Selection of patients for mechanical circulatory support for refractory out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

OBJECTIVE: To describe characteristics of patients admitted with refractory cardiac arrest for possible extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) and gain insight into the reasons for refraining from treatment in some. METHODS: Nationwide retrospective cohort study involving all tertiary centres providing ECPR in Denmark. Consecutive patients admitted with ongoing chest compression for evaluation for ECPR treatment were enrolled. Presenting characteristics, duration of no-flow and low-flow time, end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), lactate and pH, and recording of reasons for refraining from ECPR documented by the treating team were recorded. Outcomes were survival to intensive care unit admission and survival to hospital discharge. RESULTS: Of 579 patients admitted with refractory cardiac arrest for possible ECPR, 221 patients (38%) proceeded to ECPR and 358 patients (62%) were not considered candidates. Median prehospital low-flow time was 70 min (IQR 56 to 85) in ECPR patients and 62 min (48 to 81) in no-ECPR patients, p<0.001. Intra-arrest transport was more than 50 km in 92 (42%) ECPR patients and 135 in no-ECPR patients (38%), p=0.25. The leading causes for not initiating ECPR stated by the treating team were duration of low-flow time in 39%, severe metabolic derangement in 35%, and in 31% low ETCO2. The prevailing combination of contributing factors were non-shockable rhythm, low ETCO2, and metabolic derangement or prehospital low-flow time combined with low ETCO2. Survival to discharge was only achieved in six patients (1.7%) in the no-ECPR group. CONCLUSIONS: In this large nationwide study of patients admitted for possible ECPR, two-thirds of patients were not treated with ECPR. The most frequent reasons to abstain from ECPR were long duration of prehospital low-flow time, metabolic derangement and low ETCO2.

Outcome After Surgery for Acute Aortic Dissection: Influence of Preoperative Antiplatelet Therapy on Prognosis.

OBJECTIVES: Outcome in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is improved with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT). Patients with acute aortic dissection type A (AAD) often present with similar symptoms and may therefore be prescribed DAPT before diagnosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of antiplatelet therapy (APT) prior to AAD surgery and patient outcome, including indications according to the European Society of Cardiology's (ESC) recent guidelines. DESIGN: A retrospective, observational study. SETTING: A tertiary University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Heart Centre, Copenhagen, Denmark. PARTICIPANTS: The study included 171 patients operated for AAD during 2010 to 2014. INTERVENTIONS: The independent relationship of preoperative APT was explored on 30-day mortality, intraoperative bleeding and perioperative transfusion requirements. Furthermore, the indications for APT were obtained. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Patients receiving APT (n = 73) did not have an increased 30-day mortality (29% v 20%, p = 0.18). However, APT increased intraoperative bleeding by 45% (p<0.001) and increased perioperative transfusion of red blood cells by 71%, fresh frozen plasma by 52%, and platelets by 56% (p = 0.002). Among patients receiving APT preoperatively, 26 patients received acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) alone and 46 patients received DAPT. Bleeding was significantly more pronounced in patients receiving DAPT (5.6±4.1 L), compared to ASA alone (3.6±3.1 L) and no APT (3.3±4.8 L) (p<0.001). However, there was no significant difference in mortality between groups. DAPT, including ticagrelor, increased intraoperative bleeding by 62% compared to DAPT with clopidogrel (p = 0.004). Among patients receiving DAPT, only 30% of the patients fulfilled ESC criteria for ACS treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The use of APT was associated with increased intraoperative bleeding and transfusion requirement; however, it was not associated with a statistically significant increased mortality. Only a minority of patients fulfilled ESC criteria for ACS treatment with DAPT.