General Critical Care, Temperature Control, and End-of-Life Decision Making in Patients Resuscitated from Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest affects millions of people per year worldwide. Although advances in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and intensive care have improved outcomes over time, neurologic impairment and multiple organ dysfunction continue to be associated with a high mortality rate. The pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying the post-resuscitation disease are complex, and a coordinated, evidence-based approach to post-resuscitation care has significant potential to improve survival. Critical care management of patients resuscitated from cardiac arrest focuses on the identification and treatment of the underlying cause(s), hemodynamic and respiratory support, organ protection, and active temperature control. This review provides a state-of-the-art appraisal of critical care management of the post-cardiac arrest patient.

Automated summary

Cardiac arrest affects millions annually and is associated with high mortality rates. The complex pathophysiologic mechanisms of post-resuscitation disease highlight the need for a coordinated and evidence-based approach to post-resuscitation care. Critical care management after cardiac arrest includes treatment of underlying causes, hemodynamic and respiratory support, organ protection, and temperature control. This review offers an appraisal of the state-of-the-art critical care management for post-cardiac arrest patients.