Anti-arrhythmic and vasopressor medications for the treatment of ventricular fibrillation in severe hypothermia: a systematic review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the rate of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in animal models performing resuscitation from induced ventricular fibrillation (VF) in severe hypothermia (<30 degrees C).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A medical literature database search from 1966 to present was performed identifying placebo controlled trials using anti-arrhythmic or vasopressor medications to treat ventricular fibrillation in the setting of severe hypothermia.

RESULTS

7 controlled studies were identified (n=117) testing 6 combinations of resuscitative medications. ROSC rates for treatment versus control groups were as follows: amiodarone (6% vs. 18%, p=0.6, n=34), bretylium (35% vs. 35%, p=1.0, n=40), intermediate- and high-dose epinephrine (adrenaline) (36% vs. 27%, p=1.0, n=22), vasopressin (60% vs. 0%, p<0.0001, n=39), vasopressin and amiodarone (0% vs. 0%, p=NS, n=11), low-dose epinephrine and amiodarone (91% vs. 30%, p=0.0075, n=21). Cumulatively, among all studies administering vasopressors, the rate of ROSC was 62% in treatment groups contrasted to 17% in control groups (p<0.0001, n=77).

CONCLUSIONS

In controlled animal models of severe hypothermia, ROSC rates for induced ventricular fibrillation are higher with utilization of vasopressor medications. Current guidelines which recommend withholding these medications in the setting of hypothermic cardiac arrest should be re-evaluated.