Pericardiocentesis, Chest Tube Insertion, and Needle Thoracostomy During Resuscitation of Nontraumatic Adult In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Importance: In-hospital cardiac arrest (IHCA) is a significant public health burden. Rates of return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) have been improving, but the best way to care for patients after the initial resuscitation remains poorly understood, and improvements in survival to discharge are stagnant. Existing North American cardiac arrest databases lack comprehensive data on the postresuscitation period, and we do not know current post-IHCA practice patterns. To address this gap, we developed the Discover IHCA study, which will thoroughly evaluate current post-IHCA care practices across a diverse cohort.

Objectives: Our study collects granular data on post-IHCA treatment practices, focusing on temperature control and prognostication, with the objective of describing variation in current post-IHCA practices.

Design, setting, and participants: This is a multicenter, prospectively collected, observational cohort study of patients who have suffered IHCA and have been successfully resuscitated (achieved ROSC). There are 24 enrolling hospital systems (23 in the United States) with 69 individuals enrolling in hospitals (39 in the United States). We developed a standardized data dictionary, and data collection began in October 2023, with a projected 1000 total enrollments. Discover IHCA is endorsed by the Society of Critical Care Medicine.

Main outcomes and measures: The study collects data on patient characteristics, including prearrest frailty, arrest characteristics, and detailed information on postarrest practices and outcomes. Data collection on post-IHCA practice was structured around current American Heart Association and European Resuscitation Council guidelines. Among other data elements, the study captures postarrest temperature control interventions and postarrest prognostication methods.

Results: The majority of participating hospital systems are large, academic, tertiary care centers serving urban populations. The analysis will evaluate variations in practice and their association with mortality and neurologic function.

Conclusions and relevance: We expect this study, Discover IHCA, to identify variability in practice and outcomes following IHCA and be a vital resource for future investigations into best practices for managing patients after IHCA.