Embolia de líquido amniótico asociada a paro cardiorrespiratorio recuperado y síndrome de Sheehan / Amniotic fluid embolism associated with recovered cardiac arrest and postpartum Sheehan's syndrome

Resumen La embolia de líquido amniótico es una condición catastrófica propia del embarazo que ocurre típicamente durante el parto o justo posterior a este, cuyo sustrato fisiopatológico no ha sido aclarado por completo. Se ha estimado, según cifras de los Estados Unidos, que su incidencia rondaría 1 por cada 12.953 partos, y en el Reino Unido 1 por cada 50.000 partos; sin embargo, estas cifras pueden ser imprecisas debido a que no existen una referencia ni un consenso respecto a los criterios diagnósticos, además de que el cuadro clínico se puede confundir con otras emergencias obstétricas. Se presenta el caso de una paciente sin antecedentes mórbidos que presenta un cuadro de embolia de líquido amniótico no fatal, caracterizado por un estado fetal no tranquilizador durante la inducción del trabajo de parto, seguido de un paro cardiorrespiratorio durante la cesárea de urgencia y la rápida y catastrófica aparición de signos clínicos de una coagulopatía de consumo grave. Se describen además las complicaciones posoperatorias y su manejo, entre ellas un síndrome de Sheehan y la aparición de convulsiones tónico-clónicas generalizadas con alteración de neuroimágenes.

Abstract Amniotic fluid embolism is a catastrophic pregnancy condition that typically occurs during or inmediately after delivery, and whose pathophysiological background has not been fully clarified. According to US records the incidence of amniotic fluid embolism could been around 1 for every 12,953 births and in the United Kingdom 1 for every 50,000 births, however these numbers may be imprecise because there is no gold standard as well as no consensus regarding the diagnostic criteria, in addition that the clinical presentation can be misdiagnosis with other obstetric emergencies. We present the clinical case of a patient without a morbid history who presents with a non-fatal amniotic fluid embolism, characterized by an non-reassuring fetal status during labor induction, followed by cardiorespiratory arrest during emergency cesarean section and the rapid and catastrophic appearance of clinical signs of a severe consumptive coagulopathy. Postoperative complications and their management are also described, including Sheehans syndrome and the appearance of generalized tonic-clonic seizures with impaired neuroimaging.

Risk Factors of Bleeding-related Perioperative Cardiac Arrest / 中国医学科学院学报

Objective To reveal the incidence,mortality,and risk factors of bleeding-related perioperative cardiac arrest(POCA). Methods We carried out a single-center retrospective case-control study which enrolled all the POCA cases reported from January 2010 to September 2020 in the patient safety incident reporting system of Peking Union Medical College Hospital.For the screening of risk factors,the patients were respectively assigned into the POCA group and the control group at a ratio of 1∶3 according to the same sex,age,American Society of Anesthesiologists(ASA)physical status,and type of surgery in the same month.Potential risk factors for POCA were first selected by univariate analysis.The significant risk factors were then checked based on the clinical experience and further included in the multivariate Logistic regression model. Results Totally 16 bleeding-related POCA cases were collected from the patient safety incident reporting system among the study period,with an overall incidence of 0.36/10 000.The blood loss volume of POCA group and control group was(7 037.50±5 477.70)ml and(375.63±675.14)ml,respectively(P<0.001),and 14(87.5%)patients suffering from bleeding-related POCA died within three days after anesthesia.According to the univariate analysis,patients' body mass index[(21.79±3.57)kg/m2 vs.(24.26±3.91)kg/m2,P=0.043],hemoglobin level[(113.44±31.08)g/L vs.(131.75±19.70)g/L,P=0.039],and alanine aminotransferase level[(17.31±7.73)U/L vs.(26.91±24.73)U/L,P=0.022]were significantly lower in the POCA group than in the control group.Further Logistic regression analysis showed that smaller body mass index and lower preoperative hemoglobin level were independently associated with the occurrence of bleeding-related POCA. Conclusions Bleeding-related POCA rarely occurred but had high mortality.Adequate precautions should be taken for the patients who are to receive surgeries with high risk of intraoperative massive bleeding.Elevating preoperative hemoglobin level might decrease the incidence of bleeding-related POCA.

Paro cardiorrespiratorio en la embarazada y cesárea perimortem / Maternal cardiac arrest and perimortem cesarean delivery

Resumen El paro cardiorrespiratorio (PCR) en la mujer embarazada es una situación infrecuente, grave y de manejo multidisciplinario. La reanimación cardiopulmonar requiere consideraciones y particularidades propias de la embarazada, centradas en la fisiología y la anatomía, teniendo especial consideración la compresión aortocava, la intubación-ventilación difícil, la presencia de estómago lleno y el hecho que hay dos vidas involucradas. Las principales causas de PCR son las hemorrágicas, seguidas de las embólicas, cardiovasculares, anestésicas e infecciosas. Las principales acciones incluyen activación del código azul obstétrico con respuesta rápida para una eventual realización de histerotomía de emergencia oportuna en el mismo sitio evitando el traslado al quirófano, compresiones torácicas de buena calidad, desviación manual uterina a la izquierda, intubación endotraqueal y manejo avanzado de la vía aérea, todo esto con el fin de mejorar la sobrevida materno-fetal. La cesárea perimortem es un pilar en el manejo, favoreciendo el desenlace materno y eventualmente el fetal. Se debe realizar a los 4 minutos de una reanimación cardiopulmonar no exitosa. Sin embargo, aún hay retardo a la hora de indicarla, por lo que se debe incentivar el entrenamiento, la simulación en resucitación cardiopulmonar materna y las guías clínicas para todo el personal involucrado en la atención de pacientes obstétricas.

Abstract Cardiopulmonary arrest is a rare event during pregnancy and labor. It involves many subspecialties and allied health providers. Besides it requires knowledge of maternal physiology as it relates to resuscitation, particularly aortocaval compression, difficult airway, full stomach and the fact that there are two lives involved. The most frequent causes of cardiac arrest during pregnancy include bleeding, followed by embolism, infection, anesthesia complications and heart failure. The main steps required are: obstetric code activation with appropriate response for performing timely emergent hysterotomy in the same place avoiding the transfer to operating room; good-quality chest compressions; manual uterine displacement to the left, advanced pharmacological and airway management; and optimal care after resuscitation to improve maternal and fetal outcomes. Although current recommendations for maternal resuscitation include the performance of perimortem cesarean section after four minutes of unsuccessful cardiopulmonary resuscitation, deficits in knowledge about this procedure are common. Therefore, training and available evidence-based guidelines should be put in place for all obstetric caregivers.

Reanimación cardiopulmonar en prono a propósito de un caso / Case report cardiopulmonary resuscitation in prone position

Prone position is necessary for some neurosurgical and othopedic procedures. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in prone position was first described by McNeil in 1989, since then several successful cases have been published. We report the case of a 72-year-old patient with history of stage IV breast cancer who presented acute spinal cord compression due to a vertebral fracture at T10 level. Surgical spinal cord decompression and posterior arthrodesis was performed. After three hours of surgery, cardiorespiratory arrest occur while patient was in prone position. Unestable spine and fixed head made turning the patient into supine position very difficult, consequently prone CPR manoeuvres were started with recovery of spontaneous circulation. In case of cardiorespiratory arrest in prone position, the intense fixation and the extent of the surgical incision make the change to supine a time-consuming and technically complex procedure. If cardiorespiratory arrest occurs in the prone position, CPR in the prone position might be reasonable.

La posición de decúbito prono es necesaria para la realización de algunos procedimientos neuroquirúrgicos y traumatológicos. La reanimación cardiopulmonar (RCP) en prono fue descrita por primera vez por McNeil en 1989, desde entonces se han publicado varios casos de RCP en prono con buen resultado. Presentamos el caso de una paciente de 72 años con antecedentes de carcinoma de mama estadio IV que presenta síndrome de compresión medular por fractura patológica a nivel de T10. Se decide realizar descompresión medular y artrodesis por vía posterior. A las 3 horas de la cirugía se produjo parada cardiorrespiratoria en prono. Dada la inestabilidad espinal y la fijación de la paciente, el cambio a supino era complejo por lo que se iniciaron maniobras de RCP en prono con posterior recuperación de circulación espontánea. En caso de parda cardiorrespiratoria en prono, la intensa fijación y la extensión de la incisión quirúrgica hace que el cambio a supino consuma tiempo y sea técnicamente complejo. Si la PCR ocurre en prono, está justificado iniciar las maniobras de RCP en esta posición.

Parada cardiorrespiratória na pandemia por coronavírus: revisão compreensiva da literatura / Cardiorespiratory arrest in a coronavirus pandemic: comprehensive literature review / Paro cardiorrespiratorio en una pandemia de coronavirus: revisión exhaustiva de la literatura

Objetivo: apresentar atualizações para a ressuscitação cardiopulmonar em pacientes suspeitos e confirmados com COVID-19. Método: revisão compreensiva da literatura, com síntese narrativa das evidências de diretrizes e recomendações da Organização Mundial de Saúde, Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, American Heart Association, Resuscitation Council UK, American College of Surgions Committee on Trauma e National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. Resultados: as principais atualizações trazem informações sobre especificidades das manobras de ressuscitação cardiopulmonar; preparação do ambiente, recursos humanos e materiais, reconhecimento da parada cardiorrespiratória e ações iniciais; estratégias de ventilação e acesso invasivo da via aérea; ajustes do ventilador mecânico e manobras de ressuscitação cardiopulmonar em pacientes pronados. Considerações finais: profissionais de saúde envolvidos no atendimento à parada cardiorrespiratória de pacientes suspeitos e/ou confirmados com COVID-19 podem encontrar inúmeros desafios, portanto devem seguir com rigor o protocolo estabelecido para maximizar a efetividade das manobras de ressuscitação e minimizar o risco de contágio pelo vírus e sua disseminação.

Objective: to present updates for cardiopulmonary resuscitation in suspected and confirmed patients with COVID-19. Method: comprehensive literature review with narrative synthesis of the evidence of guidelines and recommendations from World Health Organization, Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, American Heart Association, Resuscitation Council UK, American College of Surgions Committee on Trauma and National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. Results: the main updates bring information about the specifics of cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers; preparation of the environment and human and material resources, recognition of cardiorespiratory arrest and initial actions; ventilation and invasive airway access strategies; mechanical ventilator adjustments and cardiopulmonary resuscitation maneuvers in patients in the prone position. Final considerations: health professionals involved in the care of cardiorespiratory arrest of suspected and/or confirmed patients with COVID-19 can face numerous challenges, so they must strictly follow the protocol established to maximize the effectiveness of resuscitation maneuvers and minimize the risk of contagion by the virus and its spread.

Objetivo: apresentar actualizaciones para la reanimación cardiopulmonar en pacientes sospechos os y confirmados con COVID-19. Método: revisión exhaustiva de la literatura con síntesis narrativa de la evidencia de guías y recomendaciones de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, Associação de Medicina Intensiva Brasileira, American Heart Association, Resuscitation Council UK, American College of Surgions Committee on Trauma and National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians. Resultados: las principales actualizaciones aportan información sobre los detalles de las maniobras de reanimación cardiopulmonar; preparación del medio ambiente y recursos humanos y materiales, reconocimiento de paro cardiorrespiratorio y acciones iniciales; estrategias de ventilación y acceso invasivo a las vías aéreas; ajustes del ventilador mecánico y maniobras de reanimación cardiopulmonar en pacientes en decúbito prono. Consideraciones finales: los profesionales de la salud involucrados en la atención del paro cardiorrespiratorio de pacientes sospechosos y/o confirmados con COVID-19 pueden enfrentar numerosos desafíos, por lo que deben seguir estrictamente el protocolo establecido para maximizar la efectividad de las maniobras de reanimación y minimizar el riesgo de contagio por el virus y supropagación.

Parada cardíaca por origem aórtica anômala de uma artéria coronária: estarão os pacientes mais velhos realmente seguros? / Cardiac arrest due to an anomalous aortic origin of a coronary artery: are older patients really safe?

RESUMO Os autores relatam um raro caso de uso de Suporte Avançado de Vida no contexto de uma parada cardíaca ocorrida em razão de uma origem aórtica anômala da artéria coronária direita em um paciente de 49 anos de idade. O paciente foi admitido com dor torácica e dispneia, evoluindo rapidamente para taquicardia ventricular sem pulso e parada cardiopulmonar. Considerou-se um infarto agudo do miocárdio e, na ausência de um laboratório de hemodinâmica no hospital, realizou-se trombólise. Subsequentemente, uma angiografia coronária revelou ausência de lesões angiográficas nas artérias coronárias e origem anômala da artéria coronária direita do seio de Valsalva oposto. Uma angiografia coronária por tomografia computadorizada confirmou o achado e determinou um trajeto entre a artéria pulmonar e a aorta. O paciente foi submetido à cirurgia cardíaca com realização de ponte de mamária para a artéria coronária direita, sem qualquer novo episódio de arritmia.

ABSTRACT The authors report a rare case of successful Advanced Life Support in the context of cardiac arrest due to the presence of an anomalous aortic origin of the right coronary artery in a 49-year-old patient. The patient was admitted due to chest pain and dyspnea, with rapid evolution of pulseless ventricular tachycardia and cardiopulmonary arrest. Acute myocardial infarction was considered, and in the absence of a hemodynamic laboratory in the hospital, thrombolysis was performed. Subsequently, coronary angiography revealed no angiographic lesions in the coronary arteries and an anomalous right coronary artery originating from the opposite sinus of Valsalva. Coronary computed tomography angiography confirmed this finding and determined the course between the pulmonary artery and the aorta. The patient underwent cardiac surgery with a bypass graft to the right coronary artery, with no recurrent episodes of arrythmia.

Paro cardiorrespiratorio intraoperatorio en un paciente con síndrome de Brugada / Intraoperative cardiac arrest in a patient with Brugada síndrome

A 61-year-old female patient with history of hipertension is scheduled to undergo a minor ginecological procedure (endoscopic endometrial polipus resection) with general anesthesia. She received standard monitorization, induction with midazolam, propofol and fentanyl. Ventilated with laringeal mask. Anesthesia was maintained with sevoflurane, nitrous oxide and oxygen. During surgical procedure, the patient received atropine and ephedrine associated with two episodes of bradycardia without hemodinamic disturbances. The surgery ended without problems. During the weaking up process she presented characteristical waves of ventricular fibrillation, recuperating sinusal rhythm secondary to defibrillation with 360 J. There was no clear cause for cardiac arrest at that moment so patient was translated to the ICU for observation, monitoring and study. Postoperative EKG presented an ascending ST segment in V to V derivations without hemodynamic alterations associated. The possible diagnosis of Brugada's Syndrome was proposed. The patient received an implantable defibrillator. The mechanisms and anesthetic implications are discussed and reviewed.

Paciente de 61 años, hipertensa, fue sometida a un procedimiento endoscópico menor (histeroscopía) bajo anestesia general balanceada. Recibió monitorización estándar, inducción con midazolam, propofol y fentanilo. Se ventiló con máscara laríngea y la mantención anestésica fue con sevoflurano asociado a NO en O. En dos oportunidades recibió atropina y efedrina para el manejo de bradicardias sin compromiso hemodinámico. Se completó el procedimiento ginecológico sin complicaciones. Durante el despertar anestésico, presentó una fibrilación ventricular que cedió con desfibrilación. Se estabilizó y trasladó a UCI donde se estudió las posibles etiologías. Se obtiene ECG postoperatorio con elevación del segmento ST en derivaciones Va V sin alteraciones hemodinámicas asociadas, postulándose un síndrome de Brugada. Se le instaló desfibrilador implantable. Se revisa y discuten los diversos mecanismos e implicancias anestésicas asociadas.

Registro de paro cardiorrespiratorio perioperatorio en un hospital universitario en el período 2006-2017 / Registry of perioperative cardiac arrests in a clinical hospital in the period 2006-2017

Background: Perioperative cardiac arrest (PCA) is a rare but important event in the operating room. Aim: To describe PCA events at a Clinical Hospital in Santiago, Chile. Material and Methods: Registry of PCA that occurred in the operating room (OR) and during procedures not carried out in the OR between September 2006 and November 2017. Precipitating events, type of anesthesia and results of resuscitation maneuvers were described. Results: Eighty events (five outside of the OR) during 170,431 surgical procedures were recorded, resulting in an incidence of 4.4 events per 10,000 interventions. Hypotension/hypoperfusion was the most frequently found preexisting condition (42.5%). The main cause was the presence of preoperative complications (57.5%). Nineteen cases (23.8%) were attributable to anesthesia, with an incidence of 1.11 per 10,000 anesthetic procedures. Survival rate at hospital discharge was 52.5%. The figure for PCA caused by anesthesia was 84.2%. Conclusions: The incidence of PCA and its survival is similar to that reported abroad. In general, PCA has a better prognosis than other types of cardiac arrest, especially if it has an anesthetic cause.

Ressuscitação cardíaca pré-hospitalar. Do pré-hospitalar à sala de emergência: minutos que salvam uma vida - suporte básico / Prehospital cardiac ressuscitation. From prehospital to the emergency room: minutes that save a life - basic support

A incidência exata de parada cardiorrespiratória (PCR) mesmo em países com registros clínicos bem estruturados ainda é desconhecida, mas as estimativas variam de 180.000 a mais de 450.000 mortes anuais. A etiologia mais comum da PCR é a doença cardiovascular isquêmica que ocasiona no desenvolvimento de arritmias letais. A sobrevivência decorrente da PCR apresenta desfechos divergentes. No cenário extra-hospitalar, os estudos relataram taxas de sobrevida de 1% a 6%. Três revisões sistemáticas de alta hospitalar sobre a PCR extra-hospitalar mostraram 5% a 10% de sobrevida entre aqueles tratados através de serviços médicos de emergência e 15% quando o distúrbio do ritmo era a fibrilação ventricular (FV). O suporte básico de vida consiste em ressuscitação cardiopulmonar (RCP) e, quando disponível, desfibrilação com desfibrilador externo automático (DEA). As chaves para a sobrevivência após a PCR são reconhecimento e tratamento precoces, especificamente, início imediato de excelente RCP e desfibrilação precoce. O presente artigo discutirá os princípios do suporte básico de vida em adultos do pré-hospitalar à sala de emergência, conforme descritos nas Diretrizes de Ressuscitação Cardiopulmonar e Atendimento Cardiovascular de Emergência do ILCOR e AHA, atualizadas em novembro de 2017

The exact incidence of cardiorespiratory arrest (CRA) even in countries with well-structured clinical records is still unknown, but estimates range from 180,000 to over 450,000 annual deaths. The most common etiology of CRA is ischemic cardiovascular disease, resulting in the development of lethal arrhythmias. Survival of CRA shows divergent outcomes. In the out-of-hospital setting, studies have reported survival rates of 1% to 6%. Three systematic reviews of hospital discharge on extra-hospital CRA showed 5% to 10% survival between those treated by emergency medical services and 15% when the rhythm disorder was ventricular fibrillation (VF). Basic life support consists of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and, when available, defibrillation with an automatic external defibrillator (AED). The keys to survival of CRA are early recognition and treatment, specifically, immediate onset of excellent CPR and early defibrillation. This article will discuss the basics of adult life support from prehospital to emergency room, as outlined in the ILCOR and AHA Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, updated in November 2017

Respiratory distress of unknown etiology in a transplant recipient: think toxoplasmosis!

Disseminated toxoplasmosis is a life-threatening disease in immunocompromised individuals. Infection is contracted from handling contaminated soil, cat litter, or through the consumption of contaminated water or food. It is the third most common lethal foodborne infection in the United States. In transplant patients, most cases occur as a result of reactivation of a latent infection resulting from immunosuppression. We present a case of disseminated toxoplasmosis diagnosed at the time of autopsy. This case emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of clinical suspicion and active disease surveillance in this era of sophisticated diagnostic testing.

Bloqueo auriculoventricular completo y asistolia en un niño con ataxia-telangiectasia / Complete heart block and asystole in a child with ataxia-telangiectasia

La ataxia-telangiectasia es una entidad caracterizada por un cuadro de ataxia cerebelosa progresiva, telangiectasias, defectos inmunológicos y una mayor tendencia al desarrollo de tumores malignos. La mutación genética responsable (ataxia-telangiectasia mutada) parece jugar un papel importante en la función celular normal y el remodelado cardiovascular. Se describe la aparición de una arritmia maligna en un paciente de 14 años con un diagnóstico de ataxia-telangiectasia, en remisión completa de linfoma no Hodgkin B de alto grado. Consultó en el Servicio de Urgencias Pediátricas por episodios de presíncope, y se observó, al ingresar, bloqueo auriculoventricular completo que evolucionó hacia asistolia, por lo que requirió la colocación de un marcapasos definitivo. Las dosis acumuladas de fármacos cardiotóxicos recibidos fueron de bajo riesgo. Sin embargo, es posible que esta enfermedad degenerativa crónica afecte con el tiempo al tejido de citoconducción. En la bibliografía revisada, no existen o se desconocen reportes previos de arritmias malignas en pacientes con ataxia-telangiectasia.

Ataxia-telangiectasia is a disorder characterized by cerebellar ataxia, telangiectasia, immunodeficiency, and increased predisposition to cancer susceptibility. Mutations in the ataxia telangiectasia mutated gene seem to play an important role in normal cell function and in cardiovascular remodeling. We report a case of a 14-year-old boy with ataxia-telangiectasia and high-grade B-non-Hodgkin lymphoma who remained in continuous complete remission after chemotherapy and who was admitted into our Emergency Room presenting with episodes of presyncope. At admission he presented a complete atrioventricular block that evolved into asystole and required placement of a pacemaker. Cumulative cardiotoxic drugs received were at low risk. However, it is possible that this chronic degenerative disease may affect the cardiac conduction system over time. In the reviewed literature there are no or unknown reports of ataxia-telangiectasia with malignant cardiac arrhythmias.

Cardiac arrest after epidural anesthesia for a esthetic plastic surgery: a case report / Parada cardíaca após peridural para cirurgia plástica estética: relato de caso

Abstract Cardiac arrest during neuraxial anesthesia is a serious adverse event, which may lead to significant neurological damage and death if not treated promptly. The associated mechanisms are neglected respiratory failure, extensive sympathetic block, local anaesthetic toxicity, total spinal block, in addition to the growing awareness of the vagal predominance as a predisposing factor. In the case reported, the patient was 25 years old, ASA I, scheduled for a esthetic lipoplasty. After sedation with midazolam and fentany, epidural anesthesia in interspaces T12-L1 and T2-T3 and catheter insertion into inferior puncture were performed. The patient remained in the supine position for 10 min. Then, she was placed in the prone position, developing asystolic cardiac arrest 20 min after the completion of neuraxial blockade. The medical team immediately placed the patient in the supine position and began cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Spontaneous circulation was achieved after twenty minutes of resuscitation. We discuss in this report the exacerbated vagal response as the main event mechanism. The patient's successful outcome emphasizes the importance of anaesthetic monitoring by anesthesiologists, prompt recognition and treatment of rhythm changes on the electrocardiogram.

Resumo A parada cardíaca durante anestesia neuroaxial é um evento adverso grave, que pode ocasionar sequelas neurológicas importantes e morte se não tratada em tempo hábil. Os mecanismos associados são insuficiência respiratória negligenciada, bloqueio simpático extenso, toxicidade por anestésicos locais, raquianestesia total, além da crescente consciência da predominância vagal como fator predisponente. No caso reportado, a paciente tinha 25 anos e estado físico ASA I e foi programada para lipoplastia estética. Após sedação com midazolam e fentanil, foi feita anestesia peridural nos interespaços T12-L1 e T2-T3 e inserção de cateter na punção inferior. A paciente foi mantida em decúbito dorsal horizontal durante 10 minutos. Em seguida, foi posicionada em decúbito ventral, evoluiu com parada cardíaca em assistolia 20 minutos após o bloqueio do neuroeixo. A equipe médica imediatamente colocou a paciente em decúbito dorsal e iniciou as manobras de ressuscitação cardiorrespiratória. O retorno da circulação espontânea foi obtido após 20 minutos de reanimação. É discutida neste relato a resposta vagal exacerbada como principal mecanismo causal do evento. O sucesso do desfecho da paciente em questão ressalta a importância da vigilância do anestesiologista, e do pronto reconhecimento e tratamento de mudanças de ritmo no eletrocardiograma.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an average brazilian intensive care unit: should we perform less or better?

Abstract Introduction: Few data can be found about cardiac arrest in the intensive care unit outside reference centers in third world countries. Objective: To study epidemiology and prognostic factors associated with cardiac arrest in the intensive care unit (ICU) in an average Brazilian center. Methods: Between June 2011 and July 2014, 302 cases of cardiac arrest in the intensive care unit were prospectively evaluated in 273 patients (age: 68.9 ± 15 years) admitted in three mixed units. Data regarding cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation were collected in an "Utstein style" form and epidemiologic data was prospectively obtained. Factors associated with do not resuscitate orders, return of spontaneous circulation and survival were studied using binary logistic regression. Statistical package software used was SPSS 19.0 (IBM Inc., USA). Results: Among 302 cardiac arrests, 230 (76.3%) had their initial rhythm recorded and 141 (61.3%) was in asystole, 62 (27%) in pulseless electric activity (PEA) and 27 had a shockable rhythm (11.7%). In 109 (36.1%) cases, cardiac arrest had a suspected reversible cause. Most frequent suspected cardiac arrest causes were hypotension (n=98; 32.5%), multiple (19.2%) and hypoxemia (17.5%). Sixty (19.9%) cardiac arrests had do not resuscitate orders. Prior left ventricle dysfunction was the only predictor of do not resuscitate order (OR: 3.1 [CI=1.03-9.4]; P=0.04). Among patients that received cardiopulmonary resuscitation, 59 (24.4%) achieved return of spontaneous circulation and 12 survived to discharge (5.6%). Initial shockable rhythm was the only return of spontaneous circulation predictor (OR: 24.9 (2.4-257); P=0.007) and survival (OR: 4.6 (1.4-15); P=0.01). Conclusion: Cardiopulmonary resuscitation rate was high considering ICU patients, so was mortality. Prior left ventricular dysfunction was a predictor of do not resuscitate order. Initial shockable rhythm was a predictor of return of spontaneous circulation and survival.

Paradoxo dos fatores de risco na ocorrência de parada cardiorrespiratória em pacientes com síndrome coronária aguda / Risk factor paradox in the occurrence of cardiac arrest in acute coronary syndrome patients

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar pacientes admitidos com síndrome coronariana aguda sem prévia identificação de fatores de risco cardiovascular com pacientes que portavam um ou mais fatores de risco. Métodos: Análise retrospectiva dos pacientes admitidos com o primeiro episódio de síndrome coronariana aguda sem cardiopatia prévia, incluídos em um registro nacional de síndrome coronariana aguda. Os pacientes foram divididos segundo o número de fatores de risco: nenhum fator de risco (G0), um ou dois fatores de risco (G1 - 2) e três ou mais fatores de risco (G ≥ 3). Realizou-se uma análise comparativa entre os três grupos e se estudaram os preditores independentes de parada cardíaca e óbito. Resultados: O total apurado foi de 5.518 pacientes, 72,2% deles do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 64 ± 14 anos. O G0 teve uma incidência maior de infarto do miocárdio com elevação do segmento ST, sendo o vaso mais frequentemente envolvido a artéria descendente anterior esquerda, e menor prevalência de envolvimento de múltiplos vasos. Embora o G0 tivesse uma classe Killip mais baixa (96% Killip I; p < 0,001) e maior fração de ejeção (G0: 56 ± 10% versus G1 - 2 e G ≥ 3: 53 ± 12%; p = 0,024) na admissão, houve incidência significantemente maior de parada cardíaca. A análise multivariada identificou ausência de fatores de risco como um fator independente para parada cardíaca (OR 2,78; p = 0,019). A mortalidade hospitalar foi ligeiramente maior no G0, embora sem significância estatística. Segundo a análise de regressão de Cox, o número de fatores de risco não se associou com mortalidade. Os preditores de óbito em 1 ano de seguimento foram infarto do miocárdio com elevação do segmento ST (OR 1,05; p < 0,001) e fração de ejeção inferior a 50% (OR 2,34; p < 0,001). Conclusão: Embora o grupo sem fatores de risco fosse composto de pacientes mais jovens e com menos comorbidades, melhor função ventricular esquerda e coronariopatia menos extensa, a ausência de fatores de risco foi um preditor independente de parada cardíaca.

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare patients without previously diagnosed cardiovascular risk factors) and patients with one or more risk factors admitted with acute coronary syndrome. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of patients admitted with first episode of acute coronary syndrome without previous heart disease, who were included in a national acute coronary syndrome registry. The patients were divided according to the number of risk factors, as follows: 0 risk factor (G0), 1 or 2 risk factors (G1 - 2) and 3 or more risk factors (G ≥ 3). Comparative analysis was performed between the three groups, and independent predictors of cardiac arrest and death were studied. Results: A total of 5,518 patients were studied, of which 72.2% were male and the mean age was 64 ± 14 years. G0 had a greater incidence of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, with the left anterior descending artery being the most frequently involved vessel, and a lower prevalence of multivessel disease. Even though G0 had a lower Killip class (96% in Killip I; p < 0.001) and higher ejection fraction (G0 56 ± 10% versus G1 - 2 and G ≥ 3 53 ± 12%; p = 0.024) on admission, there was a significant higher incidence of cardiac arrest. Multivariate analysis identified the absence of risk factors as an independent predictor of cardiac arrest (OR 2.78; p = 0.019). Hospital mortality was slightly higher in G0, although this difference was not significant. By Cox regression analysis, the number of risk factors was found not to be associated with mortality. Predictors of death at 1 year follow up included age (OR 1.05; p < 0.001), ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (OR 1.94; p = 0.003) and ejection fraction < 50% (OR 2.34; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Even though the group without risk factors was composed of younger patients with fewer comorbidities, better left ventricular function and less extensive coronary disease, the absence of risk factors was an independent predictor of cardiac arrest.

Endocardite aórtica e tricúspide em pacientes de hemodiálise com embolia sistêmica e pulmonar / Aortic and tricuspid endocarditis in hemodialysis patient with systemic and pulmonary embolism

RESUMO Este artigo relata o caso de um homem caucasiano de 43 anos de idade com nefropatia terminal em tratamento com hemodiálise e apresentando endocardite infecciosa das válvulas aórtica e tricúspide. O quadro clínico foi dominado pelo comprometimento neurológico, devido à embolia cerebral e a componentes hemorrágicos. Uma tomografia computadorizada tóraco-abdominal revelou um êmbolo séptico pulmonar. O paciente foi submetido à antibioticoterapia empírica utilizando ceftriaxona, gentamicina e vancomicina, sendo o tratamento modificado para flucloxacilina e gentamicina após o isolamento de S. aureus nas hemoculturas. A equipe multidisciplinar determinou que o paciente deveria ser submetido à substituição de válvulas após estabilização da hemorragia intracraniana; contudo, no oitavo dia após a hospitalização, o paciente entrou em parada cardíaca causada por embolia séptica pulmonar maciça, vindo a falecer. Apesar do risco de agravamento da lesão hemorrágica cerebral, em pacientes de alto risco deveria ser considerado realizar precocemente uma intervenção cirúrgica.

ABSTRACT This is a case report of a 43-year-old Caucasian male with end-stage renal disease being treated with hemodialysis and infective endocarditis in the aortic and tricuspid valves. The clinical presentation was dominated by neurologic impairment with cerebral embolism and hemorrhagic components. A thoracoabdominal computerized tomography scan revealed septic pulmonary embolus. The patient underwent empirical antibiotherapy with ceftriaxone, gentamicin and vancomycin, and the therapy was changed to flucloxacilin and gentamicin after the isolation of S. aureus in blood cultures. The multidisciplinary team determined that the patient should undergo valve replacement after the stabilization of the intracranial hemorrhage; however, on the 8th day of hospitalization, the patient entered cardiac arrest due to a massive septic pulmonary embolism and died. Despite the risk of aggravation of the hemorrhagic cerebral lesion, early surgical intervention should be considered in high-risk patients.

Paro cardiorespiratorio secundario a hematoma coronario intramural en arteria descendente anterior / Cardiac arrest associated to intramural hematoma of the anterior descending coronary artery

Background: A 43 year old woman presented with chest pain followed by cardiac arrest recovered after defibrillation. Coronary angiography revealed a narrowed anterior descending coronary artery but no intraluminal thrombi. Optic coherence tomography showed intramural hematoma and the patient was treated medically with aspirin, clopidogrel and atorvastatin. Two weeks later the pain recurred and coronary angiography revealed similar findings. After medical treatment with heparin followed by aspirin and clopidogrel she has remained stable.