Impact of Modified Treatment in Echocardiographically Confirmed Pseudo-Pulseless Electrical Activity in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients with Constant End-Tidal Carbon Dioxide Pressure during Compression Pauses

This study evaluated the ability of focused echocardiography (FE) and capnography to differentiate between pulseless electrical activity (PEA) and pseudo-PEA in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and the potential survival benefits with modified treatment. In PEA patients with stable end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure (P(et)CO(2)) during the compression pause and concomitant FE showing cardiac kinetic activity, the compression pause was prolonged for 15 s and an additional 20 IU vasopressin was administered. If pulselessness persisted, compressions were continued. Fifteen of the 16 patients studied (94%) achieved restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC); eight patients (50%) attained a good neurological outcome (Cerebral Performance Category 1 - 2). In an historical PEA group with stable P(et)CO(2) values (n = 48), ROSC was achieved in 26 patients (54%); four patients (8%) attained Cerebral Performance Category 1 - 2. Echocardiographical verification of the pseudo-PEA state enabled additional vasopressor treatment and cessation of chest compressions, and was associated with significantly higher rates of ROSC, survival to discharge and good neurological outcome.