Impact of a COVID-19 code blue protocol on resuscitation care and CPR quality during in-hospital cardiac arrest.

OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the impact of a COVID-19 Code Blue policy on in-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) processes of care, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) quality metrics, and survival to hospital discharge. METHODS: We completed a health record review of consecutive IHCA for which resuscitation was attempted. We report Utstein outcomes and CPR quality metrics 33 months before (July,2017-March,2020) and after (April,2020-December,2022) the implementation of a COVID-19 Code Blue policy requiring all team members to don personal protective equipment including gown, gloves, mask, and eye protection for all IHCA. RESULTS: There were 800 IHCA with the following characteristics (Before n = 396; After n = 404): mean age 66, 62.9% male, 81.3% witnessed, 31.3% in the emergency department, 25.6% cardiac cause, and initial shockable rhythm in 16.7%. Among all 404 patients screened for COVID-19, 25 of 288 available test results before IHCA occurred were positive. Comparing the before and after periods: there were relevant time delays (min:sec) in start of chest compressions (0:17vs.0:37;p = 0.005), team arrival (0:43vs.1:21;p = 0.002), 1st rhythm analysis (1:15vs.3:16;p < 0.0001), 1st epinephrine (3:44vs.4:34;p = 0.02), and airway insertion (8:38vs. 10:18;p = 0.02). Resuscitation duration was similar (18:28vs.19:35;p = 0.34). Exception of peri-shock pause which appeared longer (0:06vs.0:14;p = 0.07), chest compression fraction, rate and depth were identical and good. Factors independently associated with survival were age (adjOR 0.98;p < 0.001), male sex (adjOR 1.51;p = 0.048), witnessed (adjOR 2.35;p = 0.02), shockable rhythm (adjOR 3.31;p < 0.0001), hospital location (p = 0.0002), and COVID-19 period (adjOR 0.68;p = 0.052). CONCLUSIONS: The COVID-19 Code Blue policy was associated with delayed processes of care but similarly good CPR quality. The COVID-19 period appeared associated with decreased survival.

Noninvasive Oxygenation Strategies in Adult Patients With Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Several recently published randomized controlled trials have evaluated various noninvasive oxygenation strategies for the treatment of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. RESEARCH QUESTION: Which available noninvasive oxygen strategies are effective for acute hypoxic respiratory failure? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A systematic review of Medline, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, CINAHL, Web of Science, MedRxiv, and Research Square was conducted from inception to October 1, 2022. A random effects frequentist network meta-analysis was performed, and the results are presented using absolute risk difference per 1,000 patients. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework was used to rate the certainty of the evidence. Mortality, invasive mechanical ventilation, duration of hospitalization and ICU stay, ventilator-free days, and level of comfort are reported. RESULTS: Thirty-six trials (7,046 patients) were included. It was found that helmet CPAP probably reduces mortality compared with standard oxygen therapy (SOT) (231 fewer deaths per 1,000; 95% CI, 126-273 fewer) (moderate certainty). A high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) probably reduces the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (103.5 fewer events per 1,000; 95% CI, 40.5-157.5 fewer) (moderate certainty). All noninvasive oxygenation strategies may reduce the duration of hospitalization as compared with SOT (low certainty). Helmet bilevel ventilation (4.84 days fewer; 95% CI, 2.33-7.36 days fewer) and helmet CPAP (1.74 days fewer; 95% CI, 4.49 fewer-1.01 more) may reduce the duration of ICU stay as compared with SOT (both low certainty). SOT may be more comfortable than face mask noninvasive ventilation and no different in comfort compared with an HFNC (both low certainty). INTERPRETATION: A helmet interface for noninvasive ventilation probably reduces mortality and the risk of mechanical ventilation, as well as the duration of hospital and ICU stay. An HFNC probably reduces the risk of invasive mechanical ventilation and may be as comfortable as SOT. Further research is necessary to understand the role of these interfaces in acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.