Return of spontaneous circulation after cardiac arrest results in a systemic inflammatory state called the post-cardiac arrest syndrome (PCAS), characterised by oxidative stress, coagulopathy, neuronal injury, and organ dysfunction. Further, patients who suffer cardiac arrest are at high risk for pulmonary infection. Meticulous attention to mechanical ventilation, early assessment and optimisation of respiratory gas exchange, and therapies targeted at potential pulmonary complications may improve outcome after cardiac arrest, says an article in press in the journal CHEST.

Read More