LO33: Do electrocardiogram rhythm findings predict cardiac activity during cardiac arrest? A SHoC series study

Introduction: Electrocardiographic (ECG) rhythms are used during resuscitation (ACLS) to guide resuscitation, and often to determine futility. Survival rates to hospital discharge have been reported to be higher for patients with PEA than asystole in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. This study examines how well the initial ECG cardiac rhythm represents actual cardiac activity as determined by point of care ultrasound (PoCUS). Methods: A database review was completed for patients arriving to a tertiary ED in asystole or PEA arrest, from 2010 to 2014. Patients under 19y or with a previous DNR were excluded. Patients were grouped into those with cardiac activity (PEA) and asystole on ECG; as well as whether cardiac activity was seen on PoCUS during the arrest. Data was analyzed for visualized cardiac activity on PoCUS. Results: 186 patients met the study criteria. Those with asystole on ECG were more likely to have no cardiac activity than those with PEA (Odds 7.21 for initial PoCUS; 5.45 for any PoCUS). The sensitivity of ECG rhythm was 80.49% and 82.12%, specificity was 77.91% and 54.28%, positive predictive value was 94.28% and 88.57%, and negative predictive value was 30.43% and 41.30% for cardiac activity on initial PoCUS and on any PoCUS respectively. The positive and negative likelihood ratios for ECG were 3.47 and 0.25 for activity on initial PoCUS. The positive and negative likelihood ratios for activity on any PoCUS were 1.78 and 0.33. Conclusion: Our results suggest that although most patients with asystole on ECG demonstrate no cardiac activity, a small number actually had activity on PoCUS. This supports the use of PoCUS during cardiac arrest, in addition to ECG, to identify patients with ongoing mechanical cardiac activity.

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Do combined ultrasound and electrocardiogram-rhythm findings predict survival in emergency department cardiac arrest patients? The Second Sonography in Hypotension and Cardiac Arrest in the Emergency Department (SHoC-ED2) study

CJEM ◽

10.1017/cem.2019.397 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (6) ◽

pp. 739-743 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Nicole Beckett ◽

Paul Atkinson ◽

Jacqueline Fraser ◽

Ankona Banerjee ◽

James French ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Cardiac Arrest ◽

Hospital Discharge ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Cardiac Activity ◽

Pulseless Electrical Activity ◽

Spontaneous Circulation ◽

Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽

Electrocardiogram Ecg ◽

Higher Sensitivity

ABSTRACTObjectivesPoint-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is used increasingly during resuscitation. The aim of this study was to assess whether combining POCUS and electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm findings better predicts outcomes during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in the emergency department (ED).MethodsWe completed a health records review on ED cardiac arrest patients who underwent POCUS. Primary outcome measurements included return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival to hospital admission, and survival to hospital discharge.ResultsPOCUS was performed on 180 patients; 45 patients (25.0%; 19.2%–31.8%) demonstrated cardiac activity on initial ECG, and 21 (11.7%; 7.7%–17.2%) had cardiac activity on initial POCUS; 47 patients (26.1%; 20.2%–33.0%) achieved ROSC, 18 (10.0%; 6.3%–15.3%) survived to admission, and 3 (1.7%; 0.3%–5.0%) survived to hospital discharge. As a predictor of failure to achieve ROSC, ECG had a sensitivity of 82.7% (95% CI 75.2%–88.7%) and a specificity of 46.8% (32.1%–61.9%). Overall, POCUS had a higher sensitivity of 96.2% (91.4%–98.8%) but a similar specificity of 34.0% (20.9%–49.3%). In patients with ECG-asystole, POCUS had a sensitivity of 98.18% (93.59%–99.78%) and a specificity of 16.00% (4.54%–36.08%). In patients with pulseless electrical activity, POCUS had a sensitivity of 86.96% (66.41%–97.22%) and a specificity of 54.55% (32.21%–75.61%). Similar patterns were seen for survival to admission and discharge. Only 0.8% (0.0–4.7%) of patients with ECG-asystole and standstill on POCUS survived to hospital discharge.ConclusionThe absence of cardiac activity on POCUS, or on both ECG and POCUS together, better predicts negative outcomes in cardiac arrest than ECG alone. No test reliably predicted survival.

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LO040: Do combined electrocardiogram rhythm and point of care ultrasound findings predict outcome during cardiac arrest? The second Sonography in Hypotension and Cardiac Arrest in the Emergency Department (SHOC-ED 2) Study

CJEM ◽

10.1017/cem.2016.77 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 18 (S1) ◽

pp. S43-S44

Author(s):

N. Beckett ◽

P.R. Atkinson ◽

J. Fraser ◽

J. French ◽

D. Lewis

Keyword(s):

Cardiac Arrest ◽

Hospital Discharge ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Cardiac Activity ◽

Spontaneous Circulation ◽

Final Outcome ◽

Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽

Negative Group ◽

Positive Group ◽

Negative Findings

Introduction: Survival to hospital discharge is better for PEA than asystole in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Point of care ultrasound (PoCUS) is widely used in cardiac arrest, although not mandated by ACLS guidelines. This study examines if initial PoCUS findings combined with cardiac rhythm are predictive of outcomes including return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival to hospital admission (SHA), and hospital discharge (SHD). Methods: A database review was completed for patients arriving to a tertiary ED in asystole or PEA arrest from 2010 to 2014. Patients under 19y or with a previous DNR were excluded. Patients were grouped into those with cardiac activity on PoCUS and PEA on ECG (Positive group); those with no cardiac activity recorded on PoCUS and asystole on ECG (Negative group); and those with a mix of positive and negative findings (Indeterminate group). Data was analyzed for the frequency of ROSC, SHA, and SHD. Results: 186 patients met the study criteria, with 14 (8%) in the positive group, 134 (72%) in the negative group, and 38 (20%) in the indeterminate group. The positive group had significantly better initial outcomes than the negative group: ROSC: 78% (95% CI 49-95%) vs 17% (11-25%); OR 17.70 (4.57-168.5; p < 0.0001) and SHA: 29% (8-58%) vs 7% (3-12%); OR 5.56 (1.45-21.28; p = 0.022), and then the combined negative and indeterminate groups: ROSC: 22% (16-29%), OR 12.93 (3.43-48.73; p < 0.0001; SHA: 8% (5-13%); OR 4.51 (1.25-16.27; p = 0.033). There was no difference between the positive group and either the negative or combined groups for final outcome of SHD: 0% (0-23%) vs 1% (0-5%); OR 1.83 (0.08-39.97; p = 1.00; and vs 1% (0-5%); OR 1.67 (0.08-33.96; p = 1.00). The negative group had worse initial outcomes than the combined positive and indeterminate groups: ROSC 17% (11-25%) vs. 50% (36-64%) OR 0.21 (0.10-0.42; p < 0.0001); SHA 6% (3-12%) vs. 8% (5-13%) OR 0.34 (0.13-0.92; p = 0.0490). There was no difference in SHD: 1% (0-5%) vs. 1% (0-5%) OR 0.77 (0.07-8.71; p = 1.00). Conclusion: Our results suggest that although finding positive cardiac activity on ECG (PEA) and also on PoCUS is associated with greater ROSC and SHA, it does not identify patients with a final outcome of SHD.

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LO42: Is point-of-care ultrasound a reliable predictor of outcome during atraumatic, non-shockable cardiac arrest? A systematic review and meta-analysis

CJEM ◽

10.1017/cem.2019.85 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 21 (S1) ◽

pp. S22-S23

Author(s):

E. Lalande ◽

T. Burwash-Brennan ◽

K. Burns ◽

P. Atkinson ◽

M. Lambert ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Cardiac Arrest ◽

Likelihood Ratio ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Meta Analysis ◽

Positive Likelihood Ratio ◽

Cardiac Activity ◽

World Health ◽

Lower Sensitivity ◽

Point Of Care Ultrasound

Introduction: Point-of-Care Ultrasound (PoCUS) is being increasingly utilized during cardiac arrests for prognosis. Following the publication of recent studies, the goal of this study was to systematically review and analyze the literature to evaluate the accuracy of PoCUS in predicting return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival to hospital admission (SHA), and survival to hospital discharge (SHD) in adult patients with non-traumatic, non- shockable out- of-hospital or emergency department cardiac arrest. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was completed. A search of Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov and the World Health Organization Registry was completed from 1974 until August 24th 2018. Adult randomized controlled trials and observational studies were included. The QUADAS-2 tool was applied by two independent reviewers. Data analysis was completed according to PRISMA guidelines and with a random effects model for the meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using I-squared statistics. Results: Ten studies (1,485 participants) were included. Cardiac activity on PoCUS had a pooled sensitivity of 59.9% (95% confidence interval 36.5%-79.4%) and specificity of 91.5% (80.8%-96.5%) for ROSC; 74.7% (58.3%-86.2%) and 80.5% (71.7%-87.4%) for SHA; and 69.4% (45.5%-86.0%) and 74.6% (59.8%-85.3%) for SHD. The sensitivity of cardiac activity on PoCUS for predicting ROSC was 24.7%(6.8%-59.4%) in the asystole subgroup compared with 77% (59.4%-88.5%) within the PEA subgroup. Cardiac activity on PoCUS, compared to an absence had an odd ratio of 15.9 (5.9-42.5) for ROSC, 9.8 (4.9-19.4) for SHA and 5.7 (2.1-15.6) for SHD. Positive likelihood ratio (LR) was 6.65 (3.16-14.0) and negative LR was 0.27 (0.12-0.61) for ROSC. Conclusion: Cardiac activity on PoCUS was associated with improved odds for ROSC, SHA, and SHD among adults with non-traumatic asystole and PEA. We report lower sensitivity and higher negative likelihood ratio, but with greater heterogeneity compared to previous systematic reviews. PoCUS may provide valuable information in the management of non-traumatic PEA or asystole, but should not be viewed as the sole predictor in determining outcomes in these patients.

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Return of spontaneous circulation in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest caused by pulmonary embolism using early point-of-care ultrasound and timely thrombolytic agent application: Two case reports

Hong Kong Journal of Emergency Medicine ◽

10.1177/1024907920964136 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 102490792096413

Author(s):

Su Yeong Pyo ◽

Gwan Jin Park ◽

Sang Chul Kim ◽

Hoon Kim ◽

Suk Woo Lee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Cardiac Arrest ◽

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽

Acute Pulmonary Embolism ◽

Thrombolytic Agent ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Fibrinolytic Therapy ◽

Spontaneous Circulation ◽

Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽

Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Introduction: Acute pulmonary embolism is a confirmed cause of up to 5% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and 5%–13% of unexplained cardiac arrest in patients. However, the true incidence may be much higher, as pulmonary embolism is often clinically underdiagnosed. Thrombolytic therapy is a recognized therapy for pulmonary embolism–associated cardiac arrest but is not routinely recommended during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Therefore, clinicians should attempt to identify patients with suspected pulmonary embolism. Many point-of care ultrasound protocols suggest diagnosis of pulmonary embolism for cardiac arrest patients. Case presentation: We describe two male patients (60 years and 66 years, respectively) who presented to the emergency department with cardiac arrest within a period of 1 week. With administration of point-of care ultrasound during the ongoing cardiopulmonary resuscitation in both patients, fibrinolytic therapy was initiated under suspicion of cardiac arrest caused by pulmonary embolism. Both patients had return of spontaneous circulation; however, only the second patient, who received fibrinolytic therapy relatively early, was discharged with a good outcome. In this report, we discussed how to diagnose and manage patients with cardiac arrest–associated pulmonary embolism with the help of point-of care ultrasound. We also discuss the different clinical outcomes of the two patients based on the experience of the clinicians and the timing of thrombolytic agent application. Conclusions: If acute pulmonary embolism is suspected in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, we recommend prompt point-of care ultrasound examination. Point-of care ultrasound may help identify patients with pulmonary embolism during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, leading to immediate treatment, although the clinical outcomes may vary.

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LO045: Sonography in Hypotension and Cardiac Arrest (SHoC) - Cardiac Arrest: A consensus on the integration of point of care ultrasound into advanced cardiac life support during cardiac arrest

CJEM ◽

10.1017/cem.2016.82 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 18 (S1) ◽

pp. S45-S46

Author(s):

P. Atkinson ◽

J. Bowra ◽

J. Milne ◽

M. Lambert ◽

B. Jarman ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emergency Medicine ◽

Cardiac Arrest ◽

Life Support ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Cardiac Activity ◽

Advanced Cardiac Life Support ◽

Pericardial Tamponade ◽

Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽

International Consensus ◽

Modified Delphi

Introduction: Point of care ultrasound (PoCUS) provides invaluable information during resuscitation efforts in cardiac arrest by determining presence/absence of cardiac activity and identifying reversible causes such as pericardial tamponade. There is no agreed guideline on how to safely and effectively incorporate PoCUS into the advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) algorithm. We consider that a consensus-based priority checklist using a “4 F’s” approach (Fluid; Form; Function; Filling), would provide a better algorithm during ACLS. Methods: The ultrasound subcommittee of the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine (ACEM) drafted a checklist incorporating PoCUS into the ACLS algorithm. This was further developed using the input of 24 international experts associated with five professional organizations led by the International Federation of Emergency Medicine. A modified Delphi tool was developed to reach an international consensus on how to integrate ultrasound into cardiac arrest algorithms for emergency department patients. Results: Consensus was reached following 3 rounds. The agreed protocol focuses on the timing of PoCUS as well as the specific clinical questions. Core cardiac windows performed during the rhythm check pause in chest compressions are the sub-xiphoid and parasternal cardiac views. Either view should be used to detect pericardial fluid, as well as examining ventricular form (e.g. right heart strain) and function, (e.g. asystole versus organized cardiac activity). Supplementary views include lung views (for absent lung sliding in pneumothorax and for pleural fluid), and IVC views for filling. Additional ultrasound applications are for endotracheal tube confirmation, proximal leg veins for DVT, or for sources of blood loss (AAA, peritoneal/pelvic fluid). Conclusion: The authors hope that this process will lead to a consensus-based SHoC-cardiac arrest guideline on incorporating PoCUS into the ACLS algorithm.

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Utility of Point-of-Care Ultrasound for In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

CHEST Journal ◽

10.1016/j.chest.2017.08.643 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 152 (4) ◽

pp. A611

Author(s):

Eric Bondarsky ◽

Lina Miyakawa ◽

Angela Love ◽

Paru Patrawalla ◽

Samuel Acquah ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiac Arrest ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽

Hospital Cardiac Arrest

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P003: Which factors predict resuscitation outcomes in patients arriving to the emergency department in cardiac arrest? A SHoC series study

CJEM ◽

10.1017/cem.2018.201 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 20 (S1) ◽

pp. S57-S58

Author(s):

P. Atkinson ◽

N. Beckett ◽

D. Lewis ◽

J. Fraser ◽

A. Banerjee ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Cardiac Arrest ◽

Electrical Activity ◽

Odds Ratio ◽

Cardiac Rhythm ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Pulseless Electrical Activity ◽

Spontaneous Circulation ◽

Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽

Successful Resuscitation

Introduction: The decision as to whether to end resuscitation for pre-hospital cardiac arrest (CA) patients in the field or in the emergency department (ED) is commonly made based upon standard criteria. We studied the reliability of several easily determined criteria as predictors of resuscitation outcomes in a population of adults in CA transported to the ED. Methods: A retrospective database and chart analysis was completed for patients arriving to a tertiary ED in cardiac arrest, between 2010 and 2014. Patients were excluded if aged under 19. Multiple data were abstracted from charts using a standardized form. Regression analysis was used to compare criteria that predicted return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and survival to hospital admission (SHA). Results: 264 patients met the study inclusion criteria. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of ROSC and SHA. The criteria that emerged as significant predictors for ROSC included; longer ED resuscitation time (Odds ratio 1.11 (1.06- 1.18)), witnessed arrest (Odds ratio 9.43 (2.58- 53.0)) and having an initial cardiac rhythm of Pulseless Electrical Activity (Odds Ratio 3.23 (1.07-9.811)) over Asystole. Receiving point of care ultrasound (PoCUS; Odds ratio 0.22 (0.07-0.69)); and having an initial cardiac rhythm of Pulseless Electrical Activity (Odds Ratio 4.10 (1.43-11.88)) were the significant predictors for SHA. Longer times for ED resuscitation was close to reaching significance for predicting SHA Conclusion: Our results suggest that both fixed and adaptable factors, including increasing resuscitation time, and PoCUS use in the ED were important independent predictors of successful resuscitation. Several commonly used criteria were unreliable predictors.

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Point-of-Care Ultrasound Use by EMS Providers in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest

Prehospital and Disaster Medicine ◽

10.1017/s1049023x21001357 ◽

2022 ◽

pp. 1-6

Author(s):

Michael A. Kreiser ◽

Brieanna Hill ◽

Dikchhya Karki ◽

Elke Wood ◽

Ryan Shelton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Cardiac Arrest ◽

Patient Management ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Training Session ◽

Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽

Protocol Adherence ◽

Video Acquisition ◽

Advanced Airway ◽

Hospital Cardiac Arrest ◽

Adrenaline Administration

Abstract Aim: Paramedics received training in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to assess for cardiac contractility during management of medical out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The primary outcome was the percentage of adequate POCUS video acquisition and accurate video interpretation during OHCA resuscitations. Secondary outcomes included POCUS impact on patient management and resuscitation protocol adherence. Methods: A prospective, observational cohort study of paramedics was performed following a four-hour training session, which included a didactic lecture and hands-on POCUS instruction. The Prehospital Echocardiogram in Cardiac Arrest (PECA) protocol was developed and integrated into the resuscitation algorithm for medical non-shockable OHCA. The ultrasound (US) images were reviewed by a single POCUS expert investigator to determine the adequacy of the POCUS video acquisition and accuracy of the video interpretation. Change in patient management and resuscitation protocol adherence data, including end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) monitoring following advanced airway placement, adrenaline administration, and compression pauses under ten seconds, were queried from the prehospital electronic health record (EHR). Results: Captured images were deemed adequate in 42/49 (85.7%) scans and paramedic interpretation of sonography was accurate in 43/49 (87.7%) scans. The POCUS results altered patient management in 14/49 (28.6%) cases. Paramedics adhered to EtCO2 monitoring in 36/36 (100.0%) patients with an advanced airway, adrenaline administration for 38/38 (100.0%) patients, and compression pauses under ten seconds for 36/38 (94.7%) patients. Conclusion: Paramedics were able to accurately obtain and interpret cardiac POCUS videos during medical OHCA while adhering to a resuscitation protocol. These findings suggest that POCUS can be effectively integrated into paramedic protocols for medical OHCA.

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MP012: Is there an association between the use of cardiac ultrasound and survival outcomes in patients arriving to the emergency department in cardiac arrest? The second Sonography in Hypotension and Cardiac Arrest in the Emergency Department (SHOC-ED 2) Study

CJEM ◽

10.1017/cem.2016.153 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 18 (S1) ◽

pp. S70-S70

Author(s):

N. Beckett ◽

P.R. Atkinson ◽

J. Fraser ◽

J. French ◽

D. Lewis

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Cardiac Arrest ◽

Hospital Admission ◽

Hospital Discharge ◽

Life Support ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Cardiac Activity ◽

Advanced Cardiac Life Support ◽

Control Group ◽

Point Of Care Ultrasound

Introduction: The use of cardiac point of care ultrasound (PoCUS) to assess cardiac arrest patients is widespread, although not mandated by advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) guidelines. This study aims to examine if the use of ultrasound, along with the findings on ultrasound are associated with a difference in outcomes of cardiac arrest patients in the emergency department (ED). Methods: A retrospective database and chart analysis was completed for patients arriving to a tertiary ED in asystole or PEA cardiac arrest, between 2010 and 2014. Patients were excluded if aged under 19, or with a previous DNR order. Patients were grouped based on whether PoCUS was used during ACLS (PoCUS group) and those without PoCUS (control group). Multiple data were abstracted from charts using a standardized form. Data was analyzed for the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), survival to hospital admission (SHA), and survival to hospital discharge (SHD), as well as initial cardiac activity findings on PoCUS. Results: 230 patients met the study inclusion criteria, with 44 (19%) in the control group, and 186 (81%) in the PoCUS group. In the PoCUS group 20 (11%) had cardiac activity (Positive PoCUS) and 166 (89%) had no cardiac activity recorded. The control group had a higher rate of SHA than the PoCUS group (27%; 95% CI 15-43% vs. 10%: 6-15%, p = 0.0046), however there was no difference in frequency of ROSC (control: 37%; 24-55% vs. PoCUS 26%; 20-33%, p = 0.1373) or SHD (control: 7%, 95% CI 1-19%; PoCUS: 2%, 95% CI 0-5%, p = 0.0858). Positive PoCUS patients had a higher frequency of ROSC (75%; 50-91% vs. 20%; 15-27%, p < 0.001) and SHA (25%; 9-49% vs. 8%; 4-13%, p = 0.0294) than patients with no PoCUS cardiac activity, however there was no difference in the rate of SHD between the positive PoCUS patients (0%; 0-17%) and patients with no PoCUS cardiac activity (2%; 0-5%, p = 1.0000). Conclusion: Our results suggest that there is no difference in survival between cardiac arrest patients receiving PoCUS and those who do not. Although finding positive cardiac activity on PoCUS is associated with greater ROSC and survival to hospital admission, it does not identify patients with a final outcome of survival to hospital discharge.

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LO043: Is there an association between resuscitation effort and the use of cardiac ultrasound in patients arriving to the emergency department in cardiac arrest? The second Sonography in Hypotension and Cardiac Arrest in the Emergency Department (SHOC-ED 2) Study

CJEM ◽

10.1017/cem.2016.80 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 18 (S1) ◽

pp. S45-S45

Author(s):

N. Beckett ◽

P.R. Atkinson ◽

J. Fraser ◽

J. French ◽

D. Lewis

Keyword(s):

Emergency Department ◽

Cardiac Arrest ◽

Endotracheal Intubation ◽

Life Support ◽

Point Of Care ◽

Cardiac Activity ◽

Advanced Cardiac Life Support ◽

Control Group ◽

Point Of Care Ultrasound ◽

Multiple Data

Introduction: The use of cardiac point of care ultrasound (PoCUS) to assess cardiac arrest patients is widespread, although not mandated by advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) guidelines. This study aims to examine if the use of ultrasound is associated with a difference in the length of resuscitation and the frequency of interventions during ACLS in the emergency department (ED). Methods: A retrospective database and chart analysis was completed for patients arriving to a tertiary ED in cardiac arrest, between 2010 and 2014. Patients were excluded if aged under 19, or with a previous DNR order. Patients were grouped based on whether PoCUS was used during ACLS (PoCUS group) and those without PoCUS (control group). Multiple data were abstracted from charts using a standardized form. Data was analyzed for the length of resuscitation, frequency of common ACLS interventions such as endotracheal intubation, administration of epinephrine, and defibrillation, as well as initial cardiac activity findings on PoCUS. Results: 263 patients met the study inclusion criteria, with 51 (19%) in the control group, and 212 (81%) in the PoCUS group. In the PoCUS group 23 (11%) had cardiac activity (Positive PoCUS) and 189 (89%) had no cardiac activity recorded. Positive PoCUS patients had longer mean resuscitation times (26.13 min, 95% CI 17.80-34.46 min) compared to patients with no PoCUS cardiac activity (12.63 min, 95% CI 11.07-14.19 min, p < 0.05) as well as to the control group (14.20 min, 95% CI 10.30-18.09 min, p < 0.05). Positive PoCUS patients were more likely to receive endotracheal intubation (91%, 95% CI 72-99%), and epinephrine (100%, 95% CI 85-100%) than patients with no PoCUS cardiac activity (ET: 47%, 95% CI 40-54%, p < 0.0001; Epi: 81%, 95% CI 75-86%, p < 0.0172) and than the control group (ET: 65%, 95% CI 50-78%, p < 0.0227; Epi: 80%, 95% CI 67-90%, p < 0.0258). There was no difference in numbers receiving defibrillation between groups. Conclusion: Our results suggest emergency physicians may be making increased resuscitative effort for patients with positive cardiac activity findings on PoCUS compared to those with negative findings or when no PoCUS was performed.

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