Clinical Research Directory

Impact of Low Dose Epinephrine in the Management of Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest on Neurological Outcome

This study will test whether a lower dose of epinephrine (0.5 mg) given during emergency treatment for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest helps more patients survive with good brain function, compared to the standard dose (1 mg). Adults who experience cardiac arrest outside the hospital and are treated by emergency medical teams will be randomly assigned to receive either the low dose or the standard dose of epinephrine. The study will compare survival and neurological outcomes between the two groups over 28 days.

Measurement of Airway Opening Index During Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest: The Lazarus AOI Trial.

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a leading cause of death worldwide. Despite constantly improving resuscitation techniques, the chances of survival remain limited. During cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), a closure of the airway may occur, impeding ventilation. This phenomenon also complicates the interpretation of the end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2) in the capnogram. The extent to which airway closure occurs is quantified by the Airway Opening Index (AOI). This can be calculated from the capnogram and is seen as a measure of the quality of CPR applied as well as a possible indicator to predict the outcome of CPR. In this study, we analyse capnogram data from approximately 150 cases, collected during interventions for OHCA and logged in the Lazarus database (UZ Gent and AZORG) to answer three research questions below: 1. What is the prevalence of AOI during CPR? 2. Is there a correlation between AOI and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC)? 3. Does the application of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) affect the AOI and ROSC? A mathematical model for calculating AOI, based on a method from previous work by Bandhari et al. \[1\] will be developed. Using this model, the AOI will be calculated from the individual capnograms for all cases in the Lazarus database. In addition, a multivariable regression model will be used to analyse whether AOI can be used to predict ROSC. Corrections will be made for relevant confounders such as age, gender, witnessed arrest and rhythm pattern. Finally, it is investigated whether PEEP has a positive influence on AOI. This study aims to contribute to better insights into airway dynamics during CPR and the optimization of ventilation in OHCA.

The AIR-CPR Study: AI-Guided Chest Compressions

The AIR-CPR project aims to improve survival rates for patients with Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) by utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize chest compression locations. Current guidelines recommend a standardized compression point (the lower half of the sternum), yet recent research indicates that this position can compress the aortic valve in approximately 48.7% of patients, significantly reducing the chances of successful resuscitation. This study will develop a deep learning model based on YOLO v8 to analyze real-time arterial pressure waveforms to identify proper aortic valve opening and closing. By identifying specific waveform features that humans cannot easily distinguish, the AI will guide rescuers to adjust the compression site-typically toward the left ventricle-to ensure optimal blood output. The project seeks to transform CPR from a standardized "one-size-fits-all" approach into a personalized, precision medicine intervention.

The Application of Positive End-Expiratory Pressure in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: The Lazarus-PEEP Trial.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether using Positive End-Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) improves outcomes for adults who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, a condition where the heart suddenly stops beating. PEEP is used during ventilation, which may enhance oxygen levels by keeping the airways open throughout CPR. This study aims to determine if using PEEP during CPR helps restart the heart more effectively, improves survival rates, and enhances survival with good neurologic outcomes after a cardiac arrest compared to standard CPR without PEEP. Researchers will randomly assign participants to one of two groups: one receiving CPR with PEEP set at 5 cm of water pressure and the other receiving standard CPR without PEEP. Participants will be treated by emergency medical teams trained in advanced life support, and specialised sensors will measure airflow and airway pressure during resuscitation. Additionally, the study will evaluate potential side effects associated with PEEP, such as increased pressure within the chest or lung injuries. Findings from this trial will guide recommendations on the usage of PEEP in standard CPR practices to potentially improve patient outcomes.

Ventilation Performance and Feedback Simulation Trial

The study "Understanding the Effect of Feedback on Ventilation Performance of Rescuers in a Simulation Trial" will address treatments administered by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in simulated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The investigators propose a randomized controlled trial among EMS responders to compare quality of rescue breathing performance with and without real-time feedback, along with evaluating CPR strategies (providing rescue breathing during pauses interrupting chest compression vs rescue breathing during uninterrupted chest compressions). The goal of this trial is to learn if visual feedback improves the ability of rescuers to deliver a specified amount of air. The main questions the study aims to answer are: * Does real-time visual feedback improve ventilation performance and the ability of rescuers to provide a specified amount of air? * Will different CPR strategies change the effect of feedback on performance? Researchers will compare real-time feedback to no feedback (not showing the visual feedback) to see if real-time feedback works to improve performance. Rescuers will: * Deliver assisted ventilation breaths to a mannequin with and without feedback with two different CPR strategies in one session. * Fill out a survey about the experience level.

the Effectiveness of Continuous Compression-synchronous Ventilation (Bio-CPR)

Bio-CPR is an innovative new mechanical resuscitation model proposed by our research group. A multi-center RCT study was established to comprehensively evaluate the efficacy of this model and the current standard CPR protocol, verify its safety and efficacy, and provide high-quality clinical evidence support.

Resuscitation Enhancement to Avoid Rearrest Through Evidence-based Strategies in Prehospital Post-resuscitation Care

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) remains a leading global emergency condition with low survival to hospital discharge despite advances in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) rates have improved; however, 30-50% of patients experience rearrest after ROSC, which is associated with significantly reduced survival. Preventable physiologic factors related to prehospital care - including hypoxia, hypotension, and hyperventilation - are frequently identified prior to rearrest. Evidence-based post-ROSC clinical bundles exist mainly for in-hospital settings, while structured prehospital post-resuscitation care protocols are limited, particularly in resource-constrained environments. The RE-ARREST project aims to develop, implement, and evaluate an evidence-based prehospital post-resuscitation care protocol designed for paramedic-led Emergency Medical Services. The intervention includes structured monitoring, tailored oxygenation and ventilation targets, vasopressor use criteria (norepinephrine), fluid management decision support, teamwork communication, and operational training workshops using simulation. This is a quasi-experimental pre-post interventional study conducted at the Siriraj Emergency Medical Service (SiEMS), Thailand. The study compares outcomes from retrospective pre-implementation cases with prospective post-implementation cases, including both patient-centered outcomes and provider compliance. Adult OHCA patients with ROSC achieved prehospital and transported to Siriraj Hospital are eligible. The estimated sample size is 318 participants (pre-intervention 212; post-intervention 106) over two years. The primary outcome is the incidence of rearrest within 1 hour after ROSC during prehospital care and initial emergency department management. Secondary outcomes include protocol compliance, survival-to-admission, and survival-to-hospital-discharge. The protocol emphasizes feasibility, safety, and replicability to inform scalable EMS clinical practice guidelines. This research is expected to provide novel evidence on targeted prehospital post-ROSC care and has the potential to reduce rearrest, improve neurologically favorable survival, and strengthen EMS system quality improvement efforts in Thailand and other low-to-middle-resource settings.

Trial of Mobile External Defibrillator for Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest in Singapore.

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn the feasibility of equipping the volunteer community responders (VCR) with the mobile external automated defibrillators (mAEDs) for the management of adults experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. It will also provide early signals if this enhanced system can help increase the frequency of defibrillation and doing it earlier. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Can equipped VCRs apply mAEDs more frequently and earlier to potentially get more patients successfully resuscitated? * Is this system enhancement is feasible in the long run. Participants, the VCRs, will: * Carry a 450 gm mAED with them all the time for up to an year and use it on an OHCA patient if and when alerted to help. * They will hand over this single-use battery-operated device to the EMS crew for data retrieval and potential replacement * They will be interviewed for their experience of being equipped and use of the mAED.

Hypothermia Versus Normothermia After Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest

The SAVE-J NEUROTHERM trial is a cluster randomized trial that evaluated and compared the mortality risk, neurological outcomes, and adverse events between patients who underwent hypothermia and those who underwent normothermia after extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Emergency Total ECLS vs Standard ACLS With ECMO Bailout for Survival in Refractory OHCA

The goal of the clinical trial is to learn if early extracorporeal life support ( ECLS ) will save more out-of-hospital cardiac arrest ( OHCA ) patients with good neurological outcome. It will also learn if emergency ECLS is safe in the OHCA rescue. Researchers aim to investigate if emergency total ECLS is better than standard advanced cardiac life support ( ACLS ) first, followed by bailout ECMO if required, for survival with favorable neurological outcome in OHCA patients. Participants meeting criteria of OHCA with witness, bystander CPR, shockable initial rhythm with repeated defibrillation, and transport time less than 30 min will be compared between total ECLS versus standard ACLS first with bailout ECMO protocols. All participants will receive emergency interventional coronary revascularization , intensive care unit therapy , cardiac ward care and up to 180 days of clinical follow up after survival .

Cerebral Near Infrared Spectroscopy in Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest and Neurological Prognosis

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) prognosis remains poor : 7% of patients surviving without neurological impairment. 65% of patients dying after hospital admission were neurologically impaired. When treating a patient with CA, neurological outcome remains extremely difficult to predict, especially in the pre-hospital setting. Practitioners have very little objective information to help them with neuropronostication. Although an EtCO2 level of \< 10 mmHg is associated with a poor neurological prognosis, European recommendations point out that this data alone is not currently sufficient to predict a patient's prognosis or to make a decision to stop resuscitation. Current recommendations do not suggest any other objective parameter during resuscitation for neuropronostication of patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) is measured using the near infrared spectrometry (NIRS) technique. Cerebral NIRS (cNIRS) enables non-invasive measurement of changes in cerebral oximetry during the management of a cardiac arrest (CA). Various clinical studies conducted over the last ten years have demonstrated that there is a probable link between cNIRS levels during resuscitation and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), but a clear threshold value has not been defined. The aim of the NISOHCA study is to confirm that a 40% threshold of cNIRS in the pre-hospital setting for OHCA can specifically predict survival with good neurological outcome at D90 .

Mean Arterial Pressure After Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a public health problem for which overall survival is below 10%. Post-cardiac arrest syndrome is the principal cause of death in intensive care units (ICU), due to refractory shock or brain injuries secondary to anoxia. Brain anoxia is responsible for severe neurological sequelae that may be aggravated by cerebral hypoperfusion during the first few hours after the return of spontaneous circulation. Current recommendations are to ensure that arterial blood pressure is sufficient for the perfusion of organs, but no minimum threshold mean arterial pressure (MAP) has been defined. In practice, most teams target a MAP of at least 65 mmHg. Several observational studies have shown a correlation between MAP and neurological prognosis, patients with a higher initial MAP having a better outcome. Recent pilot studies have demonstrated the feasibility of increasing the target MAP after cardiac arrest, but conflicting results have been obtained concerning patient prognosis. These findings may be explained by changes to the autoregulation of the brain after cardiac arrest, with a shift of the curve towards the right, or its abolition. Cerebral blood flow is dependent on MAP, and a target MAP of 65 mmHg for these patients may result in insufficient brain perfusion. Conversely, a too high MAP might cause brain lesions due to vasogenic edema, hemorrhagic complications or excess perfusion in conditions of diminished brain metabolism. An interventional study is required to evaluate the effect of increasing MAP on neurofunctional outcome after cardiac arrest. Given the data available for brain autoregulation, the correlation between MAP and prognosis, and the risks theoretically associated with a higher MAP, investigator plans to compare a standard threshold of MAP (≥ 65 mmHg) with a high threshold of MAP (≥ 90 mmHg). Investigator hypothesizes that a high MAP within the first 24 hours after cardiac arrest will improve neurofunctional outcome.

Application of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Pre-hospital Cardiac Arrest Patients

The Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS), Transthoracic Echocardiography (TTE), and Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) in Cardiac Arrest and Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Studies have shown that POCUS can rapidly change the management in nearly 80% of cases in emergency settings, particularly in environments such as war zones and disaster relief. TTE is highly sensitive in diagnosing acute coronary syndromes and can effectively rule out myocardial infarction. In cardiac arrest patients, TTE assists in determining cardiac activity and identifying reversible causes, such as pericardial tamponade and pneumothorax. However, TTE can be affected by suboptimal image quality due to factors like chest compression in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients. In Taiwan's emergency medical system, EMT-Ps (paramedics) undergo approximately one year of training, which enables them to provide emergency care, including ultrasound examinations, before hospital arrival. Research on pre-hospital cardiac arrest has shown that most ultrasound applications can be completed within 3 minutes and do not significantly increase on-scene time. TEE, though advantageous for its high-quality imaging and ability to reduce interruptions during chest compressions, faces challenges in pre-hospital emergency applications due to specialized training and equipment requirements. However, a study in Vienna, Austria, demonstrated that TEE could be performed and yield high-quality images in most pre-hospital cases, with an average examination time of 5.1 minutes. Several hospitals in Taiwan have begun training personnel in TEE, emphasizing the importance of establishing TEE image registries for large-scale, effective research analysis. However, these efforts also face challenges related to resources and collaboration. The research team has over three years of experience using TEE in the emergency department to examine OHCA patients, and a three-year study will be conducted to validate the efficacy of pre-hospital TEE in cardiac arrest patients.

Ketamine Sedation As Neuroprotective Agent Following Out-of-hospital Cardiac Arrest

OHCA is a critical medical emergency with significant mortality and morbidity primarily due to hypoxic-ischemic brain injury (HIBI). Despite advances in resuscitation techniques, the neurological outcomes for survivors remain poor. Current post-resuscitation practices lack specific neuroprotective strategies. Ketamine, an N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has shown potential neuroprotective properties in preclinical and clinical studies due to its ability to inhibit excitotoxicity and reduce neuronal apoptosis. This trial hypothesizes that ketamine, when used for sedation in OHCA patients, may offer superior neuroprotective benefits compared to the commonly used sedative propofol. By comparing the effects of ketamine and propofol on neuronal damage markers and long-term neurological outcomes, this study aims to identify a potentially effective intervention to improve the prognosis of OHCA patients.