The Carilion Clinic and Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, in conjunction with
Roanoke Fire-EMS, Botetourt County Department of Fire & EMS and Salem Fire-EMS, are studying
the outcomes of patients experiencing Pulseless Electrical Activity (PEA). PEA refers to a
type of cardiac arrest in which there is normal electrical activity in the heart however the
heart still fails to contract to generate a pulse. Without heart contractions, which normally
generates a pulse, the brain and other important organs fail to receive blood and oxygen.
Unfortunately, the majority (97.3%) of patients that experience this rhythm do not survive
and most don't even make it to the hospital. This study is trying to determine if the
administration of a High Calcium, Low Sodium (HCLS) fluid in pre-hospital care will improve
the chances of survival.
Generally, a sodium (salt) solution is provided to patients experiencing cardiac arrest.
Studies have shown that lower sodium and higher calcium content may activate certain parts of
the heart cells required to generate a pulse under PEA conditions.
This study is a double-blind, prospective, clinical trial. PEA patients will randomly receive
either routine fluid therapy (salt solution) or a HCLS solution. While HCLS solution is not
the standard fluid used by EMS providers responding to PEA, it is composed of FDA approved
components and is occasionally used by EMS providers at their discretion in treating PEA. It
is predicted that HCLS will either improve PEA survival or deliver similar outcomes as
routine treatment. All patients will receive standard, high quality cardiac arrest and
post-cardiac arrest care regardless of assigned treatment group.
Phase:
Phase 2/Phase 3
Details
Lead Sponsor:
Carol Bernier
Collaborator:
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University