Predictive value of electrocardiogram in diagnosing acute coronary artery lesions among patients with out-of-hospital-cardiac-arrest

Aims

Acute coronary lesions are known to be the most common trigger of out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Aim of the present study was to assess the predictive value of ST-segment changes in diagnosing the presence of acute coronary lesions among OHCA patients

Methods

Findings of coronary angiography (CA) performed in patients resuscitated from OCHA were retrospectively reviewed and related to ST-segment changes on post-ROSC electrocardiogram (ECG)

Results

Ninety-one patients underwent CA after OHCA; 44% of patients had ST-segment elevation and 56% of patients had other ECG patterns on post-ROSC ECG. Significant coronary artery disease (CAD) was found in 86% of patients; CAD was observed in 98% of patients with ST-segment elevation and in 77% of patients with other ECG patterns on post-ROSC ECG (p = 0.004). Acute or presumed recent coronary artery lesions were diagnosed in 56% of patients, respectively in 85% of patients with ST-segment elevation and in 33% of patients with other ECG patterns (p < 0.001). ST-segment analysis on post-ROSC ECG has a good positive predictive value but a low negative predictive value in diagnosing the presence of acute or presumed recent coronary artery lesions (85% and 67%, respectively)

Conclusions

Electrocardiographic findings after OHCA should not be considered as strict selection criteria for performing emergent CA in patients resuscitated from OHCA without obvious extra-cardiac cause; even in the absence of ST-segment elevation on post-ROSC ECG, acute culprit coronary lesions may be present and considered the trigger of cardiac arrest     

Pre-hospital body surface potential mapping improves early diagnosis of acute coronary artery occlusion in patients with ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest

Aims

To determine whether 80-lead body surface potential mapping (BSPM) improves detection of acute coronary artery occlusion in patients presenting with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) due to ventricular fibrillation (VF) and who survived to reach hospital.

Methods and results

Of 645 consecutive patients with OHCA who were attended by the mobile coronary care unit, VF was the initial rhythm in 168 patients. Eighty patients survived initial resuscitation, 59 of these having had BSPM and 12-lead ECG post-return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and in 35 patients (age 69 ± 13 yrs; 60% male) coronary angiography performed within 24 h post-ROSC. Of these, 26 (74%) patients had an acutely occluded coronary artery (TIMI flow grade [TFG] 0/1) at angiography. Twelve-lead ECG criteria showed ST-segment elevation (STE) myocardial infarction (STEMI) using Minnesota 9-2 criteria – sensitivity 19%, specificity 100%; ST-segment depression (STD) ≥0.05 mV in ≥2 contiguous leads – sensitivity 23%, specificity 89%; and, combination of STEMI or STD criteria – sensitivity 46%, specificity 100%. BSPM STE occurred in 23 (66%) patients. For the diagnosis of TFG 0/1 in a main coronary artery, BSPM STE had sensitivity 88% and specificity 100% (c-statistic 0.94), with STE occurring most commonly in either the posterior, right ventricular or high right anterior territories.

Conclusion

Among OHCA patients presenting with VF and who survived resuscitation to reach hospital, post-resuscitation BSPM STE identifies acute coronary occlusion with sensitivity 88% and specificity 100% (c-statistic 0.94).     

Early antibiotics improve survival following out-of hospital cardiac arrest

Introduction

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has become standard management following out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Recent evidence suggests TH increases the incidence of pneumonia. We retrospectively assessed infective indicators after OHCA and evaluated the effect of antibiotics on survival.

Method

We identified all patients admitted to the ICU of a regional primary angioplasty hospital following OHCA from May 2007 to December 2010. We collected demographic and outcome data, evidence of infection and the use of antimicrobial therapy.

Results

138 patients were admitted to ICU following OHCA. The mortality rate was 68.1% with mean ICNARC predicted mortality of 77.5%. Of 138 patients, 135 (97.8%) had at least one positive marker of infection within 72 h.53 of 138 patients (38.4%) received antibiotics during the first 7 days of their ICU stay. The hospital mortality rate for these patients was significantly less than those not receiving antibiotics (56.6% vs. 75.3%; p = 0.025) with NNT of 5. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that antibiotic use was an independent predictor of survival.

Conclusion

The post-arrest management of OHCA is commonly complicated by infections, the accurate diagnosis of which is impaired by the associated increase in inflammatory markers, body temperature control, delay in the processing of samples and poor quality chest radiography.We have shown a significant reduction in mortality in patients who received antibiotics compared with patients who did not. This suggests that a formal clinical trial is warranted.     

Factors influencing the decision to ICD implantation in survivors of OHCA and its influence on long term survival

Background

Knowledge is insufficient of the long-term benefit of an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) after out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA).

Aim

To describe the use and factors of importance for outcome in relation to ICD use among survivors of ventricular fibrillation (VF).

Methods

In consecutive patients discharged alive after OHCA in Gothenburg between 1988 and 2008 the long-term prognosis was followed.

Results

In all, there were 5443 OHCAs of which 1489 (27%) were hospitalized alive. Of those, 495 (33%) were discharged alive, of which 390 (79%) had shockable rhythm. The use of ICDs increased, but only 58 of 390 (15%) had an ICD. Among patients who received an ICD, the 2-year mortality was 2%, versus 25% of those who did not (p < 0.0001).In follow-up (mean 5.5 years; maximum 10 years), the use of an ICD showed a borderline association with mortality (adjusted hazard ratio 0.49; 95% confidence interval, 024–1.01; p = 0.052).Patients who had ICD were younger and had better cerebral function compared with patients without. Predictors for mortality were cerebral function at discharge, age, history of heart failure and myocardial infarction and no coronary angiography during hospitalization.

Conclusion

Among survivors of OHCA caused by VT/VF who had ICD during hospitalization only 2% died during the subsequent 2 years. The use of ICDs was low but increasing. Factors of importance for mortality were cerebral function at the time of discharge, age, history of heart failure and myocardial infarction and no coronary angiography during hospitalization.     

Haemodynamic variables and functional outcome in hypothermic patients following out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Aim of the study

To evaluate the association between haemodynamic variables during the first 24 h after intensive care unit (ICU) admission and neurological outcome in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) victims undergoing therapeutic hypothermia.

Methods

In a multi-disciplinary ICU, records were reviewed for comatose OHCA patients undergoing therapeutic hypothermia. The hourly variable time integral of haemodynamic variables during the first 24 h after admission was calculated. Neurologic outcome was assessed at day 28 and graded as favourable or adverse based on the Cerebral Performance Category of 1–2 and 3–5. Bi- and multivariate regression models adjusted for confounding variables were used to evaluate the association between haemodynamic variables and functional outcome.

Results

67/134 patients (50%) were classified as having favourable outcome. Patients with adverse outcome had a higher mean heart rate (73 [62–86] vs. 66 [60–78] bpm; p = 0.04) and received noradrenaline more frequently (n = 17 [25.4%] vs. n = 9 [6%]; p = 0.02) and at a higher dosage (128 [56–1004] vs. 13 [2–162] μg h⁻¹; p = 0.03) than patients with favourable outcome. The mean perfusion pressure (mean arterial blood pressure minus central venous blood pressure) (OR = 1.001, 95% CI  = 1–1.003; p = 0.04) and cardiac index time integral (OR = 1.055, 95% CI = 1.003–1.109; p = 0.04) were independently associated with adverse outcome at day 28.

Conclusion

Mean perfusion pressure and cardiac index during the first 24 h after ICU admission were weakly associated with neurological outcome in an OHCA population undergoing therapeutic hypothermia. Further studies need to elucidate whether norepinephrine-induced increases in perfusion pressure and cardiac index may contribute to adverse neurologic outcome following OHCA.     

Myocardial infarction is a frequent cause of exercise-related resuscitated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in a general non-athletic population

Background

Performing exercise is shown to prevent cardiovascular disease, but the risk of an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is temporarily increased during strenuous activity. We examined the etiology and outcome after successfully resuscitated OHCA during exercise in a general non-athletic population.

Methods

Consecutive patients with OHCA were admitted with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or on-going resuscitation at hospital arrival (2002–2011). Patient charts were reviewed for post-resuscitation data. Exercise was defined as moderate/vigorous physical activity.

Results

A total of 1393 OHCA-patients were included with 91(7%) arrests occurring during exercise. Exercise-related OHCA-patients were younger (60 ± 13 vs. 65 ± 15, p < 0.001) and predominantly male (96% vs. 69%, p < 0.001). The arrest was more frequently witnessed (94% vs. 86%, p = 0.02), bystander CPR was more often performed (88% vs. 54%, p < 0.001), time to ROSC was shorter (12 min (IQR: 5–19) vs. 15 (9–22), p = 0.007) and the primary rhythm was more frequently shock-able (91% vs. 49%, p < 0.001) compared to non-exercise patients. Cardiac etiology was the predominant cause of OHCA in both exercise and non-exercise patients (97% vs. 80%, p < 0.001) and acute coronary syndrome was more frequent among exercise patients (59% vs. 38%, p < 0.001). One-year mortality was 25% vs. 65% (p < 0.001), and exercise was even after adjustment associated with a significantly lower mortality (HR = 0.40 (95%CI: 0.23–0.72), p = 0.002).

Conclusions

OHCA occurring during exercise was associated with a significantly lower mortality in successfully resuscitated patients even after adjusting for confounding factors. Acute coronary syndrome was more common among exercise-related cardiac arrest patients.     

Tertiary centres have improved survival compared to other hospitals in the Copenhagen area after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest

Aims

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has been reported to carry very varying morbidity and mortality. However, it remains unclear whether this is caused by intrinsic factors of the OHCA or due to the level of in-hospital care. The aim of this study is to compare 30-day and long-term mortality after OHCA at tertiary heart centres and non-tertiary university hospitals.

Methods and results

Data from the Copenhagen OHCA registry from June 2002 through December 2010 included a total of 1218 consecutive patients treated by the same mobile emergency care unit (MECU) with either return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) or on-going resuscitation (n = 53) at hospital arrival. The MECU transported patients to the nearest hospital unless an ECG on scene suggested ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, in which case patients were transported to the nearest tertiary centre for acute coronary angiography. Therefore, patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (n = 198) were excluded from the analysis. 30-day mortality was 56% vs. 76% and long term (up to 8 years) mortality was 78% vs. 94% for tertiary and non-tertiary hospitals, respectively, both p < 0.001. Multivariate analysis showed that admission to a non-tertiary hospital was independently associated with increased risk of death (HR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.09–1.59, p = 0.004). Exclusion of patients with on-going resuscitation at admission resulted in HR = 1.34 (1.11–1.62), p = 0.003. A matched pair propensity score analysis of 255 patients confirmed the results of the proportional hazard analysis (HR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.11–1.65 p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Admission to tertiary centres is associated with lower mortality rates after OHCA compared with non-tertiary hospitals.     

Aspects on the increase in bystander CPR in Sweden and its association with outcome

Aim

To describe changes in the proportion of bystanders performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in out of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in Sweden and to study the impact of bystander CPR on ventricular fibrillation and on survival during various times.

Patients and methods

All patients who suffered from OHCA in Sweden in whom CPR was attempted and who were included in the Swedish cardiac arrest register (SCAR) between 1992 and 2005. Crew witnessed cases were excluded.

Results

In all 34,125 patients were included in the survey. Among witnessed OHCA the proportion of patients receiving bystander CPR increased from 40% in 1992 to 55% in 2005 (p < 0.0001). In non-witnessed OHCA the corresponding proportion increased from 22% to 44% (p < 0.0001). There was a significant increase in bystander CPR regardless of age, sex and place. The increase was only found when CPR was performed by lay persons (21% in 1992 to 40% in 2005; p < 0.0001). Bystander CPR was associated with an increased proportion of patients found in a shockable rhythm and a lower number of shocks to receive return of spontaneous circulation. Bystander CPR was associated with a similar increase in survival early and late in the evaluation.

Conclusion

There was a marked increase in bystander CPR in OHCA, when performed by lay persons, during the last 14 years in Sweden. Bystander CPR was associated with positive effects both on ventricular fibrillation and survival.     

Reduced in-hospital survival rates of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims with obstructive pulmonary disease

Aim

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) due to sustained ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF) is common and often lethal. Patient's co-morbidities may determine survival after OHCA, and be instrumental in post-resuscitation care, but are poorly studied. We aimed to study whether patients with obstructive pulmonary disease (OPD) have a lower survival rate after OHCA than non-OPD patients.

Methods

We performed a community-based cohort study of 1172 patients with non-traumatic OHCA with ECG-documented VT/VF between 2005 and 2008. We compared survival to Emergency Room (ER), to hospital admission, to hospital discharge, and at 30 days after OHCA, of OPD-patients and non-OPD patients, using logistic regression analysis. We also compared 30-day survival of patients who were admitted to hospital, using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

OPD patients (n = 178) and non-OPD patients (n = 994) had comparable survival to ER (75% vs. 78%, OR 0.9 [95% CI: 0.6–1.3]) and to hospital admission (56% vs. 57%, OR 1.0 [0.7–1.4]). However, survival to hospital discharge was significantly lower among OPD patients (21% vs. 33%, OR 0.6 [0.4–0.9]). Multivariate regression analysis among patients who were admitted to hospital (OPD: n = 100, no OPD: n = 561) revealed that OPD was an independent determinant of reduced 30-day survival rate (39% vs. 59%, adjusted OR 0.6 [0.4–1.0, p = 0.035]).

Conclusion

OPD-patients had lower survival rates after OHCA than non-OPD patients. Survival to ER and to hospital admission was not different between both groups. However, among OHCA victims who survived to hospital admission, OPD was an independent determinant of reduced 30-day survival rate.     

Esophageal temperature after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: An observational study

Introduction

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a significant cause of death and severe neurological disability. The only post-return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) therapy shown to increase survival is mild therapeutic hypothermia (MTH). The relationship between esophageal temperature post OHCA and outcome is still poorly defined.

Methods

Prospective observational study of all OHCA patients admitted to a single centre for a 14-month period (1/08/2008 to 31/09/2009). Esophageal temperature was measured in the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Selected patients had pre-hospital temperature monitoring. Time taken to reach target temperature after ROSC was recorded, together with time to admission to the Emergency Department and ICU.

Results

164 OHCA patients were included in the study. 105 (64.0%) were pronounced dead in the Emergency Department. 59 (36.0%) were admitted to ICU for cooling; 40 (24.4%) died in ICU and 19 (11.6%) survived to hospital discharge. Patients who achieved ROSC and had esophageal temperature measured pre-hospital (n = 29) had a mean pre-hospital temperature of 33.9 °C (95% CI 33.2-34.5). All patients arriving in the ED post OHCA had a relatively low esophageal temperature (34.3 °C, 95% CI 34.1-34.6). Patients surviving to hospital discharge were warmer on admission to ICU than patients who died in hospital (35.7 °C vs 34.3 °C, p < 0.05). Patients surviving to hospital discharge also took longer to reach T_targ than non-survivors (2 h 48 min vs 1 h 32 min, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Following OHCA all patients have esophageal temperatures below normal in the pre-hospital phase and on arrival in the Emergency Department. Patients who achieve ROSC following OHCA and survive to hospital discharge are warmer on arrival in ICU and take longer to reach target MTH temperatures compared to patients who die in hospital. The mechanisms of action underlying esophageal temperature and survival from OHCA remain unclear and further research is warranted to clarify this relationship.     

Prodromal symptoms and health care consumption prior to out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in patients without previously known ischaemic heart disease

Aims

To describe prodromal symptoms and health care consumption prior to an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in patients without previously known ischaemic heart disease (IHD).

Background

The most common lethal event of cardiovascular disease is sudden cardiac death, and the majority occur outside hospital. Little is known about prodromal symptoms and health care consumption associated with OHCAs.

Design

Case-crossover study.

Methods

Medical records of 403 OHCA cases without previously known IHD, age 25–74 years in the MONICA myocardial registry in Norrbotten County 2000–2008, were reviewed. Presenting symptoms and emergency visits at public primary care facilities and internal medicine clinics in Norrbotten County were analyzed from the week prior to the OHCA and from the same week one year previously, which served as a control week. Unlike most studies we included unwitnessed arrests and those where no cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) was attempted.

Results

Emergency visits were more common during the week prior to the OHCA than during the control week, both for visits to primary care (29 vs. 6, p < 0.001) and to internal medicine clinics (16 vs. 0, p < 0.001). Symptoms were more prevalent during the week prior to the OHCA (36.7 vs. 6.7%, p < 0.001). The most prevalent symptoms were chest pain (14.6 vs. 0%, p < 0.001), gastrointestinal symptoms (7.7 vs. 1.2%, p < 0.001) and dyspnoea/peripheral oedema (6.9 vs. 0.2%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Patients who suffer an OHCA seek health care and present prodromal symptoms significantly more often the week prior to the event than the same week one year earlier.     

Predictors of long-term survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: The impact of Activities of Daily Living and Cerebral Performance Category scores

Background

Current focus on immediate survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has diverted attention away from the variables potentially affecting long-term survival.

Aim

To determine the relationship between neurological and functional status at hospital discharge and long-term survival after OHCA.

Methods

Prospective data collection for all OHCA patients aged >18 years in the Jerusalem district (n = 1043, 2008–2009). Primary outcome measure: Length of survival after OHCA. Potential predictors: Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Cerebral Performance Category (CPC) scores at hospital discharge, age and sex.

Results

There were 52/279 (18.6%) survivors to hospital discharge. Fourteen were discharged on mechanical ventilation (27%). Interviews with survivors and/or their legal guardians were sought 2.8 ± 0.6 years post-arrest. Eighteen died before long-term follow-up (median survival 126 days, IQR 94–740). Six improved their ADL and CPC scores between discharge and follow-up. Long-term survival was positively related with lower CPC scores (p = 0.002) and less deterioration in ADL from before the arrest to hospital discharge (p = 0.001). For each point increment in ADL at hospital discharge, the hazard ratio of death was 1.31 (95%CI 1.12, 1.53, p = 0.001); this remained unchanged after adjustment for age and sex (HR 1.26, 95%CI 0.07, 1.48, p = 0.005).

Conclusions

One-third of the patients discharged from hospital after OHCA died within 30 months of the event. Long-term survival was associated both with better neurological and functional level at hospital discharge and a smaller decrease in functional limitation from before to after the arrest, yet some patients with a poor neurological outcome survived prolonged periods after hospital discharge.     

Association between angiographic culprit lesion and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients

Background

Factors related to the occurrence of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) are still poorly understood. The current study sought to compare STEMI patients presenting with and without OHCA to identify angiographic factors related to OHCA.

Methods

This multicenter registry consisted of consecutive STEMI patients, including OHCA patients with return-of-spontaneous circulation. Patients were treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) and therapeutic hypothermia when indicated. Outcome consisted of in-hospital neurological recovery, scored using the Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) scale, and 1-year survival. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with OHCA and survival was displayed with Kaplan–Meier curves and compared using log rank tests.

Results

In total, 224 patients presented with OHCA and 3259 without OHCA. Average age was 63.3 years and 75% of patients were male. OHCA occurred prior to ambulance arrival in 68% of patients and 48% required intubation. Culprit lesion was associated with OHCA: risk was highest for proximal left coronary lesions and lowest for right coronary lesions. Also, culprit lesion determined the risk of cardiogenic shock and sub-optimal reperfusion after PCI, which were strongly related to survival after OHCA. Neurological recovery was acceptable (CPC ≤ 2) in 77.1% of OHCA patients and did not differ between culprit lesions.

Conclusions

In the present STEMI population, coronary culprit lesion was associated with the occurrence of OHCA. Moreover, culprit lesion influenced the risk of cardiogenic shock and success of reperfusion, both of which were related to prognosis of OHCA patients.     

Improved outcome of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest – A comparison with that for extracorporeal rescue for in-hospital cardiac arrest

Purpose

The aim was to investigate the effects of extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) and compare the results with those of in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA).

Methods

We analyzed our extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) results for patients who received ECPR for OHCA or IHCA in the last 5 years. Pre-arrest, resuscitation, and post-resuscitative data were evaluated.

Results

In the last 5 years, ECPR was used 230 times for OHCA (n = 31) and IHCA (n = 199). The basic demographic data showed significant differences in age, cardiomyopathy, and location of the initial CPR. Duration of ischemia was shorter in the IHCA group (44.4 ± 24.7 min vs. 67.5 ± 30.6 min, p < 0.05). About 50% of each group underwent a further intervention to treat the underlying etiology. ECMO was maintained for a shorter duration in the OHCA patients (61 ± 48 h vs. 94 ± 122 h, p < 0.05). Survival to discharge was similar in the two groups (38.7% for OHCA vs. 31.2% for IHCA, p > 0.05), as was the favorable outcome rate (25.5% for OHCA vs. 25.1% for IHCA, p > 0.05). Survival was acceptable (about 33%) in both groups when the duration of ischemia was no longer than 75 min.

Conclusions

In addition to having a beneficial effect in IHCA, ECPR can lead to survival and a positive neurological outcome in selected OHCA patients after prolonged resuscitation. Our results suggest that further investigation of the use of ECMO in OHCA is warranted.     

Chest compression-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed by lay rescuers for adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest due to non-cardiac aetiologies

Objective

Bystander CPR improves survival in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). For adult sudden collapse, bystander chest compression-only CPR (COCPR) is recommended in some circumstances by the American Heart Association and European Resuscitation Council. However, adults who arrest from non-cardiac causes may also receive COCPR. Because rescue breathing may be more important for individuals suffering OHCA secondary to non-cardiac causes, COCPR is not recommended for these cases. We evaluated the relationship of lay rescuer COCPR and survival after OHCA from non-cardiac causes.

Methods

Analysis of a statewide Utstein-style registry of adult OHCA, during a large scale campaign endorsing COCPR for OHCA from presumed cardiac cause. The relationship between lay rescuer CPR (both conventional CPR and COCPR) and survival to hospital discharge was evaluated.

Results

Presumed non-cardiac aetiologies of OHCA accounted for 15% of all cases, and lay rescuer CPR was provided in 29% of these cases. Survival to hospital discharge occurred in 3.8% after conventional CPR, 2.7% after COCPR, and 4.0% after no CPR (p = 0.85). The proportion of patients receiving COCPR was much lower in the cohort of OHCA from respiratory causes (8.3%) than for those with presumed cardiac OHCA (18.0%; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In the setting of a campaign endorsing lay rescuer COCPR for cardiac OHCA, bystanders were less likely to perform COCPR on OHCA victims who might benefit from rescue breathing.     

The impact of therapeutic hypothermia as adjunctive therapy in a regional primary PCI program

Background

Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) is associated with improved neurologic outcomes in comatose survivors of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). There are currently limited data on the outcomes of patients presenting with resuscitated OHCA in the setting of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). We conducted a retrospective study to determine the outcomes of patients treated with TH for OHCA in a large regionalized STEMI program.

Methods

Patients referred for primary PCI and TH between July 2004 and April 2011 were identified from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute STEMI database. The primary endpoint was survival to hospital discharge with sufficient neurologic recovery to enable discharge home.

Results

Among 2467 consecutive patients referred for primary PCI, we identified 50 patients treated with TH following OHCA. Forty-nine underwent PCI, of which 47 (96%) received a stent. Median door-to-balloon time was 113 min (IQR 91–151). Patients with good neurologic recovery were younger, mean 51 ± 9 years versus 64 ± 12, p < 0.001, and had higher baseline creatinine clearance, 70 ± 19 mL/min/1.73 m² versus 53 ± 23 mL/min/1.73 m², p = 0.007. The primary endpoint of survival with sufficient neurologic recovery to enable discharge home was reached in 30 patients (60%). Four survivors required levels of assistance that precluded discharge home.

Conclusions

Therapeutic hypothermia in conjunction with primary PCI is associated with a favorable neurologic outcome in the majority of STEMI patients surviving OHCA. Our results suggest that TH is an important adjunctive therapy for STEMI patients suffering OHCA.     

Prevalence and risk factors for post-traumatic stress disorder in relatives of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients

Aim

Prognostic uncertainty and surrogate decision-making demands associated with prolonged unconsciousness in out-of hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) may increase post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) risk in their relatives. Our aim was to study PTSD frequency and risk factors in relatives of OHCA patients.

Methods

In this observational study 101 consecutive eligible adult relatives of OHCA patients were interviewed using validated questionnaires, the “Impact of Event Scale-Revised” to detect PTSD and the “Family-Satisfaction with Care in the ICU” to assess potential PTSD risk factors.

Results

PTSD was detected in 40/101 relatives (40%). Multivariate logistic regression identified three significant PTSD predictors [odds ratio, 95% confidence interval]: female gender [3.30, 1.08–10.11], history of depression [3.63, 1.02–12.96], family perception of the patient's therapy as insufficient [18.40, 1.52–224.22]. Three other predictors were not significantly associated with PTSD (hypothermia treatment of the patient [2.86, 0.96–8.48]), delayed delivery of prognostic information by ICU staff [2.11, 0.83–5.38], family-ICU staff conflict [3.61, 0.71–18.40]). A prediction rule including six factors (p < 0.15 each) showed high discrimination (area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve 0.74) with a stepwise increase in risk for PTSD from 0% (no risk factor) to 63% (≥3 risk factors). There was no evidence for effect modification either by survival status or neurological outcome.

Conclusion

Relatives of OHCA patients treated in the ICU are at increased risk of PTSD, which can be predicted based on six factors, three ICU-related and potentially at least partly modifiable. Further research is needed to validate our findings and to develop strategies to prevent PTSD in OHCA patients’ relatives.     

Resuscitation of patients suffering from sudden cardiac arrests in nursing homes is not futile

Background

Survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) has increased in recent years, and new data are therefore needed to avoid unsubstantiated statements when debating futility of resuscitation attempts following OHCA in nursing home (NH)-residents. We aimed to investigate the outcome and prognosis after OHCA in NH.

Methods

Consecutive Emergency Medical Service (EMS) attended OHCA-patients in Copenhagen during 2007–2011 were included. Utstein-criteria for pre-hospital data and review of individual patient charts for in-hospital post-resuscitation care were collected.

Results

A total of 2541 consecutive OHCA-patients were recorded, 245 (10%) of who were current NH-residents. NH-patients were older, more frequently female, had more witnessed arrests, fewer shockable primary rhythm and assumed cardiac aetiology, but shorter time to the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) compared to OHCA in non-nursing homes (non-NH). Overall 30-day survival rate was 9% in NH and 18% in non-NH, p < 0.001. Of the 245 NH-arrests 79 (32%) patients were admitted to hospital compared to 937 (41%) from non-NH (p < 0.001). Thirty-day survival rate in patients admitted to hospital were 27% for NH- and 42% for non-NH-patients, p < 0.001. OHCA in NH was, however, not associated with a significantly worse prognosis (HR = 0.88 (0.64–1.21), p = 0.4) after adjustment for known prognostic factors including co-morbidity.

Conclusions

Nursing home residents resuscitated from OHCA and admitted to hospital have similar survival rates as non-NH-patients when adjusting for known prognostic factors and pre-existing co-morbidity. A policy of not attempting resuscitation in nursing homes at all may therefore not be justified.     

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in patients treated with primary PCI for STEMI. Long-term follow up data from EUROTRANSFER registry

Objectives

Our aim was to describe long-term outcome of OHCA patients in a cohort of STEMI patients treated by primary PCI based on the EUROTRANSFER Registry data.

Background

The occurrence of cardiac arrest is associated with impaired survival. There are limited number of studies reporting outcome of STEMI patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) treated by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The recently published resuscitation guidelines of the European Resuscitation Council (ERC) support immediate angiography/PCI or fibrinolysis in these patients in order to improve survival.

Methods

Consecutive data on 1650 STEMI patients, transferred for primary PCI in hospital STEMI networks between November 2005 and January 2007 from 7 countries in Europe were gathered. Patients were divided into two groups: OHCA group – 42 patients and no OHCA group – 1608 patients.

Results

Baseline demographics, clinical characteristic on admission to cathlab and past medical history were similar in both groups. Cardiogenic shock on admission or acute heart failure defined as Killip 3 + 4 was more frequently observed in OHCA group. The in-hospital mortality was similar, however, 1-year mortality was 19.1% in the OHCA group vs 8.1% in no OHCA group (p = 0.011) and remained significant after exclusion of patients in cardiogenic shock on admission.

Conclusions

STEMI patients treated with primary PCI with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest have higher long-term mortality than no OHCA patients. However, resuscitation prior to cathlab admission is not an independent predictor of long-term adverse outcome. No differences in in-hospital mortality were noticed.