Abstract 10355: Physiologic Effect of Repeated Epinephrine Doses During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Randomized Porcine Study

Objectives and Method: This porcine study was designed to explore the effect of repetitive epinephrine (EPI) doses on physiologic parameters during CPR. Thirty-six adult pigs were randomized to four injections of: EPI 0.02 mg/kg/dose, EPI 0.03 mg/kg/dose or saline control, given during 15 minutes of CPR. The effect on systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressures (ABP), cerebral perfusion pressure (CePP), end tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2), SpO2, cerebral tissue oximetry (SctO2), were analyzed immediately prior to each injection and at peak arterial systolic pressure. Arterial blood gases was analyzed after the baseline and after 15 min. Result: Prior to and following 4 minutes of baseline chest compressions without drug administration, there were no significant differences between the three groups. In the group given a 0.02 mg/kg/dose, there were increases in all ABP’s and CePP at the first 3 pressure peaks; at the 4th only mean ABP was increased. Decreased ETCO2 following peak 1 and beyond was seen. SctO2 and SpO2 were lowered following injection 2 and beyond. In the group given a 0.03 mg/kg/dose, all ABP’s and CePP increased at the first 3 pressure peaks. Lower ETCO2 was seen at peak 1 and beyond. SctO2 and SpO2 were lower following injection 2 and beyond. In the saline control group the systolic ABP was significantly lower at pressure peak 1 and beyond, no other parameter changed significantly compared to baseline. In the two EPI groups, pH and Base Excess were lower and lactate levels higher compared to baseline as well as compared to control. Conclusion: Repetitive EPI doses increased ABP’s and CePP, but this did not translate into better organ or brain perfusion.