Resuscitation

Background Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (eCPR) is a rescue therapy for a selected group of patients. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is initiated to bypass the cardiac system and bridge time to definitive treatment of the cardiac arrest (CA) origin. eCPR treatment is very time-critical and, if indicated, should be initiated as early as possible. Patient selection for this highly specific treatment is challenging and relies on numerous factors. In the following phase of intensive care treatment, neuroprognostication is performed. However, following current guidelines, this is only recommended 72hours after CA. Once ECMO is initiated, a complex intensive care treatment is expected, without a guarantee for full neurological recovery. There is a recognized clinical need for more precise selection criteria, alongside predictive values, to enable earlier, reliable neuroprognostication. Aim This study aims to investigate whether super-early neuroprognostication before ECMO initiation is feasible. Super-early neuroprognostication will be performed using automated pupillometry and cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy (cNIRS) before ECMO initiation. Methods Patients evaluated for eCPR treatment at the Department of Emergency Medicine will be included in this study. By a study member not involved in clinical treatment, cNIRS and automated pupillometry will be performed before ECMO initiation and at predefined intervals: 10-20 minutes after ECMO Initiation, 1 hour (±15 minutes), 2 hours (±15 minutes), and 3 hours (±15 minutes). Follow-up measurements will be taken 24 hours (± 6 hours), 48 hours (± 6 hours), and 72 hours ± 6 hours after ECMO initiation. The secondary objective is to interpret the collected data regarding outcome parameters.

This study examines the impact of emergency department (ED) management on short-term outcomes of nontraumatic adult out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. Conducted by a research team at National Taiwan University Hospital and its affiliated hospitals, including branches in Hsinchu and Yunlin, the study spans from January 2016 to August 2023. It focuses on a sequential population of patients, analyzing data like age, gender, medical history, prehospital care details (e.g., witnessed collapse, bystander CPR), and specifics of ED management. OHCA, with an incidence rate of 50-100 per 100,000 people, presents high mortality and severe complications, leading to significant healthcare expenditures. After resuscitation in the ED, only about one-fifth of patients achieve return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The prognosis for these patients remains grim, with a mere 5% experiencing favorable neurological outcomes. Understanding the mechanisms of OHCA, identifying risk factors, effective interventions, and the timing of ED treatments like vasopressors and electrocardiography are crucial. Patients post-OHCA often undergo a postcardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS), marked by cellular hypoxia and a consequential inflammatory response. Stability of vital signs and rapid ED interventions, including identifying OHCA causes and coordinating with specialists, are vital for short-term recovery. This study aims to determine if ED management and time-related factors from ROSC to various interventions (e.g., ECG, CT scans) affect short-term survival rates, including survival to hospital admission and survival after 1, 3, and 7 days. By retrospectively analyzing patient data, including Utstein Style prehospital cardiac arrest registry variables and emergency department management details, the study seeks to shed light on the crucial phase of post-resuscitation care. The ultimate goal is to improve survival rates and neurological outcomes in OHCA patients, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive research in this area

This study will be a prospective, single-center, randomized controlled trial in a tertiary pediatric emergency department with two parallel groups of voluntary pediatric physicians and nurses. The impact of a mHealth supportive tool will be compared with conventional communication methods on situational awareness, leadership, team communication effectiveness and performance during standardized, simulation-based, pediatric in-hospital cardiac arrest scenario using a high-fidelity manikin. Thirty-six participants will be randomized (1:1). The primary endpoint is the situational awareness score measured with the situation awareness global assessment technique (SAGAT) instrument.

The purpose of this study is to design, develop, validate and pilot test an interactive Maternal Resuscitation Navigation Application (MARINA) for the purpose of providing information and guidance about the expected events that a premature infant will experience during initial resuscitation upon delivery. This information will be shared via computer app prior to the time that the mother would be in distress due to active labor. The application will be pilot tested for functionality, usability and feasibility of future use and research in clinical settings. Focused aspects of the application will include simulated video of the active delivery environment, explanation of each team member's role in resuscitation and specific activities involved in premature infant resuscitation. To assure the application addresses key information mothers would desire, the application will include content developed with input from a consulting group of mothers who have experienced premature infant resuscitation in the delivery room. Additionally, prior research by the research team will inform the build of this application. The application will have the ability for mothers to choose whether to view close up procedures (bag/mask positive pressure oxygen delivery, intubation, line placement, etc.). She may alternatively select to only view the broader view of the room while listening to the description of activities occurring at that time. The mother will be able to choose her level of interactivity depending on her comfort level. The application will go through multiple levels of testing throughout the development process. After an iterative process, when the research team finds the application acceptable, a small group of consulting parents and experienced clinicians will review the application for functionality (ease of use) and content validity. Aim 2: To pilot test the functionality, usability and feasibility of the interactive Maternal Resuscitation Navigation Application (MARINA) for future use and research in clinical settings to reduce maternal distress associated with premature infant resuscitation.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) convened the multi-center Delivery Room Intervention and Evaluation (DRIVE) Network to establish essential infrastructure to collect, coordinate, and analyze core demographic, resuscitative, and outcome data for an inclusive and diverse population of infants who receive delivery room resuscitation at participating centers. The DRIVE Network consists of delivery hospitals across the United States, covering a range of geographic, urban/rural, racial/ethnic diversity across the country. Together, DRIVE seeks to compare practice-level delivery system characteristics, identify best practices, evaluate outcomes from various interventions, and promote professional development through dissemination via the wide reach of the Neonatal Resuscitation Program.

The goal of this pilot clinical trial is to determine if conducting a larger study using venous excess ultrasound (VEXUS) to guide fluid management in patients with septic shock is feasible. Septic shock is a life-threatening condition where infection causes dangerously low blood pressure. While fluids are essential for treatment, too much fluid can harm the kidneys and result in the need for dialysis. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Is it feasible to recruit patients, obtain consent, and follow the VEXUS-guided management protocol? 2. Does VEXUS-guided management, compared with usual care, improve the health and well-being of patients with septic shock? Researchers will compare two groups: one receiving VEXUS-guided fluid management versus another receiving standard care, to assess the feasibility of a larger trial and explore whether VEXUS prevents fluid overload and kidney problems. Participants in the VEXUS group will: 1. Undergo VEXUS scans every 24 hours for 3 days 2. Receive fluid management guided by VEXUS findings (including fluid restriction or removal if we identify venous congestion) and undergo cardiac ultrasound if we identify moderate to severe congestion 3. Be monitored for 28 days to track kidney function, need for dialysis, and survival.