Shockable Rhythms Are Associated with Better Neurological Outcomes

Mild therapeutic hypothermia is a recommended option for comatose survivors of cardiac arrest, regardless of presenting rhythm. University of Michigan researchers reviewed charts from 123 consecutive adults with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest treated with therapeutic hypothermia over a 6-year period to compare neurologic outcomes between those with shockable and nonshockable initial rhythms.

More patients with shockable than nonshockable rhythms had favorable neurological outcomes (Cerebral Performance Category 1 or 2) at hospital discharge (42% vs. 5%) and at follow-up (range, 6 to 12 months; 48% vs. 7%).