Refractory Cardiac Arrrest Treated With Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, 2-Year Follow-Up

Abstract Introduction Extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) has been introduced as a life-saving procedure in refractory cardiac arrest. Methods Eligible patients for this analysis had to undergo ECPR after unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation with a minimum of three defibrillation attempts. For extracorporeal life support (ECLS) was used Cardiohelp system or Levitronix CentriMag blood pump. LUCAS II system was used for chest compressions during cardiac arrest. The relations of blood lactate and pH levels, measured before ECPR insertion and after 24 hours as well as comorbities (diabetes, hypertension, BMI) to the clinical outcomes at 2 years were evaluated. Results We analyzed data from 59 patients treated with ECPR for refractory cardiac arrest. The mean age of our patients was 61 years. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) occurred in 33 patients, 26 patients suffered from in-hospital arrest (IHCA). Baseline value of lactate was 11.57±4.22 mmol/l, initial pH 6.95±0.31. In comparison with survivors, patients who died had significantly higher initial lactate levels (12.05±0.81 vs. 8.01±0.77; P<0.05). Moreover, survivors had significantly lower lactate levels after 24 hours (7.39 vs 2.56) and lower BMI (27.4 vs 31.2; P<0.05). Diabetes or hypertension in our group have no influence on the mortality. The difference of mortality in the group of OHCA or IHCA was also not significant. 32% patients survived one month with good neurological outcome (CPC 1–2), 30% six months, 23% one year and 21% two years. Conclusions ECPR give the last chance to survive refractory cardiac arrest. The levels of blood lactate are significantly associated with clinical outcomes of ECPR. Obesity was associated with significantly higher mortality in our group. Funding Acknowledgement Type of funding source: Public grant(s) – National budget only. Main funding source(s): MH CZ DRO (Nemocnice Na Homolce - NNH, 00023884)