Cardiopulmonary resuscitation in obese patients

Abstract

Objective: an analysis of literature covering the effects of morbid obesity on various aspects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and its outcomes. Currently, there is no specific standard for CPR in morbidly obese patients (body mass index ≤ 30). Significant constitutional, anatomical, and physiological factors can lead to negative treatment outcomes in people with significant excess weight. The review presents study results evaluating the effectiveness of the essential components of CPR in obese patients. In particular, it discusses issues of indirect cardiac massage and defibrillation, airway management and ventilation, venous access, and pharmacokinetics of drugs used during CPR. It demonstrates that CPR in obese patients has its own characteristics not mentioned in official recommendations and guidelines.

Keywords

• cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• cardiac arrest
• cardiac massage
• defibrillation
• morbid obesity