Updates on Post-Resuscitation Care. After the Return of Spontaneous Circulation beyond the 2021 Guidelines

Abstract

Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. The goal of resuscitation is often meant as the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). However, ROSC is only one of the steps towards survival. The post-ROSC phase is still a challenging one during which the risk of death is all but averted. Morbidity and mortality are exceedingly high due to cardiovascular and neurologic issues; for this reason, post ROSC care relies on international guidelines, the latest being published on April 2021. Since then, several studies have become available covering a variety of topics of crucial importance for post-resuscitation care such as the interpretation of the post-ROSC ECG, the timing of coronary angiography, the role of complete myocardial revascularization and targeted temperature management. This narrative review focuses on these new evidences, in order to further improve clinical practice, and on the need for a multidisciplinary and integrated system of care.

Keywords

• cardiac arrest
• rosc
• post-rosc care
• resuscitation