Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and post-resuscitation care

Abstract 

Survival following cardiac arrest depends on early recognition and treatment. Current guidelines encourage good-quality chest compressions, ventilation and defibrillation if appropriate. Interruptions to chest compressions should be minimized. Successfully resuscitated patients develop a ‘sepsis-like’ post-cardiac arrest syndrome. The intensive care post-resuscitation ‘care bundle’ includes coronary reperfusion, control of ventilation, circulatory support, glucose control, treatment of seizures and therapeutic hypothermia. Prognostication in comatose survivors is difficult. One-third of cardiac arrest survivors admitted to intensive care are discharged home.

Keywords: asystole, cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, defibrillation, hypothermia, post-resuscitation care, pulseless electrical activity, ventricular fibrillation