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Is there a role for adrenaline during cardiopulmonary resuscitation?
Jerry P Nolan1, Gavin D Perkins
1Royal United Hospital, Bath, UK. jerry.nolan@nhs.net
Purpose Of Review:
To critically evaluate the recent data on the influence adrenaline has on outcome from cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
Recent Findings:
Two prospective controlled trials in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) have indicated that adrenaline increases the rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), but neither was sufficiently powered to determine the long-term outcomes. Several observational studies document higher ROSC rates in patients receiving adrenaline after OHCA, but these also document an association between receiving adrenaline and worse long-term outcomes.
Summary:
Appropriately powered prospective, placebo-controlled trials of adrenaline in cardiac arrest are essential if the role of this drug is to be defined reliably.
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