Hemodynamic Targets after Cardiac Arrest

Based on hemodynamic goals for sepsis, current cardiac arrest guidelines recommend a target mean arterial pressure (MAP) >65 mm Hg and mixed venous oxygen saturation (SvO₂) >70%, despite concerns that cerebral autoregulation may differ between sepsis and cardiac arrest. To determine the MAP and SvO₂ values associated with lower mortality and improved cerebral perfusion (measured by near infrared spectroscopy), researchers analyzed hemodynamic data measured continuously during the first 24 hours of resuscitation in 82 post-cardiac arrest patients in Belgium. Clinical management was defined by a protocol that included therapeutic hypothermia.

MAP values ranged from 45 to 110 mm Hg and SvO₂ values ranged from 40% to 90%. Survival was 52%; all s…