CPR.The patient was subsequently discharged home and is making an excellent recovery. The arrest was later determined to have been caused by a primary arrhythmia as a result of a previously unidentified non-obstructive variant hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.We present data downloaded from the defibrillator used during the resuscitation that illustrates clearly the recurrent nature of his fibrillation.

Objective: The aim of this study was to present new combination of algorithms for rhythm analysis during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in automated external defibrillators (AED), called Analyze Whilst Compressing (AWC), designed for decreasing pre-shock pause and early stopping of chest compressions (CC) for treating refibrillation., Methods: Two stages for AED rhythm analysis were presented, namely, "Standard Analysis Stage" (conventional shock-advisory analysis run over 5 s after CC interruption every two minutes) and "AWC Stage" (two-step sequential analysis process during CPR). AWC steps were run in presence of CC (Step1), and if shockable rhythm was detected then a reconfirmation step was run in absence of CC (Step2, analysis duration 5 s)., Results: In total 16,057 ECG strips from 2916 out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients treated with AEDs (DEFIGARD TOUCH7, Schiller Médical, France) were subjected patient-wise to AWC training (8559 strips, 1604 patients) and validation (7498 strips, 1312 patients). Considering validation results, "Standard Analysis Stage" presented ventricular fibrillation (VF) sensitivity Se = 98.3% and non-shockable rhythm specificity Sp>99%; "AWC Stage" decision after Step2 reconfirmation achieved Se = 92.1%, Sp>99%., Conclusion: AWC presented similar performances to other AED algorithms during CPR, fulfilling performance goals recommended by standards. AWC provided advances in the challenge for improving CPR quality by: (i) not interrupting chest compressions for prevalent part of non-shockable rhythms (66-83%); (ii) minimizing pre-shock pause for 92.1% of VF patients. AWC required hands-off reconfirmation in 34.4% of cases. Reconfirmation was also common limitation of other reported algorithms (25.7-100%) although following different protocols for triggering chest compression resumption and shock delivery., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Patients with concomitant cardiac arrest (CA) and shock are at increased risk of mortality, even when stratified according to shock severity. We sought to determine whether the presence of ventricular fibrillation (VF) modified the relationship between CA and mortality in cardiac intensive care unit (CICU) patients., Methods: We retrospectively analyzed unique Mayo Clinic CICU patients admitted between 2007 and 2015. Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Intervention (SCAI) shock stages A through E were classified at admission. Hospital mortality in each SCAI shock stage was stratified by the presence of CA, VF CA, or non-VF CA., Results: We included 9,898 patients with a mean age of 68 years (38% females). CA was present in 12%, including 53% with VF CA and 47% with non-VF CA. Hospital mortality was higher in patients with CA compared to patients without CA (34% vs. 6%; adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 3.1, 95% CI [2.4, 4.0], p < .001), and patients with non-VF CA had higher hospital mortality than patients with VF CA (44% vs. 25%; adjusted OR = 2.1, 95% CI [1.4, 3.0], p < .001). After adjustment, patients with any CA or non-VF CA had higher hospital mortality at each SCAI stage, except stage E (all other p < .05), whereas patients with VF CA did not (all p > .1)., Conclusions: CA rhythm modifies the relationship between CA and mortality in CICU patients, when accounting for coma, shock, and organ failure. Outcome studies examining CA in patients with cardiogenic shock need to account for important differences such as CA rhythm., (© 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is an important cause of myocardial infarction (MI) in young to middle-age women. Ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF) may complicate acute SCAD presentations, and the long-term outcomes are unknown., Objective: The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of SCAD patients presenting with VT/VF., Methods: We analyzed our prospective Canadian SCAD registries for patients presenting with VT/VF during index hospitalization. Long-term outcomes including VT/VF and cardiac arrest were collected. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors of VT/VF at follow-up., Results: Among 1056 consecutive SCAD patients, 84 (8.0%) presented with VT/VF, and 8 underwent implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) insertion. Patients with VT/VF during index hospitalization were younger (49.3 vs 52.0 years; P = .019) and were more likely to have ST-elevation MI, lower left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left main dissection (all P <.001). Initial VT/VF was associated with in-hospital events, including recurrent MI, unplanned revascularization, heart failure, ICD insertion, and in-hospital death (all P <.05). At mean follow-up of 4.8 ± 3.3 years, 8 patients suffered VT/VF (time to event 5.2 ± 6.2 years); 5 of 8 patients had VT/VF on initial SCAD presentation, and 1 of 8 had undergone ICD insertion. Predictors of VT/VF during follow-up included LVEF <50%, LVEF <35%, peripartum SCAD, unplanned revascularization, repeat MI, heart failure, and initial VT/VF. Multivariable analysis showed initial VT/VF (odds ratio [OR] 9.5; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.0-44; P = .004) and LVEF <50% (OR 12.9; 95% CI 1.5-111; P = .019) were independent predictors of VT/VF at follow-up., Conclusion: SCAD patients presenting with VT/VF were at greater risk for in-hospital events and recurrent VF/VT at follow-up. Both VT/VF and LVEF <50% were independent predictors of subsequent VT/VF., (Copyright © 2020. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background In cardiac arrest, computerized analysis of the ventricular fibrillation (VF) waveform provides prognostic information, while its diagnostic potential is subject of study. Animal studies suggest that VF morphology is affected by prior myocardial infarction (MI), and even more by acute MI. This experimental in-human study reports on the discriminative value of VF waveform analysis to identify a prior MI. Outcomes may provide support for in-field studies on acute MI. Methods and Results We conducted a prospective registry of implantable cardioverter defibrillator recipients with defibrillation testing (2010-2014). From 12-lead surface ECG VF recordings, we calculated 10 VF waveform characteristics. First, we studied detection of prior MI with lead II, using one key VF characteristic (amplitude spectrum area [AMSA]). Subsequently, we constructed diagnostic machine learning models: model A, lead II, all VF characteristics; model B, 12-lead, AMSA only; and model C, 12-lead, all VF characteristics. Prior MI was present in 58% (119/206) of patients. The approach using the AMSA of lead II demonstrated a C-statistic of 0.61 (95% CI, 0.54-0.68). Model A performance was not significantly better: 0.66 (95% CI, 0.59-0.73), P =0.09 versus AMSA lead II. Model B yielded a higher C-statistic: 0.75 (95% CI, 0.68-0.81), P <0.001 versus AMSA lead II. Model C did not improve this further: 0.74 (95% CI, 0.67-0.80), P =0.66 versus model B. Conclusions This proof-of-concept study provides the first in-human evidence that MI detection seems feasible using VF waveform analysis. Information from multiple ECG leads rather than from multiple VF characteristics may improve diagnostic accuracy. These results require additional experimental studies and may serve as pilot data for in-field smart defibrillator studies, to try and identify acute MI in the earliest stages of cardiac arrest.

Background: Unexplained cardiac arrest (UCA) is rare in children. Despite investigations, the etiology in up to one-half of patients remains unknown., Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the management and outcomes of pediatric UCA survivors through the Canadian Pediatric Heart Rhythm Network., Methods: A retrospective case series of children (age 1-19 years) who presented with UCA between January 1, 2004, and November 1, 2017, was conducted. Patients with known heart disease pre-UCA were excluded. UCA details, investigations, genetic test results, treatment, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) data, subsequent diagnoses, and family screening data were collected., Results: Forty-six patients (61% male) were survivors of sudden unexpected death and met inclusion criteria at 8 participating sites. Median age at UCA was 13.8 years (interquartile range [IQR] 9-16 years). Baseline retrievable investigations included electrocardiogram (96%), echocardiogram (85%), exercise stress test (73%), and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (57%). The presumed etiology for the UCA was identified in 24 (52%), mainly long QT syndrome or catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. Genetic testing was performed in 33 of 46 (72%), with pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants identified in 13 of 33 (39%) and variants of uncertain significance in 8 of 33 (24%). ICDs were implanted in 35 of 46 (76%). Over median follow-up of 36 months (IQR 17-57 months), 8 of 35 had arrhythmia events captured on device interrogation. Families of 26 of 46 patients(57%) underwent screening, leading to a cardiac diagnosis in 6 of 26 families., Conclusion: A cause for UCA was not identified in nearly 50% of patients despite extensive investigations, including cascade screening. A large proportion (75%) of ICD shocks occurred in patients without a diagnosis., (Copyright © 2020 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) are one of the most commonly used analgesics in the world. NSAIDs decrease prostaglandin synthesis through cyclooxygenase inhibition (COX-1 or COX-2). The effects of NSAIDs on survival and outcomes from global ischemia reperfusion events and specifically from cardiac arrest (CA) remain controversial. We hypothesized that NSAIDs prior to global whole-body ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury impairs survival and outcomes. We explored this hypothesis in our swine model of Cardiac Arrest (CA) which involves global I/R with pretreatment using a predominantly COX-1 inhibitor (Indomethacin [COX-1/min COX-2 Inh], a COX-2 Inhibitor [COX-2-Inh, (Celecoxib)] or placebo control. We determined the effects of each inhibitor on a) survival, b) myocardial injury biomarker (Troponin 1), and c) Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) injury marker (heart rate variability [HRV]) up to 3 h after resuscitation. There were no survivals in COX-1/min COX-2-Inh pretreated animals and, 87% survived in both COX-2 Inhibited and control animals. COX-2 Inh pretreated animals had an 1800 fold increase of Troponin 1 compared to baseline whereas control animals had a 90 fold increase (p < 0.001). These results along with literature review of focal I/R in animal models with COX-2 overexpression, human studies of CA, and post myocardial infarction treatment with NSAIDs, support the hypothesis that NSAIDs prior to an I/R event impairs survival and outcomes. Specifically, predominantly COX-1 inhibition impairs survival, and COX-2 inhibition induces myocardial damage, autonomic nervous system dysfunction, and increases the risk for all-cause mortality and morbidity in humans post-MI which has significant implications for the nearly 10% of the population who are taking NSAIDs., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Background: Refractory ventricular fibrillation (VF) or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VT) refers to cases that do not respond to traditional Advanced Cardiac Life Support measures and are associated with significantly lower survival rates. Beta-blockade may improve outcomes by protecting against the deleterious effects associated with epinephrine's beta-receptor effect., Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate whether beta-blockade compared with control improved outcomes among patients in cardiac arrest due to refractory VF/VT., Methods: PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, LILACS, the Cochrane databases, Google Scholar, and bibliographies of selected articles were assessed on September 2nd, 2019 for all studies evaluating beta-blockade versus control groups in patients with cardiac arrest due to refractory VF/VT. PRISMA guidelines were followed. Data were dual extracted into a predefined worksheet and quality analysis was performed with the Cochrane Risk of Bias in Non-randomised Studies of Interventions tool. Data were summarized and a meta-analysis was performed assessing temporary and sustained return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival-to-admission, survival-to-discharge, and survival with a favorable neurologic outcome., Results: Three studies (n = 115 patients) were selected for final inclusion. Beta-blockade was associated with an increased rate of temporary ROSC (OR 14.46; 95% CI 3.63-57.57), sustained ROSC (OR 5.76; 95% CI 1.79-18.52), survival-to-admission (OR 5.76; 95% CI 1.79-18.52), survival-to-discharge (OR 7.92; 95% CI 1.85-33.89), and survival with a favorable neurologic outcome (OR 4.42; 95% CI 1.05-18.56). Overall risk of bias ranged from moderate-to-severe, which was primarily influenced by selection of participants and potential confounding. This study was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42019126902)., Conclusions: The data suggest that beta-blockade may be associated with improved outcomes ranging from ROSC to survival with a favorable neurologic outcome. Future randomized controlled trials are needed to further evaluate this intervention in refractory VF/VT., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To explore an economical, convenient, safe and efficient method for establishing a Tibetan miniature pig model of cardiac arrest (CA)., Methods: Cardiac puncture was performed in 12 Tibetan miniature pigs using two acupuncture needles. One needle was inserted into the fourth intercostal near the right side of the sternum about 3 cm in depth at an angle of 30° to 60° between the chest and the needle, and the depth was adjusted until the handle of the needle vibrated with the heartbeat without premature ventricular contraction on the electrocardiogram; the other was inserted into the subcutaneous tissue of the left armpit about 3 cm in depth without damaging important organs. The handles of the two needles were connected with 9V dry batteries to form a circuit and generate direct current stimulation. Ventricular fibrillation was produced in the pigs to induce CA by stimulation of transcutaneous electrical induction (TCEI) for 3 s, and the success rate of modeling was recorded. After an interval of 4 min without intervention, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was performed using the standard Utstein style, and the survival of the pigs after recovery was observed., Results: The success rate of ventricular fibrillation modeling was 91.67% (11/12) using this method, and CPR achieved a success rate of 45.45% (5/11) in these models. The subsequent survival of the pigs was 100% (5/5) at 24 h and 80% (4/5) at 72 h. After observation for 72 h, the resuscitated Tibetan miniature pigs were dissected, and no significant damage was found in the vital organs in the thoracic or abdominal cavities., Conclusions: We successfully established a model of CA using acupuncture needles and dry batteries in Tibetan miniature pigs, and this method is economical, convenient, safe and efficient.

Introduction: Current resuscitation guidelines state that the safety of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in infants less than 1 year of age is unknown., Methods and Results: We report successful AED use in a 31-day-old previously healthy infant with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Chest compressions began immediately, pediatric AED pads were applied in less than 5 minutes and the initial rhythm was ventricular fibrillation. After two 50 J shocks, return of spontaneous circulation was achieved. She was diagnosed with a rare but previously described syndrome of infant ventricular fibrillation and was discharged to home in good condition after epicardial defibrillator placement., Conclusions: This case represents, to our knowledge, the youngest patient successfully defibrillated by an AED in a nonmedical setting. Although she received two shocks more than 11 J/kg each, she had no apparent myocardial damage at presentation., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Aim: Current cardiopulmonary resuscitation guidelines recommend performing defibrillation every 2 min during resuscitation. This study aimed to compare the rate of successful defibrillation using 1- and 2-min defibrillation intervals., Methods: Twenty-six pigs were randomly assigned to 1- or 2-min interval groups. After inducing ventricular fibrillation (VF), we observed pigs for 2 min. Thereafter, basic life support was initiated with a 30:2 compression-to-ventilation ratio for 8 min. Defibrillation was performed with an energy of 2 J/kg at 10 min after VF and was repeated every 1 or 2 min according to randomization. Advanced cardiac life support, including continuous chest compression with ventilation every 6 s and intravenous injection of 1 mg epinephrine every 3 min, was performed until the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or until 20 min after VF induction. Haemodynamic parameters and baseline arterial blood gas profiles were compared between groups. ROSC, 24 -h survival, and the neurologic deficit score (NDS) were evaluated at 24 h., Results: Haemodynamic parameters during resuscitation and baseline arterial blood gas profiles did not differ between groups. ROSC was more frequently observed in the 1-min interval group (p = 0.047). Time to ROSC was not different between groups (p = 0.054). The 24 -h survival was higher (p = 0.047) and NDS at 24 h was lower (92 ± 175) in the 1-min interval group than in the 2-min interval group (272 ± 190) (p = 0.028)., Conclusions: Defibrillation success and resuscitation outcomes were superior when using a 1-min defibrillation interval in animal models of cardiac arrest., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background The potential alterations of respiratory pathophysiology after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) are relatively undefined. While untreated arrest is known to affect post-cardiopulmonary resuscitation circulation, whether it affects respiratory pathophysiology remains unclear. We aimed to investigate the post-cardiopulmonary resuscitation changes in respiratory mechanics and neural respiratory drive with varying delays (5 or 10 minutes) in the treatment of ventricular fibrillation (VF). Methods and Results Twenty-six male Yorkshire pigs were used. Anesthetized pigs weighing 38±5 kg were randomized into 3 groups (n=10 each in the VF5 and VF10 groups, with VF kept untreated for 5 and 10 minutes, respectively, and n=6 in the sham group without VF). Defibrillation was attempted after 6 minutes of cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Pulse-induced contour cardiac output, respiratory mechanics, diaphragmatic electromyogram, blood gas, lung imaging, and histopathology were evaluated for 12 hours. Significantly elevated mean root mean square of diaphragmatic electromyogram, transdiaphragmatic pressure, and minute ventilation were observed, but reduced minute ventilation/mean root mean square, dynamic pulmonary compliance, and Pao 2 were noted in both VF groups. Despite recovery of spontaneous breathing, the abnormalities in respiratory mechanics and neural respiratory drive, Pao 2 , and extravascular lung water continued to last for >12 hours. The changes in imaging ( P =0.027) and histopathology ( P =0.012) were more severe in the VF10 group compared with the VF5 group. Conclusions There is an uncoupling between the respiratory center and ventilation after restoration of spontaneous circulation. Prolonged untreated arrest from cardiac arrest contributes to more serious alterations in lung pathophysiology.

Commotio cordis is a rare phenomenon when ventricular fibrillation and sudden death occurs with a blunt, nonpenetrating blow to the chest. Individual susceptibility to commotio cordis has been demonstrated in swine models, and might be present in humans as well. We report a case of commotio cordis in an adolescent with a heterozygous mutation on the gene CACNA1C, encoding for an L-type calcium channel expressed in the heart. This genetic mutation has been previously associated with a phenotype of long-QT syndrome; however, this was not demonstrated in our patient despite extensive investigations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of commotio cordis in which an ion-channel gene mutation involved in repolarization abnormalities has been documented. This finding might corroborate the hypothesis that a genetic predisposition plays a role in the individual susceptibility to this rare cause of cardiac arrest., (© 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the optimal treatment approach for cardiac arrest (CA) occurring in the cardiac catheterization laboratory., Background: CA can occur in the cath lab during high-risk percutaneous coronary intervention. While attempting to correct the precipitating cause of CA, several options are available to maintain vital organ perfusion. These include manual chest compressions, mechanical chest compressions, or a percutaneous left ventricular assist device., Methods: Eighty swine (58 ± 10 kg) were studied. The left main or proximal left anterior descending artery was occluded. Ventricular fibrillation (VFCA) was induced and circulatory support was provided with 1 of 4 techniques: either manual chest compressions (frequently interrupted), mechanical chest compressions with a piston device (LUCAS-2), an Impella 2.5 L percutaneously placed LVAD, or the combination of mechanical chest compressions and the percutaneous left ventricular assist device. The study protocol included 12 min of left main coronary occlusion, reperfusion, with defibrillation attempted after 15 min of VFCA. Primary outcome was favorable neurological function (CPC 1 or 2) at 24 h, while secondary outcomes included return of spontaneous circulation and hemodynamics., Results: Manual chest compressions provided fewer neurologically intact surviving animals than the combination of a mechanical chest compressor and a percutaneous LVAD device (0% vs. 56%; p < 0.01), while no difference was found between the 2 mechanical approaches (28% vs. 35%: p = 0.75). Comparing integrated coronary perfusion pressure showed sequential improvement in hemodynamic support with mechanical devices (401 ± 230 vs. 1,337 ± 905 mm Hg/s; p = 0.06)., Conclusions: Combining 2 mechanical devices provided superior 24-h survival with favorable neurological recovery compared with manual compressions during moderate duration VFCA associated with an acute coronary occlusion in the animal catheterization laboratory., (Copyright © 2019 American College of Cardiology Foundation. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: The subcutaneous implantable defibrillator (S-ICD) was developed to avoid complications related to transvenous leads. A trade-off with the S-ICD is the inability to deliver antitachycardia pacing (ATP). Data is scarce about the recurrence and characteristics of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTa) during a follow-up in survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to ventricular fibrillation (OHCA-VF). The aim of the study is to determine the characteristics of VTa triggering ICD therapy in order to assess whether survivors of OHCA-VF are eligible candidates for the S-ICD., Methods: All OHCA-VF patients who received a transvenous ICD were identified, 378 patients, age 57 ± 14 years, predominantly male (76%) with ischemic heart disease (58%). Arrhythmic endpoints were appropriate ICD therapies for any ventricular arrhythmia., Results: Over a median follow-up of 4.5 years, 690 VTa in 91 patients (24%) were terminated by ICD therapy; 70% of patients had < 5 VTa with ICD therapy. VTa with cycle length ≤ 300 ms were mainly (82%) treated by shock, while 83% of VTa with cycle length > 300 ms were treated by ATP. The presence of a remote myocardial infarction (OR 2.07; 95% CI 1.08-3.97) and LVEF ≤ 0.35 (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.09-4.00) were significantly associated with the occurrence of VTa with cycle length > 300 ms., Conclusion: S-ICD implantation may be reasonable in survivors of OHCA-VF who present without a remote myocardial infarction and LVEF > 35%.

Objective : Dual sequential defibrillation (DSD) - successive defibrillations with two defibrillators - offers a novel approach to refractory ventricular fibrillation (RVF) and tachycardia (VF/VT). While associated with rescue shock success, the effect of DSD upon out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is unknown. We evaluated the association of DSD with survival after refractory VF/VT OHCA. Methods : We used data from a large metropolitan fire-based EMS service. We included all adult OHCA during 2013-2016 with ≥3 standard defibrillations. Physicians authorized subsequent DSD use by two separate defibrillators (PhysioControl LIFEPAK® 12/15) with pads placed anterior-lateral and anterior-posterior. Evaluated outcomes included return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival to hospital admission, survival to 72 hours, and survival to hospital discharge. Using multivariable logistic regression, we evaluated the association between defibrillation type and OHCA outcomes, adjusting for patient demographics and event characteristics. Results : We included 310 patients in the analysis, 71 patients receiving DSD and 239 receiving conventional defibrillation. Patient demographics and event characteristics were similar between both groups. ROSC was lower for DSD than standard defibrillation: 39.4% vs. 60.3%, adjusted OR 0.46 (95% CI: 0.25-0.87). There were no differences in survival to hospital admission (35.2% vs. 49.2%, adjusted OR 0.57 [95% CI: 0.30-1.08]), survival to 72 hours (21.4% vs. 32.3%, adjusted OR 0.52 [95% CI: 0.26-1.10]), or survival to hospital discharge (14.3% vs. 20.9%, adjusted OR 0.63 [95% CI: 0.27-1.45]). Conclusions : Compared with conventional defibrillation, DSD was associated with lower odds of prehospital ROSC. Defibrillation type was not associated with other OHCA endpoints. DSD may not be beneficial in refractory VF/VT OHCA.

Introduction: Despite decades of improved strategy in conventional cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CCPR), survival rates of favorable neurological outcome after cardiac arrest (CA) remains poor. It is indicated that the survival rate of successful resuscitation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is superior to that of CCPR. But the effect of ECMO in heart is unclear. We aimed to investigate whether ECMO produces cardiac protection by ameliorating post-ischemia reperfusion myocardial injury and myocardial apoptosis., Methods: After undergoing 8-min untreated ventricle fibrillation (VF) and 6-min basic life support, 20 male pigs were ultimately used in this study and randomly divided into two groups: CCPR group (n = 10) and extracorporeal CPR (ECPR) group (n = 10). Hemodynamics and blood samples were obtained at baseline and 1, 2, 4, and 6 h during resuscitation. The successfully resuscitated pigs were sacrificed at 6 h after return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and the hearts were removed and analyzed under electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence staining assay were performed to evaluate myocardial injury and myocardial apoptosis., Results: There were no significant differences at basic hemodynamic status between the two groups. The survival rate of ECPR was significantly higher than CCPR group (10/10 [100%] vs. 4/10 [40%], P = 0.04). Compared to CCPR group, ECPR group exhibited a better outcome in hemodynamic function. Cardiac function was significantly impaired after ROSC in both groups, but left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was significantly elevated in ECPR group than CCPR group. The expression of myocardial injury biomarkers (CK-MB, cTNI, H-FABP), endothelial injury biomarker (sP-selectin), and cardiac function biomarker (BNP) were remarkably increased after ROSC in both groups, but low levels in ECPR group than in CCPR group. Cardiomyocytes injury was attenuated in ECPR group under transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Typical apoptotic nuclei of cardiomyocytes were significantly reduced and oxidative damage were attenuated in ECPR group., Conclusions: During prolonged VF-induced CA, ECPR contributes to improving hemodynamics, attenuating myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, ameliorating myocardial ultra structure, improving cardiac function, and elevating survival rate by preventing oxidative damage, regulating energy metabolism, inhibiting cardiomyocyte apoptosis.

Objectives: Recommendations for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) state that appropriate patient selection is important for the sake of efficacy and cost-effectiveness of ECPR. It is not known whether first documented rhythm plays a prominent role in economic outcomes of patients with cardiac arrest who received ECPR., Methods and Results: We reviewed the medical records of 120 consecutive patients who received extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) assisted CPR due to refractory circulatory collapse between 2008 and 2016 in Urasoe General Hospital. The patients presented with ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/VT; n = 59, 49.2%) or with asystole or pulseless electric activity (ASY/PEA; n = 61, 50.8%) as the first documented rhythm. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified shorter duration from collapse to ECMO initiation (odds ratio, 1.95 per 10 min; 95% confidence interval, 1.32-2.89, p = 0.001), bystander CPR (odds ratio, 5.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-22.5, p = 0.017), and first documented rhythm of VF/VT (odds ratio, 3.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.30-11.8, p = 0.015) as clinical predictors for neurologically intact survival. Total hospital cost per life saved by ECPR for ASY/PEA was approximately twice that for VF/VT ($213,656 vs. $101,669). ECPR yielded Quality adjusted life years (QALYs) of 3.32 at a mean total cost of $39,634 for VF/VT and QALYs of 1.17 at a mean cost of $35,609 for ASY/PEA. The cost per QALYs was $11,081 for VF/VT and $29,447 for ASY/PEA. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of ECPR vs. conventional CPR was estimated to be $ 16,246 per QALY gained., Conclusion: ECPR for patients presenting with VF/VT was found to be highly cost-effective and ECPR for patients presenting with ASY/PEA was borderline cost-effective., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: A novel amplitude screening method, termed Optimal Amplitude Spectrum Area (Opt-AMSA) with the aim of improving the performance of the Amplitude Spectrum Area (AMSA) method, was proposed to optimize the timing of defibrillation. We investigated the effects of the Opt-AMSA method on the prediction of successful defibrillation when compared with AMSA in a porcine model of ventricular fibrillation (VF)., Method: 60 male domestic pigs were untreated in the first 10 min of VF, then received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for 6 min. Values of Opt-AMSA and AMSA were calculated every minute before defibrillation. Linear regression was used to evaluate the correlation between Opt-AMSA and AMSA. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis was conducted for the two methods and to compare their predictive values., Results: The values of both AMSA and Opt-AMSA gradually decreased over time during untreated VF in all animals. The values of both methods of defibrillation were slightly increased after the implementation of CPR in animals that were successfully resuscitated, while there were no significant changes in either method in those who ultimately failed to resuscitate. The significant positive correlation between Opt-AMSA and AMSA was shown by Pearson correlation analysis. ROC analysis showed that Opt-AMSA (AUC = 0.87) significantly improved the performance of AMSA (AUC = 0.77) to predict successful defibrillation (Z = 2.27, P < 0.05)., Conclusion: Both the Opt-AMSA and AMSA methods showed high potential to predict the success of defibrillation. Moreover, the Opt-AMSA method improved the performance of the AMSA method, and may be a promising tool to optimize the timing of defibrillation., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) modulates neuronal activity and is a potential therapeutic tool for many neurological diseases. However, its beneficial effects on post cardiac arrest syndrome remains uncertain., Objective/hypothesis: We investigated the effects of repetitive anodal tDCS on neurological outcome and survival in a ventricular fibrillation (VF) cardiac arrest rat model., Methods: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated after 6 min of VF in 36 Sprague-Dawley rats. The animals were randomized into three groups immediately after resuscitation (n = 12 each): no-treatment control (NTC) group, targeted temperature management (TTM) group, and tDCS group. For tDCS, 1 mA anodal tDCS was applied on the dorsal scalp for 0.5 h. The stimulation was repeated for four sessions with 1-h resting interval under normothermia. Post-resuscitation hemodynamic, cerebral, and myocardial injuries, 96-h neurological outcome, and survival were evaluated., Results: Compared with the NTC group, post-resuscitation serum astroglial protein S100 beta and cardiac troponin T levels and 96-h neuronal and myocardial damage scores were markedly reduced in the tDCS and TTM groups. Myocardial ejection fraction, neurological deficit score, and 96-h survival rate were also significantly better for the tDCS and TTM groups. The period of post-resuscitation arrhythmia with hemodynamic instability was considerably shorter in the tDCS group, but no differences were observed in neurological outcome and survival between the tDCS and TTM groups., Conclusions: In this cardiac arrest rat model, repeated anodal tDCS commenced after resuscitation improves 96-h neurological outcome and survival to an extent comparable to TTM by attenuating post-resuscitation cerebral and cardiac injuries., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (AC) is an inheritable progressive heart disease with high risk of life-threatening ventricular arrhythmia (VA). We aimed to explore the prevalence of VA as presenting event in patients with AC over two decades, symptoms preceding VA and compare the clinical presentations and rate of AC-diagnosis over time., Methods: We included consecutive AC-patients from our tertiary referral center. We recorded clinical history, VA (aborted cardiac arrest, sustained ventricular tachycardia or appropriate implantable cardioverter-defibrillator therapy), cardiac symptoms preceding VA in AC, and compared the history of patients diagnosed before and after implementation of genetic testing., Results: We included 179 consecutive AC-patients and mutation-positive family members (95 [53%] probands, 84 [45%] female, 49 ± 17 years), 33 (18%) diagnosed before and 146 (82%) after genetic testing became available. VA led to the AC-diagnosis in 46 (26%), and was less prevalent after implementation of genetic testing (17[52%] vs. 29[20%], p < 0.001), also when adjusted for proband status (Adjusted OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.1-6.7, p = 0.03). Yearly rate of AC-diagnosis increased after implementation of genetic testing in probands (2.7 ± 1.3 vs. 6.8 ± 4.3, p = 0.01) and family members (0.7 ± 1.1 vs. 7.7 ± 5.9, p = 0.002). Most patients with VA (92%) reported cardiac symptoms prior to event, and exercise-induced syncope was the strongest marker of subsequent VA (Adjusted OR 5.3, 95% CI 1.7-16.4, p = 0.004)., Conclusion: VA led to AC-diagnosis in 46% of probands and was preceded by cardiac symptoms in the majority of cases. Yearly rate of AC-diagnoses increased after the implementation of genetic testing and life-threatening presentation of AC-disease seemed to decrease., (Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: We sought to examine temporal trends in management (ie, use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation [ECMO], therapeutic hypothermia [TH], coronary angiogram, and percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI]) and in-hospital mortality in adults hospitalized with cardiac arrest., Methods: Utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, medical history, clinical management, and in-hospital mortality were assessed in 942 495 hospitalizations in adults with cardiac arrest (identified through International Classification of Diseases-9 codes) from 2006 to 2012., Results: From 2006 to 2012, there was an overall rise in the use of coronary angiogram (12.8%, 13.0%, 14.7%, 15.0%, 14.3%, 14.7%, and 15.8%), PCI (7.5%, 7.1%, 8.4%, 8.1%, 8.1%, 8.4%, and 8.9%), TH (0.2%, 0.3%, 0.6%, 1.2%, 1.9%, 2.8%, and 3.0%), and ECMO (0.1%, 0.1%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.2%, 0.3%, and 0.4%; P < .001 for all). In-hospital mortality significantly decreased over the 7-year study period (65.5%, 63.4%, 59.3%, 57.9%, 57.0%, 56.0%, and 56.3% from 2006 to 2012). In multivariable analysis, a 31% decrease in mortality was accompanied by a concomitant 24% and 27% increase in coronary angiogram and PCI, respectively, during the study period. Therapeutic hypothermia and ECMO were associated with an approximate 11-fold and 7-fold increase, respectively, from 2006 to 2012. The strongest predictors of use of ECMO, TH, coronary angiogram, and PCI were younger age and the presence of coronary artery disease., Conclusion: During 2006 to 2012, a decline in mortality was accompanied by a steady rise in the use of ECMO, TH, coronary angiogram, and PCI in adults hospitalized with cardiac arrest. Patients of younger age and with coronary artery disease were more likely to receive these advanced therapies.

We describe a patient with severe accidental hypothermia (≤25.4°C) and prolonged refractory ventricular fibrillation, lasting at least 4 hours and 8 minutes, who underwent cardiopulmonary resuscitation with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and survived without neurologic deficit.

During paediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), patients may transition between pulseless electrical activity (PEA), asystole, ventricular fibrillation/tachycardia (VF/VT), and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The aim of this study was to quantify the dynamic characteristics of this process., Methods: ECG recordings were collected in patients who received CPR at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) between 2006 and 2013. Transitions between PEA (including bradycardia with poor perfusion), VF/VT, asystole, and ROSC were quantified by applying a multi-state statistical model with competing risks, and by smoothing the Nelson-Aalen estimator of cumulative hazard., Results: Seventy-four episodes of cardiac arrest were included. Median age of patients was 15 years [IQR 11-17], 50% were female and 62% had a respiratory aetiology of arrest. Presenting cardiac arrest rhythms were PEA (60%), VF/VT (24%) and asystole (16%). A temporary surge of PEA was observed between 10 and 15 min due to a doubling of the transition rate from ROSC to PEA (i.e. 're-arrests'). The prevalence of sustained ROSC reached an asymptotic value of 30% at 20 min. Simulation suggests that doubling the transition rate from PEA to ROSC and halving the relapse rate might increase the prevalence of sustained ROSC to 50%., Conclusion: Children and adolescents who received CPR were prone to re-arrest between 10 and 15 min after start of CPR efforts. If the rate of PEA to ROSC transition could be increased and the rate of re-arrests reduced, the overall survival rate may improve., (Copyright © 2019. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Objective: Early and reliable prediction of neurological outcome remains a challenge for comatose survivors of cardiac arrest (CA). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the predictive ability of EEG, heart rate variability (HRV) features and the combination of them for outcome prognostication in CA model of rats., Methods: Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into 6 groups (n=8 each) with different cause and duration of untreated arrest. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated after 5, 6 and 7min of ventricular fibrillation or 4, 6 and 8min of asphyxia. EEG and ECG were continuously recorded for 4h under normothermia after resuscitation. The relationships between features of early post-resuscitation EEG, HRV and 96-hour outcome were investigated. Prognostic performances were evaluated using the area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)., Results: All of the animals were successfully resuscitated and 27 of them survived to 96h. Weighted-permutation entropy (WPE) and normalized high frequency (nHF) outperformed other EEG and HRV features for the prediction of survival. The AUC of WPE was markedly higher than that of nHF (0.892 vs. 0.759, p<0.001). The AUC was 0.954 when WPE and nHF were combined using a logistic regression model, which was significantly higher than the individual EEG (p=0.018) and HRV (p<0.001) features., Conclusions: Earlier post-resuscitation HRV provided prognostic information complementary to quantitative EEG in the CA model of rats. The combination of EEG and HRV features leads to improving performance of outcome prognostication compared to either EEG or HRV based features alone., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Background: Resuscitation of refractory out-of-hospital ventricular fibrillation/ventricular tachycardia (VF/VT) cardiac arrest using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) establishes a complex patient population. We aimed to describe the critical care strategies and outcomes in this population., Methods: Between December 1, 2015 and January 1, 2018, 100 consecutive adult patients with refractory VF/VT out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and ongoing CPR were transported to the cardiac catheterization laboratory. ECMO, coronary angiography, and percutaneous coronary intervention were performed. Patients achieving an organized cardiac rhythm were admitted to the cardiac intensive care unit (CICU). All patients were considered eligible for necessary intervention/surgery until declaration of death., Results: Of 100 appropriately transported patients, 83 achieved CICU admission. 40/83 (48%) discharged functionally intact. Multi-system organ failure occurred in all patients. Cardiac, pulmonary, renal, and liver injury improved within 3-4 days. Neurologic injury caused death in 26/37 (70%) patients. Poor neurologic outcomes were associated with anoxic injury or cerebral edema on admission head CT, decline in cerebral oximetry over the first 48 h, and elevated neuron specific enolase on CICU admission. For survivors, mean time to ECMO decannulation was 3.5 ± 0.2 days, following commands at 5.7 ± 0.8 days, and hospital discharge at 21 ± 3.2 days. 41/83 (49%) patients developed infections. CPR caused traumatic injury requiring procedural/surgical intervention in 22/83 (27%) patients., Conclusions: Multi-system organ failure is ubiquitous but treatable with adequate hemodynamic support. Neurologic recovery was prolonged requiring delayed prognostication. Immediate 24/7 availability of surgical and medical specialty expertise was required to achieve 48% functionally intact survival., (Copyright © 2018 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Intra-resuscitation antiarrhythmic drugs may improve resuscitation outcomes, in part by avoiding rearrest, a condition associated with poor out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) outcomes. However, antiarrhythmics may also alter defibrillation threshold. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between rearrest and intra-resuscitation antiarrhythmic drugs in the context of the Resuscitation Outcomes Consortium (ROC) amiodarone, lidocaine, and placebo (ALPS) trial., Hypothesis: Rearrest rates would be lower in cases treated with amiodarone or lidocaine, versus saline placebo, prior to first return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). We also hypothesized antiarrhythmic effects would be quantifiable through analysis of the prehospital electrocardiogram., Methods: We conducted a secondary analysis of the ROC ALPS trial. Cases that first achieved prehospital ROSC after randomized administration of study drug were included in the analysis. Rearrest, defined as loss of pulses following ROSC, was ascertained from emergency medical services records. Rearrest rate was calculated overall, as well as by ALPS treatment group. Multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to assess the association between treatment group and rearrest, as well as rearrest and both survival to hospital discharge and survival with neurologic function. Amplitude spectrum area, median slope, and centroid frequency of the ventricular fibrillation (VF) ECG were calculated and compared across treatment groups., Results: A total of 1144 (40.4%) cases with study drug prior to first ROSC were included. Rearrest rate was 44.0% overall; 42.9% for placebo, 45.7% for lidocaine, and 43.0% for amiodarone. In multivariable logistic regression models, ALPS treatment group was not associated with rearrest, though rearrest was associated with poor survival and neurologic outcomes. AMSA and median slope measures of the first available VF were associated with rearrest case status, while median slope and centroid frequency were associated with ALPS treatment group., Conclusion: Rearrest rates did not differ between antiarrhythmic and placebo treatment groups. ECG waveform characteristics were correlated with treatment group and rearrest. Rearrest was inversely associated with survival and neurologic outcomes., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

In the setting of cardiac arrest, refractory ventricular fibrillation (VF) is difficult to manage, and mortality rates are high. Double sequential defibrillation (DSD) has been described in the literature as a successful means to terminate this malignant rhythm, after failure of traditional Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) measures. The authors herein present a case of refractory VF in a patient with cardiac arrest, on whom DSD was successful in reversion to sinus rhythm, and provide a thorough review of similar cases in the literature., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite significant advances in resuscitation science since the initial use of external chest compressions in humans nearly 60 years ago, there continues to be wide variability in rates of successful resuscitation across communities. The American Heart Association (AHA) and European Resuscitation Council emphasise the importance of high-quality chest compressions as the foundation of resuscitation care. We review the physiological basis for the association between chest compression quality and clinical outcomes and the scientific basis for the AHA's key metrics for high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Finally, we highlight that implementation of strategies that promote effective chest compressions can improve outcomes in all patients with cardiac arrest., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Article author(s) (or their employer(s) unless otherwise stated in the text of the article) 2018. All rights reserved. No commercial use is permitted unless otherwise expressly granted.)

Background: Quantitative electroencephalogram (EEG) analysis has shown promising results in studying brain injury and functional recovery after cardiac arrest (CA). However, whether the quantitative characteristics of EEG, as potential indicators of neurological prognosis, are influenced by CA causes is unknown. The purpose of this study was designed to compare the quantitative characteristics of early post-resuscitation EEG between asphyxial CA (ACA) and ventricular fibrillation CA (VFCA) in rats., Methods: Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats of both sexes were randomized into either ACA or VFCA group. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation was initiated after 5-min untreated CA. Characteristics of early post-resuscitation EEG were compared, and the relationships between quantitative EEG features and neurological outcomes were investigated., Results: Compared with VFCA, serum level of S100B, neurological deficit score and brain histopathologic damage score were dramatically higher in the ACA group. Quantitative measures of EEG, including onset time of EEG burst, time to normal trace, burst suppression ratio, and information quantity, were significantly lower for CA caused by asphyxia and correlated with the 96-h neurological outcome and survival., Conclusions: Characteristics of earlier post-resuscitation EEG differed between cardiac and respiratory causes. Quantitative measures of EEG not only predicted neurological outcome and survival, but also have the potential to stratify CA with different causes.

Background: In general, the prognosis is poor for pediatric patients who experience out-of-hospital (OOH) cardiac arrest, with survival rates of 12% to 29%., Objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the causes and outcomes of pediatric patients with documented ventricular fibrillation (VF) at resuscitation from OOH cardiac arrest with sustained return of spontaneous circulation after defibrillation and survival to hospital admission., Methods: Retrospective analysis of OOH-VF patients <19 years of age evaluated between 2004 and 2016 was performed. Primary outcome measures included demographics, arrest and resuscitation parameters, cardiac diagnoses, survival, and neurologic outcome., Results: Forty-five patients fulfilled study criteria (median age 12 years; range 2 months to 18 years). Cardiac arrest occurred in public in 68% of cases, with bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 42% before arrival of emergency medical services. All patients underwent defibrillation (1-6 shocks) with return of spontaneous circulation and survival to hospital admission. Underlying etiologies were primary electrical disease (33%), cardiomyopathy (27%), congenital heart disease (11%), other (13%), and unknown (16%). Before arrest, 40% of patients had a cardiac diagnosis and 26% had symptoms. Ultimately, 40 of 45 patients (89%) survived resuscitation to hospital discharge. During 72 ± 37 months of follow-up, 38% of survivors had a normal neurologic outcome, whereas 32% had mild neurologic impairment and 30% had moderate-to-severe neurologic impairment., Conclusion: In pediatric patients resuscitated from OOH-VF, a cardiovascular cause was identified in >80%. Regardless of cause, survival and neurologic prognosis appear improved compared to patients with asystole or pulseless electrical activity. These findings support early rhythm assessment and advanced cardiopulmonary resuscitation protocols in pediatric cardiac arrest victims., (Copyright © 2017 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)