Prognostic Considerations in Post-Cardiac Arrest Syndrome

INVITED REVIEW

J Neurocrit Care 2010;3(Suppl 2): 61-66.

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고 임 석

국립중앙의료원 신경과학교실

Prognostic Considerations in Post-Cardiac Arrest Syndrome

Im Seok Koh, MD

Department of Neurology, National Medical Center, Seoul, Korea

ABSTRACT

The pathology caused by complete ischemia and reperfusion after cardiac arrest called a new term: “post-cardiac arrest syndrome”. Postcardiac arrest syndrome has relatively poor outcome, therefore accurate assessment of current condition and prognostication is important. Many studies have attempted to identify comatose post-cardiac arrest patients who have no prospects of good neurologic recovery. There are some prognostic indicators including end-tidal CO2, clinical examination, electrophysiologic studies, biochemical markers and imaging studies. It is now clear that use of therapeutic hypothermia can improve survival of patients who achieve “return of spontaneous circulation” after cardiac arrest.

Key Words: Post-cardiac arrest syndrome · Prognostication