Urgent Need for More Research on Post-Cardiac Arrest Care
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A new consensus statement from the American Heart Association Emergency and Cardiovascular Care Committee and the Neurocritical Care Society calls for more research into post-cardiac arrest care, highlighting areas that currently lack solid evidence. Despite guidelines in place for certain aspects of care, such as temperature control and neurological prognostication, many important topics have less evidence to support practice. The statement stresses the need for a more comprehensive approach in post-cardiac arrest care, including areas such as neurological, cardiac, pulmonary, hematologic, infectious, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and general critical care management.
American Heart Association and Neurocritical Care Society Call for More Comprehensive Post-Cardiac Arrest Care
Intensive care for post-cardiac arrest survivors is crucial for improving survival and neurological outcomes, according to a consensus statement released by a multidisciplinary group of experts. This statement identifies existing knowledge gaps and offers guidance on topics where existing research and guidelines lack strong evidence. It emphasizes the need for more research into a wide range of areas, including neurological, cardiac, pulmonary, hematologic, infectious, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and general critical care management following cardiac arrest.
Cardiac arrest is a prevalent issue, affecting over 600,000 individuals in the United States and between 30 to 97 per 100,000 population globally every year[1]. While existing guidelines address some key areas, such as temperature control and neurological prognostication, many critical areas lack sufficient evidence to inform practice or to be included in guidelines. A scientific statement offers expert analysis of current research that could inform future clinical practice guidelines.
Post-cardiac arrest care is a whole-body issue and goes beyond the initial resuscitation. Experts suggest that care should be provided by a cohesive team with the ability to manage neurological, cardiac, pulmonary, hematologic, infectious, gastrointestinal, endocrine, and general critical care issues. Future research is needed on the use of advanced techniques and technologies, such as advanced seizure monitoring techniques, and the effects of analgesic, sedative, and neuromuscular blockade agents.
Further studies are also required on cardiac, pulmonary and hematologic management, including the effects of oxygenation and ventilation on all organs, and the safety and efficacy of early thromboprophylaxis in cardiac arrest patients. Additionally, research into the management of digestive system, infectious disease, endocrine and fluids is called for.
Until high-quality studies are available to inform practice guidelines, this statement aims to advise clinicians on the critical care management of patients after cardiac arrest. These scientific statements are prepared on behalf of the American Heart Association and the Neurocritical Care Society to promote awareness of cardiovascular diseases and stroke issues, and to facilitate informed healthcare decisions. They outline what is currently known about a topic and identify areas requiring additional research.
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