A clinical and EEG scoring system that predicts early cortical response (N20) to somatosensory evoked potentials and outcome after cardiac arrest
2008

Scoring System to Predict Outcomes After Cardiac Arrest

Sample size: 66 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Daubin Cédric, Guillotin Damien, Etard Olivier, Gaillard Cathy, du Cheyron Damien, Ramakers Michel, Bouchet Bruno, Parienti Jean-Jacques, Charbonneau Pierre

Primary Institution: Caen University Hospital

Hypothesis

Can a clinical and EEG scoring system predict early cortical response and outcomes in comatose patients after cardiac arrest?

Conclusion

A scoring system based on clinical and EEG findings can effectively predict the absence of early cortical response to SSEPs in comatose patients after cardiac arrest.

Supporting Evidence

  • The scoring system had a positive predictive value of 100% for predicting unfavorable SSEP results.
  • A score >40 points had a sensitivity of 85% and specificity of 84% for predicting unfavorable SSEP results.
  • At day three, a score >69 points had a positive predictive value of 100% for predicting death or vegetative state.

Takeaway

Doctors created a score using simple tests to help decide if patients who are unconscious after a heart problem will get better or not.

Methodology

Retrospective cohort study reviewing records of patients who suffered cardiac arrest and were admitted to the ICU.

Potential Biases

Potential for self-fulfilling prophecies regarding patient outcomes due to early withdrawal of treatment.

Limitations

The study is retrospective and conducted at a single center with a relatively small sample size.

Participant Demographics

{"age_mean":57.2,"age_sd":12.8,"sex_ratio_male":77}

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.04

Confidence Interval

95% CI = 0.1–1

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2261-8-35

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